All year long, if we're driving through a forest, I always like to identify the trees that would make great Christmas trees. It's so fun to head out into the woods to hunt down a tree. And of course, because lots of trees grow on hillsides it can be a little complicated to find one. We tried out a new location this year and I was very pleased with the scenery. We found a great tree (most were far too big). It looked like a reasonable size in the forest, but when we got it home, we could really appreciate how large it is. We probably cut it down/back by half, but it looks so good and holds the ornaments up better than other trees we've had. I'm very happy with it! We sure liked being out in the snow in the gorgeous mountains with family and good friends.

What a day! I love Thanksgiving. We started our day off with turkey pancakes (tradition) and the Turkey Trot at Manito Park. And then it was time to get the turkey on the grill and do a little bit of prep. Smoking the turkey has been a game changer for me, it frees up the oven and it tastes so good!

Having so many people I love and care about in my home and around me too-small table was so, so special. What a year we've had!

Happy Halloween!

This year we have a Bat, a Pumpkin, a Witch, a Vampire and the Queen of Hearts!

I'd say all in all, Halloween costumes came together well! Maeve wanted to be a witch - so easy. Ira wore Maeve's baby bat hat (Baby Maeve!!), and I made cardboard wings. We met Enoch where he is right now knowing that he probably wouldn't be interested in a costume and I bought pumpkin pajamas and a pumpkin hat (the hat he wore briefly and only for these photos). I found Greta and Holly's dresses at a thrift store. Holly created all the embellishments to her costume - so awesome!

Sugar rush, here we come!

Halloweens past....

2021 // 2020 // 2019 // 2018 // 2017 // 2016 // 2015 // 2014 // 2013 // 2012 // 2011 // 2010 // 2009

Here are some photos of carving pumpkins. Grandpa Tim came over to carve with us - he helped Maeve and together, they carved a pumpkin true to Maeve's original design. Enoch was into pumpkin carving, he thought removing the top was hilarious. And now he can quite confidently say, "pumpkin." I love the look of pumpkins cascading down the steps on our porch. This house is a good one!

We went to Grandma and Grandpa's to pick pumpkins! How awesome is that? Grandpa grew a bunch of pumpkins and while the goats got some of them, there were still so many. Each of the kiddos picked at least one pumpkin to bring home and now our porch is looking very festive.

We're leaning into the baby Thor look for Ira (half pony tail) and everyone is really enjoying seeing more of his face. I know one day I'm gonna have to cut his hair, but not today!