Give Thanks

I have always liked that the cozy winter holidays begin on a note of gratitude.  The simple pause of taking a moment to reflect on the abundance of love and support that we have cultivated, the great gift of family and the comforts of shelter and security.  There is little that we truly need that we don't already have.  Thanksgiving reminds us to fill our hearts with all the warm goodness around us at a time when darkness and cold make it easy to get down.  As Christmas closes in we sometimes tend to focus on what we don't have, what we want.   And while I can rattle off a little list of Christmas wishes, the honest truth is that I need for nothing more than the amazing abundance that graces me every day.

We had a simple holiday, with our guests of honor: Carrie and Ben (aka. Mustard Seed and Swamp Donkey).  Greg hiked the Appalachian Trail with these two back in 2005, and by the most remarkable coincidence they ended up being close friends of Eric and Catherine when the lived in California.  Long story short, they ended up in our home for Thanksgiving this year.  It was quite the treat!

Eric and Catherine load up their plates with the most amazing spread I have seen.  We had lots of timeless Thanksgiving classics and some amazing new additions to the tradition!  And altogether entirely too much food!

One quick photo... and Let's Eat!

The pups were on their best behavior and quite thankful for leftovers!

Norah's after party with her pals, watching 'The Grinch Who Stole Christmas' (and totally zoned out on Tofurky and stuffing).

Who doesn't want to watch the Grinch... the original that is narrated by none other than Boris Karloff!

We are so thankful for the blessings of wonderful friendship, family and mashed potatoes!

Thank you all for the blessing you give!

Let it SNOW!!!

While the weather report said there was a chance for snow in the valley, I was not a believer.  We didn't get any snow here last year, just snow's evil stepsister, black ice.  So it was a very special surprise to wake up to a whole two inches.  Snow in Eugene is quite an event, schools everywhere were cancelled, buses didn't run, and yards everywhere were decorated with six-inch snowmen.  It felt like the holidays were suddenly here!  In full disclosure it made me miss our Midwestern roots... just wish it would stick around for a while!

This was about the most exciting way to wake up in the morning!

Norah got all bundled up and immediately took off crunching down the sidewalk snow.

Our front yard all dusted with snow.

We then headed out to the woods to enjoy a winter wonderland!

The ferns were my favorite!

Norah was right at home in all the snow

Come on Mama, let's go!!!

On her way!

We snuck a peek at Spencer's Butte, when Norah's just a little older she'll be hiking to the top!

Norah does such a great job on the trail!  

She can really cover some ground!

Winter wonderland

Running!

Snow Sprite

This just puts me right in the holiday mood

Cheese!

Norah was right at home in the snow... made me wish it would stick around longer than a day!

We went over to Mia's house for fun snow day activities

Weee!

Trick or Treat!!

Four of Four posts from our Wisconsin Trip... you have to click on older posts to see them all... too many photo ops to resist!

We packed a lot into our Halloween day.  We started off with a hearty breakfast and then headed out to Cave Point to enjoy another amazing Wisconsin fall day.  Greg and Steve got to watch the Packers win at a proper small town Wisconsin bar (a real highlight for Greg!).  And said goodbye to Gaga.  Our visit was coming to an end, but there were so many more memories to be made!

Norah Lou Whoo!

  Norah was so spoiled to have such an able and attentive companion as Aurelia.  

Surprise number two:  

Gaga is here for the weekend!!!

On the hammock

Under the hammock... as to how they got there, Norah is still trying to figure that out!

Aurelia reads Norah a story

In the sweet new hoodie that my Aunt Liz made for Norah.  Just perfect for fall days and Oregon winters!  Thanks Liz!!!

Ready... Set.... GO!

Norah, Nana and Gaga

Norah loves to experiment with architecture.

Cave Point.  Beautiful.

Family Photo

Gimpa taking it all in.

Lori and Nelson make their way to the shore.

Norah shows Daddy all the fun puddles to throw rocks into.

Can you imagine a better spot?!?

Aurelia holds still long enough for me to snap a great framable photo!

Gimpa get's Nelson on his feet.

Mama's boy

There are no words for how cute this is.

Norah and Aurelia enjoy nature's playground.

Vista bonita

One hip chick

Norah and Gaga have a good giggle in their glasses before Gaga had to drive all the way across Wisconsin to get home.  

Thanks for making the trip Gaga!  

It wouldn't have been the same with out you!

After a good afternoon nap the Ballerina Beauties took to the streets with their entourage in search of sweet treats to eat! 

Norah meets Sonic the Hedgehog.  (That's not some homeless lady off the street... it's me.  I was a gypsy, or as Greg said, a camera-happy carpet lady.  Either way I got my cut of candy!)

Trick or Treat!!!

Norah loved carrying around her Punkee.

The tranquil turtle and his tiny pumpkin

On a mission.

The Dynamic Duo

Norah lets Aurelia test the waters

Team Tricky Treat

Treats from the sweet witch

Making their way back with their booty

Our last stop was the best house of all, 

with Gimpa giving out tootsie rolls.

Washing off all the sticky ickys

So happy together.