Extra holiday spirit

The only thing better than Thanksgiving goodies is extra Thanksgiving goodies once you get home. 
 

Prepping for the holidays

Dad says we need a new Christmas tree stand, so we've got to these boards all painted if we want the next holiday to arrive!
 

I spy

... with my little eye, something that is ... tall. Too tall for fifth grade. 
 

Lumpy couch

We're gonna have to replace those cushions, or at least pack them down a little better. 
 

Dinocars

Mom and Dad took us on a car ride to something called Jurassic Quest on Friday and ... um ...

Look, I'm not sure what to tell you here. There were dinosaurs. Like, by the car. It didn't feel terribly safe. 

Emma wanted to get out and pet them, but luckily we have child locks on the back doors. Otherwise we'd still be picking teeth out of her hair. 

Teaching Aunt Jul

Jonathan had a report on St. Francis of Assisi this week, so he decided to call up Aunt Jul and Maggie after he was finished to given them a sneak preview. They loved it, although I think they were easier graders than his religion teacher. 
 

More leaf fun

Honestly, if there were enough leaves, we'd be out here every day. 

 

I see you there

Pop let me borrow his glasses, so I'm working on my best principal stare. I think I'm ready to shush the class into silence.  

 

Helping get leaves off the lawn

This seemed like a better idea before the leaves went up in the air...
 

Backyard campout

No fall Cub Scout campout this year, so our pack made the best of it with backyard campsites instead. Emma and I helped Dad set up our beds for the night and just enough space to fit the three of us. 

Our makeshift fire pit did the job for smores, and the weather was just nice enough that nobody froze their butts off. 

Like I said, just enough room in there for the three of us. Mom was the unlucky one who had to sleep in her big, warm comfy bed instead. Maybe next time. 
 

Hello there

I thought those leaves felt tougher to rake than usual. 

Scenic overlook

Another new trail, and another cool view of one of the nearby rivers. For people who can't go anywhere because of the pandemic, we seem to get out a lot more.