shumway family christmas tree

A classmate of Sam's grew up on a Christmas tree farm in the Berkshires in Massachusetts. After Thanksgiving she invited a few families from class up to the farm to pick out and cut down a tree. Sam has been dreaming of doing this for as long as I can remember. Since we've never lived anywhere near a real tree farm I pushed it to the back of my mind and to Sam's dismay purchased a pre-lit gem on clearance one year. It was SO COLD, and even though I honestly think my eyes froze we had a great time. Our hosts were beyond gracious and not only let Landon drive the tractor pulling us and all our trees, they also fed us lunch, cookies, and hot cocoa! We are amazed at how blessed we have been here to meet and make such great friends.

When we got home that evening I realized I was outnumbered and gave up trying to have a beautiful tree. Sam and Landon took over the decorating- colored lights and all! Landon's favorite new activity is to turn off all the house lights, roll under the Christmas tree, and stare at the colorful lights.

thanksgiving

A few of the young families around here got together this year to celebrate Thanksgiving since our extended families all live in other states. This was especially nice because we had a fantastic meal and none of us had to do ALL the cooking. I broke-in my new Kitchen Aid mixer (best bday gift ever!) and whipped up a couple batches of my mom's rolls, and a chocolate chip cheesecake. I was also in charge of the mashed potatoes. About 20 people were at the dinner so I was eternally grateful when Sam volunteered to peel all the potatoes. Since our hostess' oven quit working Thanksgiving morning I also had the turkey in my oven all day. Our house smelled like heaven with all that food cooking. We loaded up the car and headed to the Shepard's for the feast. I'm so thankful for the great friends we've made here, they certainly made our holiday more full. And what's Thanksgiving without Black Friday?!Don't worry mom, I braved Joann's at the break of dawn to load up on our year's supply of flannel.