tree trimming (or fattening, in our case)

Found an amazing 12ft pine at Home Depot. God bless the big box hardware store. We were shocked it fit through the door. Neighbors were called, wine was consumed, and the tree was decorated, mostly via ladder. It was our neighbor Steve who braved the tippy-top angel with a pair of tongs. p.s. Thomas is now taller than me (I'm 5' 8+").



The Mead Family! Our fantastic neighbors & friends.









Auntie Liz & Sweet G (who has a new haircut)

City Santa

Joel & kids rode the train in to city as part of a park district holiday program, The Polar Express, last weekend. They had cookies, sang carols, and met the man in the red suit. My favorite pix are a series Joel snapped of Otto looking out the window on the train.

King for a Day

Thanks to everyones generous donations to St Giles School, Otto was honored as King for a Day for being a high fundraiser! He was beyond proud and excited, and loved being 'in charge'. The principal came to the classroom for the coronation. He took attendance, was allowed to visit the office to deliver the mail, and apparently all the little girls made him a 'throne' of blocks and blankets that he sat in. too cute. It was a much needed boost for someone who is feeling very middle-child lately (awww, poor spoiled rotten Otto). Btw, he has TWO girlfriends now, Abby & Clare. Be sure to ask him about them over the holidays. Lovahboy.

Buncha Turkeys

And on the First Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims bowed to the Indians and said, We Give Thanks, for this Most Bountiful Left-Over Pizza. Amen.
Turkey and all the trimmings were delish (thank you mom) but Otto voted for the Giordanos and 3 pieces of vegan pumpkin pie. Stinker. More for us.
Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving. We did!

George's 1st

Thanks for all the cards and goodies! Everything arrived on time.
We forgot our camera when he ate his cake but hopefully Mom will forward (hint hint).

catch up!

Santa will def be bringing a new operating system/laptop to this very very good girl. Our iPhoto a total shambles for 2 months! Joel is slowly bringing things out from the weeds. Here are a few more recent moments:

After zero deliberation, our impromptu trip to Claires (fun faux jewelry store) ended with pierced ears! I had promised 7th bday, after endless begging and informative nagging (so-and-so has HER ears pierced). I decided a random day off of school just as special. Now you know what to get her for xmas! She was really excited. REALLY excited, with eyes almost popping out of skull for anticipation of the 'shot', but no tears, big smiles. She picked a pale blue/aquamarine stone, which matches her eyes. I think pretty. Joel not so enthused. Make-up is off limits "until she is 30"


Friends in a box!

Joel's bday. He rec'd a bbq smoker (hence the large box), and we cooked up a giant brisket (thank you for the gift of meat, Liz! The way to our hearts- food). My mom & dad gave us assorted deluxe wood chips and a couple of great cookbooks, so expect a few smoked meals coming your way.


Drama Queen. Le Artiste. Curious Cat.





Fall leaf-ing
The skeleton: "heeeeey. how YOU doin?"





Halloween!