Christmas Tree

On our hunt for our Christmas tree we choose a smaller farm than previous years. It was still very close to home, only a few miles away. However, this farm had no shaker machine, no hot cocoa or carolers but at only $10 we didn't miss any of it. 

One of these days she'll actually look AT the camera

Here it is

Claire's going to give it a try

A bit smaller than last year

Claire's contribution

Decorating is hard work

My favorite new ornament

Ta da!

Columbia River Maritime Museum

On our way home from Astoria we stopped by the  Columbia River Maritime Museum. It was a wet, cold, dreary day but what would you except from the Oregon Coast in late November.  I'm glad we made time to go, it was interesting to learn the history of the U.S. Coast Guard in Oregon and of Astoria's canneries. 

Thanksgiving 2011

We went to the cabin this year for Thanksgiving, just the three of us. Leaving Wednesday after work was frustrating and it didn't help that I forgot the keys. We had to turn around, adding on a hour and half giving us a five hour car ride rather than the normal two. Claire and the dogs were troopers the whole way. 

Thank goodness for Safeway. I was able to order a pre-cooked turkey dinner for us, so we were able to have a traditional meal without all the time fuss. Don't get me wrong I don't mind doing all the fuss if there are lots of people who are going to eat it, in fact I like doing it. However,  to spend all day in the kitchen if it just us eating it would not be fun. We had a ton of leftovers as it was with a 10 pound turkey. So much so I made turkey-rice soup after we got home.

Friday and Saturday we went up the peninsula to Long Beach to play. Dave bought a kite, thinking that Claire would really enjoy it. She was interested for all of five minutes but he had a good time. Of course, it never fails that I remember to pack all of Claire's warm clothes but forgot about ours. After the candy store for some salt water taffy off we go to getting stocking caps for me and Dave. 

Claire at the candy store

Goofball

At the beach

There wasn't much wind but he was sure trying

Ha ha! I should be trying to save her from
the waves instead of taking her picture.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this picture

The dogs were having a great time too

So much for getting her to look the camera

Yeah! He did it!

Over the mountain and thru the woods.....

... to Grandma and Papa Dean's house we go. Claire and I headed over to Bend a few weeks ago for the long weekend. The weather was perfect. Dry, clear and crisp but not quite cold. Claire really liked riding the horses and helping Grandma plant in her garden. She also got in some good quality snuggling time in with Grandma watch the Wizard of Oz on Grandma's bed. George the cat was a little put out by our visit but I'm sure he'll be fine. 

We went to the rodeo on Saturday and although I didn't take any pictures it should be noted that Claire freaked out when the bucking bareback horses were on and when I say freaked out I mean heretical crying and screaming for them to stop but loved watching the bull riders. She's  so weird sometimes. Anyway it was fun and looking forward to going again. Hopefully the bare backs horses won't be so traumatic next time.

Giving myself a little kudos points, I rode Rowdy. For all of you that don't know I am not a big fan of horses and that is putting it mildly.  Twelve years ago when my mom said her and Dean were getting married I thought it would be good to get to know him better so we took his horses out on a trail ride. However, Rowdy had another idea. He decided he wanted to run, there was no stopping him and I was getting off, he just happen to be still moving. It hurt, a lot! I haven't been on a horse since. I thought Claire might like to ride on a trail versus around the property and that way both horses could get exercise, so off we went. It was completely uneventful other than Claire got bored and wanted to go home shortly after we started out. My butt was sore for a whole week! The things we do for our kids, right? 

Waiting patiently.... sort of

So excited to ride Buster

Rowdy

Brushing Buddy down, getting him ready

Bath time in Grandma's BIG tub

Snuggling with Papa Dean

Planting tulips with Grandma

One of these days she'll actually look at the camera

Cheeze!

Coming back from our trail ride

But we are still not getting a horse!

Pumpkin Carving

We actually carved pumpkins before Halloween, but somehow I got ahead of myself and didn't blog in the proper order. Anyway, Dave's a trooper as he does most of, okay all of the carving and I take pictures.  
Keeping it simple this year he carved one and I drew a face on another (with Claire's help of course).