Hanging up the lights

Dad always says getting all these Christmas lights up is tough, but he never talks about how much fun it is to climb up and down off the roof. I though about charging him for the help but honestly I'm having too much fun to pretend to complain. 
 

Surprise Thanksgiving

We didn't expect to be home for Thanksgiving this year, but a cold changed some of our plans. But Mom still pulled together a tremendous feast, and as long as we've got each other and some corny jokes, we've still got plenty to be thankful for. 
 

Warm and cozy

 

The best way to keep the cold out is with hot, fashionable sweatshirts, I've always said. 

Second Class Scout

Got my next Boy Scout rank and five merit badges that I earned over the summer -- First Class up next! 
 

Grandparents Day

Christmas and Thanksgiving are great, but they come every year. You only get Grandparents Day at school once, and it's the greatest school day ever.  

I was lucky enough to get Grandmom Doyle, Grandmom Shane and Pop Shane to come and celebrate the day with me. It couldn't have been better. All three grandparents to myself! And instead of math class! Too awesome.  

We read poems to our grandparents and sang songs and just thanked them for being awesome. We really should do that more often, but I'm glad to have the chance to do it today. 

A dear new friend

OK, actually he is a stag. But, still, I think he'd made a good pet. 
 

Autumn magic

One of the teachers at school snapped this photo -- sometimes, all you need to have fun is just some leaves. 
 

Selfie story

Looking over the photo books from the last few years, I can't help but think just how good we look...
 

Summer vibes

I thought all the bright colors might bring spring back, but the leaves all over are hurting that vibe. 
 

5K around the neighborhood

What do you do to keep in shape after cross country season ends? How about running a 5K for fun!
 

Dad and I ran the annual school 5K last weekend. Our time was a little slower than last year, but it was still a good feeling to show that I can get through three miles without falling over. But I may wait on a marathon for a few more years...

Sports, sports everywhere

What do you do when the Phillies and Eagles are both playing the same night? You bring a second TV into the family room, of course! Let's go everybody!
 

3rd Grade Halloween parade

Our school hosts a costume parade every year for kindergarten through third grade. That means this is my last time to dance around outside during the school day in my costume, so I made the most of it. I was a little sad that I won't get to go again next year, but Jonathan reminded me that the older kids get to watch and clap for the younger ones, so that's a pretty awesome option too.