We've got some sweet neighbors who treat our kids like grandchildren. Back in June they were nice enough to invite us to come along with them and their official grandkids for a day of fun and exploration at the zoo. We jumped at the chance and had a great time!  The meercats were so fun to watch! Emmie got a real kick out of them. We thought the art they had on display was super cool. The artist used garbage she collected from oceans to make huge creatures! They were actually really pretty and also great for I spy. We got to ride the carousel and the train. We had extraordinary luck in the big cat sighting department. Look at the tiger! We'd never seen it before!  The snow leopard was snoozing in a very visible spot. And you will never in a million years believe what happened in the bird show. Our bird-loving Brynny got chosen as a volunteer to hold an actual dove! It was the greatest day of all our lives! Th...

While my side of the family was here for Thanksgiving, we decorated the Christmas tree together! Us adults spent an entire afternoon pulling the old burned out lights off the tree and then stringing up new ones. What a pain! But it was sure pretty once we finished. December 1st Addison became a double-digit baby! He invited a few buddies over and had cake and ice cream and did an escape room that turned out to be a lot of fun. It's crazy that he's ten! The cake was themed after one of his current favorite book series, Warriors . Puzzling over a problem and trying to beat the clock! Success! They made it just in time! Addison also earned his bear award and his religious knot in scouts. Nate and Asa went on a date to the Roy library, which is so, so cool. They even got a treat at the cafe there. We had some snow days. Threw a singing party. Look at this adorable nativity...