Christmas in North Dakota

Nate and I weren't planning on going back to North Dakota for Christmas this year, but my parents managed to convince us to come home :) So, we headed to the airport on the 18th, thinking we would fly standby on the red-eye flight, and arrive home about 8 hours earlier. Along the way to the airport, the weather got worse with rain and snow, a semi jack-knifed on the road, and Addison was not happy about being stuck in the car waiting for traffic to clear. After 45 minutes at a stand still, we were directed to another exit and made it to the airport without a second to spare just in time for the attendant to say all the flights were over booked. We decided to chance it anyway, and pay the standby charge. Luckily we did make it, and it was nice to arrive in ND much earlier in the day. It was nice to be home for the holidays!

Addison playing around a few days before we left.


She put these in all by herself. She kept saying, "pink, pink". I guess she was getting reading for her Nana. My mom always puts curlers in her hair.




She opened her presents from us the night before we left.




Addison loves to draw so we got her a Dora doodle-pro.




Here she is saying, "TRUCK!"


Helping Papa put candy canes on the Christmas tree


Watching TV with her cousin Avery


Having a snack with Avery


She always has kisses for her Papa.


She loves her Strawberry Shortcake doll.


"Man, this doll sure has big feet!"


One of her favorite gifts..her 4-wheeler!


Cousin Bailey got one, too!


Nathan was shocked that "Addison" bought us new Blackberry phones. He didn't have a clue he was getting one.


Cousins Bailey, Mason, and Avery waiting for their Santa presents. Addison wasn't cooperating.


Talk about a sugar rush!


Nate, me, Matt, mom, Addison, and dad


Addison spent most of Christmas Eve downstairs watching Backyardigans on the big screen TV at my parents house. We couldn't find her for quite awhile, but when we went downstairs she was sitting in the chair watching TV all by herself.


Getting kisses from Tyler


Waiting patiently for Santa to arrive


Santa was a little confused this year. He gave my dad Nate's favorite beer.


Santa brought Addison a baby stroller. She loves pushing her dollies around the house.




Opening her snow suit


Riding on the 4-wheeler!


"Cheese!"


Tired girl! Resting on Granny Arlis.


Another one of her favorite toys from Great Granny and Papa. Unfortunately, she won't be signing a record deal anytime soon!


Addison gave Granny Arlis a blanket with her picture on it.




It's Pablo!


ELMO!




Showing off in a silly Santa hat with great aunt, Dinah.


Coloring at her princess table.


"I think I would make a pretty good Santa. Don't you?"


Dinner at the Olive Garden before going to the airport.


Papa, Addison and Nana


Coloring with Papa

The Perfect Tree

We took Addison to the tree farm today to search for the perfect tree. Nathan got out of the car and imediately said that he spotted the perfect tree! I told him that we needed to keep looking, but he said that it would just be too difficult to walk all over with Addison and drag a tree all the way to the car. What he forgot to mention was that OU was playing, and he forgot to set the DVR to record the game. Too bad for him, we walked all over from one end of the farm to the other until we finally found our tree. Addison had a great time looking at the trees and picking up rocks. She is really talking! She even knows some of her colors. Pink is her favorite, of course! Here are a few pictures from our afternoon of tree hunting.

"Maybe it's one of these?"


"Wait, mom and dad! I think we'll find a great tree over here!"





"YEAH! I see it!"


While she was running, she was saying, "GO, GO, GO, Go!"


"I think this is it."


"Yep! Let's take this tree home!"


"That looks like it hurts. Daddy, what are you doing to our tree? "


This is another reason Nate wants a pickup.


She helped hang a few ornaments.








A couple of weeks ago, she tried to empty her toy box so she could climb inside.