getting ready for christmas

Eli and his best friend Minya

Dad and Eli going to cut our christmas tree
this is exciting stuff!

Reading "panda bear panda bear" with Pop-pop

dumping rocks with Dad, Grandma and Pop-pop

A visit to see Santa! It's an exciting idea, especially when my friend Minya comes along ...

... but the reality of Santa is a little scary. Body language speaks true: he'd rather be elsewhere thank you

we got to feed some very hungry sheep!

and we got to see a fire truck

serious business ...

How to play this game. The tractor "honks" at the cars and they each, one by one, "go to sleep." Note: no one except Eli is allowed to make the honking noise -- it's just not funny.

Eli helping cook the cranberries for Thanksgiving dinner

Another new game: getting into the tube above and pretending to be laundry. (heavy laundry). Then mom is supposed to carry the laundry all over the house, especially up and down the stairs. Note: especially fun if blanket, stuffed animal and tractor
are also along for the ride. Also note: actual laundry not invited.

having a quiet moment ...