Christmas Season Is Upon Us, Festival Of Trees, And Melanie's First Santa Visit!

This year I REALLY REALLY REALLY wanted to take family pictures during the Fall. We didn't get a chance to make it up to the mountains so we ended up just taking them at my parents' house in front of a wall. Hahaha! Although, the beautiful Autumn leaves would've made a gorgeous background for pictures, this works too.
Here is the picture we used for our Christmas cards. I LOVE how everyone is smiling!



This will be Melanie's first Christmas so Dallan and I have done all we can to make it special and memorable for us.

She loved decorating the Christmas tree and looking at all the pretty lights.

She had fun playing with the garlin.

Of course we had to get Squish all ready for the cold weather! I love her little Polar Bear beanie. It's just the cutest on her!

One of mine and Dallan's Christmas traditions is to go to the Festival of Trees. This year was MUCH better for me, because I wasn't 9 months pregnant. Last year, it was hard for me to walk in the crowds and I was just overall uncomfortable. This year was a million times better because Dallan got to carry Melanie around, not me! That kid is HEAVY!

A Coke display. That's my kinda winter wonderland.

This tree was very creative. They made a baseball tree out of bats.

A Finding Nemo display!

Ok, why in the world are snowmen being dressed warmly in coats and hats?
They are snowmen for crying out loud.

I have the sweetest husband in the world. For no reason at all, he brought me these beautiful flowers.
I love him so much!

This munchkin absolutely loves her baths. She has fun playing with the bubbles.

As part of Dallan's Christmas present, I surprised him with University of Utah football tickets. It was a fun date for us. I hoped he enjoyed it!
Good thing the Utes won!

Melanie's first encounter with snow was a success! She LOVED it!
Look at that huge smile!

The weather outside is definitely getting frightful! One day it's sunny and the next there is tons of snow.

On Sunday we had dinner with my parents. We always have a blast with them.
Melanie's Tata gave her some of his jello. I think she may have a new favorite food....

After dinner with my parents, we went on a drive to look for Christmas lights.

Melanie giving "Mr. Snowman" a kiss.

We took Squish to the mall to visit Santa for the first time. She was alright at first and then she wasn't too sure about the whole thing and started to cry. I think she was freaked out about all the lights and the camera people. She'll warm up to Santa soon enough.

I went to the mall the other day to finish up some Christmas shopping and Melanie was my sweet little lunch date.
I love her so much!

Only a few more weeks until Christmas!

I have to say, Melanie is the most precious gift that Dallan and I have ever received.