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.