MAC Tree Lighting 2015

Another favorite tradition is the MAC Tree Lighting and Gingerbread House extravaganza. This year we got particularly lucky as Henry had basketball practice at the same time -- JACKPOT!! They did such a great job.

Annual Manzanita Tree Lighting 2015

Our annual tradition of going to the Manzanita Tree Lighting with the Foster/Kramer Family did not disappoint. It is everything I love about a small town with smart and thoughtful people. Great crafts, kind people.....and we may have stalked Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Beach = Bliss

The beach was relatively warm and wonderful. With all the family in town, Mark and I got a chance to go for long runs. We played baseball, we made sand castles, we hung out as a family. The Reuland Family (minus the Peck Original) played board games.I can't really explain the special place that Manzanita holds in my heart.

Holiday Parade 2015

Tradition always holds that we go to the Macy's parade....small scale....Portland style... before we had to the beach. Auntie KK and Grammy Kris were here this year - extra special. We made an effort to high five as many parade participants as possible.

Thanksgiving 2015

We had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving. We had Mark's whole family and I cooked my first turkey with success.....and I took no pictures. WHAT ?!?!?!?!???!?!

That said, Frances made a thankfulness poem that was shared with everyone.

Hysterical. I could not love that girl more.

Turkey Bowl...that always becomes Turkey Futbol...or Chocolatathon for Maggie

Last year we pulled together a group to play a Turkey Bowl at the school....that became about soccer...because our kids are slightly addicted. This year I wrote to a bunch of Henry's friends AND Francie's friends and offered hot chocolate. It turned out to be a WONDERFUL hodgepodge...and Maggie had about 20 glasses of hot chocolate.

Thankful for Quiet Thanksgiving Mornings

I woke up early Thanksgiving morning to go for a run. It was cold, quiet, and GORGEOUS. I listened to a fabulous podcast, soaked in the bliss of the beauty, and probably said "thank you universe for letting me live here" about 100 times.