Choosing the perfect tree

Cramming in the truck early Saturday morning to find the perfect tree. We went to a new place this year that the Jackson's recommended. It was really fun because you get a cart and a saw, and wander into their fields looking for the perfect tree. It will be a new family tradition, but next year hopefully we won't choose the coldest day of the month. It was FREEZING!
Danny loves helping, and he was excited to pull the cart
Smiling at the start of our trip before their faces froze solid
I'm pretty sure you weren't supposed to walk across this area, but it made for a nice picture.

always the wanderer
measuring to make sure it will fit in the fireplace room
He was so bundled, but still so cold
This is the one!

Danny, are you sure this is the perfect tree?
Yep, let's cut it down
Boogie man
This was the first time that Danny has worn boots. He really struggled with it at first. He started by taking these huge awkward steps, but was doing fine by the end

Where's the line to pay for this thing? I'm freezing!
Mom, it's this way, let's go!
Poor child has the same watery eye problem that I have
So glad that we have a truck to transport our tall tree

Happy Thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving, we always go to Dan's Uncle Mark's house in NJ. Here is Uncle Mark and Aunt Linda with Joy, Chris, and Josiah
The crazy kitchen. Aunt Linda always prepares a beautiful feast
Cousins. Dave, Kevin, and Dan
This is Dan's grandmother who lives in Washington state. She flew in for the special day.

Emilia really enjoyed seeing all of her cousins
As you can tell, Danny really enjoyed all the affection
Count 'em... Three diaper changes at once
Turkey induced coma

Fun with Hats

All of the cousins enjoyed playing with James and Emilia's toys. The hats were a huge hit.
I love that serious face
Firefighter Micah to the rescue
It's hard to fight a fire if you can't see where you are going

Beautiful piano duet

Micah and Danny were entertaining us with lovely Christmas carol duets on the piano
That's the face of a child prodigy if I've ever seen one

We found Danny in the corner of the kitchen trying to eat these potatoes (no kidding) perhaps he was trying to tell us something

No pants dance

Somehow, at the end of every function we attend Danny ends up running around without pants on.

I love those chubby legs
I'm not sure if this picture is of a fall, or if Danny is laying on the ground in silent protest of not wanting his PJ pants on. Either option is highly possible.

Snuggle with Uncle Doug

Doug stayed with us Thur. night after Thanksgiving. He and Danny were both very tired from the long drive.
Danny is really teething too
So cute

Friday Dinner

First, let me say that tripod pictures are the worst.

Friday after Thanksgiving we had some friends over for dinner. Val and Tim were in from Texas and it was so nice to see everyone. In the picture we have Steph, Jess Evans, Val, Beth, Dan, Tim, and Mike. It was a great night.