If you have been following our blog for the past 4 years you are aware of our annual tradition of cutting down our Christmas Tree. Weston talked about it for years while we were in school as he watched his favorite Christmas flick, Christmas Vacation. Therefore, every year since graduation we have been (as Chevy Chase says) "loading up our rear wheel sleigh to embrace the winter majesty to pick out the most endearing of Christmas Symbols."
Every year Weston has had a just a "wee" bit of trouble cutting down the tree. One year the tree farm gave us a "weak saw" last year he had "pulled" a muscle in his shoulder. Well, this year we made double sure we got a great saw and when it came down to cutting the tree the darn thing kept binding up again! Hmmmm. ;D I was feeling the pressure that my sons really needed to see the tree get cut down so I was forced to take matters into my own hands!
It was a little tougher than I thought BUT....
I prevailed!
I have to toot my horn just a little bit. Weston..... he laughed..... but I know he was secretly just as proud as I was. ;D
Since I cut down the tree, of course I made the boys haul in my kill.
Trying to get both boys to smile at the same time didn't work all that well. They were both completely distracted by the surroundings....
Warren trying to assist me in my request.
One out of about 50 pictures where Warren wasn't pulling a goofy face.
Ben explored EVERYthing. It's times like these when I seriously consider moving out to the country. It really is tempting!
All loaded up now its time to play!
Our failed Christmas card picture. For some reason Sam's couldn't get this picture to print clearly. Go figure.
It was very convenient the missionaries were coming over for dinner that night. I think Weston must have planned it!
The next day the boys spent most of the day working on our exterior illumination.
A first for Warren this year was his first viewing of Christmas Vacation. It was closely monitored and all "adult content" was skipped but he, as all the Hall men in the family, found much happiness in it. Having just got done helping dad with the lights that day he found it especially funny, belly laughing through the whole thing. This is a clip of the part when Clark is trying to rig up the lights and takes his frustrations out on santa and the reindeer. I have to admit, its pretty funny. I mean who doesn't occasionally snap and have at least one uncle eddie in their family? ;D
(If you are receiving this via email you will not be able to see the videos here. You will need to click on the blue Halls Rock link below which will take you to our blog and you can view them there.)
Each year families can dress up and have your picture taken in the Manger. In years previous, Weston has refused but this year momma made sure it happened since we had our very own baby Jesus. I am not sure where Joseph was when we took the picture. Weston wanted to be a King (go figure) and so little W followed suit.
A "King" and an "Angel". Warren with his friend Charlotte. Is that the proudest King you ever did see?
Warren's masterpiece....ok ok...so mom helped....a tinsy bit.
Another Christmas tradition is visiting the most impressive outdoor Christmas train display EVER. This family is amazing. Their entire yard is filled with trains of all sizes and decorations galore. The guy takes two weeks off work before Thanksgiving setting it all up and then sits outside from 6-9 pm with his family every night running the trains and giving kids rides, etc. For Warren this equals pure joy, being the train junkie that he is. 
Warren and his friend Ashira overlooking the beauty.
