{thanksgiving}

This year we spent Thanksgiving with my family in Eugene. We had a nice relaxing couple days and we always leave missing everyone even more, despite the fact we just spent time with them. The only down side was that easy-going Ryley proved to be a horrible sleeper while we were away. The lack of sleep, coupled with my uncontrollable sneezing led to our decision to come home a night earlier than planned.

While we visited we also had family visit from the Seattle area. It was so nice to see my great aunt, second cousin, and her daughter and husband. Maisey was ecstatic and had an ear to ear smile the entire time she spent with her cousins.

The girls met up at the hotel and went for a swim.

I love seeing family together and I can't wait to see EVERYONE again.

{ready}

With all the major Christmas shopping done (all that remains are the nieces and nephews), we are ready for Christmas. The house is decorated and we've been plugging away at reading, watching, and listening to all the excessive Christmas media we own. It is all so fun (with the exception of Ryley's grabby hands which he remains to keep off the tree)... I think we only broke 4 ornaments while trimming the artificial piece of art.

My little elf is as ready as I am.

{holiday festival}

Last weekend we went to The German American School and attended their holiday festival. We were on the prowl for German Christmas gifts for the in-laws and we were successful. I've decided people who are over 50 are impossible to buy for! We also tasted some warm Kinder Punch (the kiddie version of gluhweine) and we picked some up for the fast approaching Guenther Christmas celebration. Oh, how I love this time of year!

{tis the season}

In this house we are doing everything in our power not to think about Christmas... Although we've been able to resist putting up the tree (until Thanksgiving night anyway), we haven't been able to resist listening to Christmas music and watching an occasional Christmas flick.We've also been enjoying hot cocoa,

Painting Christmas ornaments, and wrapping presents (less the bows that fall off prematurely).

Better earlier than later, right?

{girl scout service}

This past week Maisey made blankets for children in need at the annual Linus Project. She was so proud of herself last year and this year was no different. I was extremely excited to see her joy since I myself love to serve others. I constantly think about my children and the ways they will choose to express gratitude for all of their blessings, hoping that someday they will learn by example. I just have to say I'm grateful for Girl Scouts because it really parallels our teachings as members of the church.

At another activity this past week Maisey also made hygiene kits for the needy and she was given one to bring home to disburse on her own accordance. On Saturday morning we stuffed some treats into the sack along with some money and set out to find just the "right" beggar on the corner. She was so happy to give her bag to someone in need and we decided we will make several more for this holiday season, and hopefully throughout the rest of the year.

This was the fleece Maisey chose- against my persuasion of course!

* The fabric stores really do make some cute fleece!

One troop down, many more to go!

Last years project.