Ready for Santa: The Inside

We're still ready for Santa at our house in Wisconsin.  We went "home" to Columbus for Christmas and just got back last night.  We won't do our gift exchange here until this coming weekend.  Wanted to share a few pictures of the inside of our house decorated for the holidays.

Two years ago, right before I moved to WI, we didn't have a Christmas tree.  Since we were packing everything up to move, it just didn't make sense to then drag out all the Christmas decorations.  Not having a Christmas tree sucked.  It was a rather depressing Christmas.  Apparently we have been making up for it the past 2 years.  Last year, we had 2 Christmas trees in our house.  This year, we have 3.  This is the primary tree in our living room.

This is a shot of the living room from the landing of the staircase.

This next one is looking up the staircase to the second floor.

This is a close-up the sofa table located in the entry way by the front door.  Last year, one of our neighbors stopped by to deliver cookies.  I don't think she ever took her eyes off the Santa.  I'm guessing she hasn't seen one like that before.  Who said Santa has to be white??  Not only is he cute, he has on a fabulous velvet outfit.

Here is a shot of the mantle....

This is our second Christmas tree, located in the kitchen.  It doesn't have a tree skirt around it, which admittedly looks kind of tacky.  The tree is nice, though, and I love having one in the kitchen.

Finally, we put up a small tinsel tree in our dining room.  It's so glow-y.  I love that.

We have thoroughly enjoyed our holiday decorations this year, both inside and out.  This time next week, they will be tucked away for another year.  Until then, though, we continue to eat, drink and be merry.

We're Ready For Santa: The Outside

For tonight, a few pictures of the outside of the house.  Scott does so good with the lights and all the exterior decorations.  Best on the block (or cul-de-sac in our case). 

A close up of the front porch area.  The little bit of snow on the ground really brings out the lights.

I sure do wish my friends from Columbus were closer by and could come over, have some holiday cheer, and see our holiday decorations.  We love it so much and wish we could share. 

First Snow

We are getting our first snow of the season here in southern Wisconsin.  They were calling for flurries, but we probably have a half inch on the ground and it's still coming down pretty good.

It's kind of late in the season for a first snow in these parts, which is fine by me.  I guess we'll see what the winter brings.  Without a doubt, this is the first of many snow falls.  Such is life in Wisconsin (which I have actually grown to love....mostly.)