* watch out world *

We took Prince George by storm this week! Wednesday the kids were out of school, but Daddy still had a day in the field (in the rain which, consequently, is his favorite type of field-training environment. Weirdo). So we woke up early, prepped for some afternoon cooking, and took off to spend a little bit of time at the Play Room with some friends. Abbie and Annie played hard .... and earned every bit of the frozen yogurt we had afterwards!

Wednesday night was pie-baking and Thanksgiving prep. (I have been SO nervous about cooking for Thanksgiving. I was up all night worried about it) It went smoothly in the morning, and about 3 hours into the turkey cooking we heard a HUGE boom and smoke started pouring from the oven. Absolutely scared the hell out of me. I thought we were under attack. Turns out the turkey just exploded. (heehee). I about died, had a little meltdown, was comforted by my sweet husband, and then investigated. Nope, not the turkey, just the turkey bag (which needs WAY more than the suggested six ventilation holes. Way more.) I cut more holes, we aired out the kitchen, and I spent the next three hours developing ulcers. It turned out fine :) Dinner was good (not great, and I forgot to get the stuffing out of the oven where it was warming! Seriously!? Who forgets the stuffing?!) but the company was fantastic. We played Wii and Xbox, watched movies, had pie, and fell into an exhausted slumber ... then woke this morning and dove enthusiastically into Christmas prep! We put up our funny little 3-foot tree, and played out great new Christmas music

sent by sweet Suzy!! We LOVE it! Thank you! And shook our little behinds around the house improvising on our Christmas decor.

I was worried about being out here with no family and none of our *stuff*, but I have to say, that this has been a wonderful experience for our little family!! All of our decorations are either dollar store or home-made (which is actually rather charming), and we are making beautiful new traditions. We miss our family (and I do miss my Christmas decorations, most of my kitchen appliances, and my furniture) but we are discovering that home really IS where the heart is. I love my little family so very much. Our house is sparse, and everything is unfamiliar -- but we are making the most beautiful memories.

and I am having so much fun figuring out the settings on my new camera!! Here's a little sampling of our Christmas tree!