Let the Holiday Season Begin!

I have to admit that when it comes to the holiday season that I love this time of year.  I hate shopping in crowds so do little of that, but I just enjoy the simple traditions.  We have been hosting Thanksgiving dinner for a long time and continued the tradition this year.  As always we had some old friends, some new friends and of course the Bickel side of the family. I always enjoy not having to travel anywhere. 

We had a great time and the food was good, and got to the table hot so I was happy.  The kids had their own little table this year and at one point they had all us adults under the table having a 'party' with them.  Once the kids were in bed (way too late!) there was the drinking of a yard of ale.  People had fun.  It was good.

The day after we always go to our local tree farm to pick our Christmas tree.  I love this little farm. They charge $25 for a tree, doesn't matter what size, and they are all nobles (a requirement in our house).  There's no fancy rides for kids, just a basic traditional tree farm.  We had a tour of the owner's collector cars this year which probably includes the premium experience.  Love, love, love this place because of it's simplicity.

Saturday was the civil war game, which the kids and I skipped out on due to crowds, cold etc... instead we visited Sinterklaas at the Dutch store.  Alexandra had no fear this year and went right up to hug him.  With Alexandra being that open and excited, Emmett was even willing to go up and give him a hug.  Santa pictures might just work out this year.

Tomorrow we'll decorate the tree and hopefully complete the transformation of the house.  We may just need to bake some cookies.  Then back to work for three weeks.  I'm already looking forward to the 10 days off at Christmas (best company benefit ever!).