We cut down our christmas tree about a week ago. It is a family tradition to go to the same spot that Mark has gone for his whole life. It is really fun for about the first hour. Mark takes forever to pick out the tree. We look over every tree on this big lot on a mountain side. Mark can not decide and I start to get grumpy and the kids start to get cold and then they have to go back to the car and then I start telling Mark to get a tree quickly. By this time both John and Wendy, and his parents all have their tree on top of their car ready to go. Twenty minutes later we finally cut down our tree and strap it to the top. We always get beautiful trees and they look great in our house. It is very fun to decorate the tree and keep traditions alive. Mark let Kaleb put the angel on top of the tree this year and he was so excited. It sounds like getting the tree is very hard, but it is a fun family tradition and I am so glad that Mark gets so involved and loves a good tree. The boys feel so proud to help their dad cut and carry the tree.

The kids had such a great time in Pittsburgh with their cousins.  This is the kid table during Thanksgiving dinner.  We all ate lots of food.  The weekend was fun-packed with snow, muesuems, and hanging out.  The kids could not wait to get outside and play in the snow.  Massachusetts has still not got any snow that's worth going outside and playing.  Kaleb and Kayden loved  jumping on the tramp and doing flips.  Fun stuff.  Tosh pulled out all the fun family traditions- chocolate french dessert, dipping chocolates, and eveskevers.  It filled me and helped to escape reality for a couple of days.  I am thankful for family.