A monkey. A squirrel. One happy family.

We were blessed with beautiful weather for this year's Christmas tree hunt at Starr Pines Christmas Tree Farm. We found a little beauty, just right for our small living room. While helping to secure it in the tree stand, Ella discovered a small bird's nest, which we decided was good luck. In the words of 6-year-old Annie, "We picked the correct tree!" Nest! To the trees! That-a-way, dad! Ella Annie Our lovely little tree. Happy holidays!

The new fancy doughnut place in town is offering "memory maker" events from time to time, and last weekend we signed up to make a gingerbread house at their store. Someone else makes the gingerbread and buttercream, provides buckets of candies, serves up hot cider, feeds us cookies, and does all of the clean-up? Yes, please. Merry, merry!

I somehow never thought to take a traditional family-round-the-table photo this Thanksgiving, but there is still much to be grateful for. Cousins at Grandma Ann and Grandpa Butch's house. Grandma Ann's famous pies. Constructing marshmallow shooters at Thanksgiving round II. Spencer wins uncle of the year award. XO, dear ones!