You know that we love our Christmas trees - so much that we start putting them up early November - just so we can sit by the lights and have our neighbors make fun of us. But, this tree - The Real Tree - is our favorite tree. It's the same story every single year. It's the same conversations every single year.

 AP: "Ok, guys. Should we get a long needle or a short needle tree?"

 Us: "Short."

AP: "Really?? Maybe we should try long?"

Us: "Nope, short"

AP: "OK!! Short it is. Now, fat or skinny?"

Us: "Skinny."

AP: "Really? Don't you want a big fat one??"

Us: "Nope. Skinny. We have to see the fireplace."

AP" OK!! Skinny, short needle, tree hunt it is!"

And, off we go to find the perfect tree - which is usually within the first 5 minutes of searching. But, we ("we" refers to Bennett, Harper and I) make sure to "keep searching" to make it look like we are trying. 🤣

And, then we decorate exclusively with our favorite ornaments. So basically, it's filled with ornaments the kids have made over the years, and the annual ornaments from T - and it's our favorite.

 

✨Thanksgiving 2023✨

Thankful for the Proses and lefse.

 

The fall of 2023 has been the longest on record (my record, anyway). It's Nov 18th, nearing 60*, the sun is shining, and the ground has yet to freeze. Sounds like a good afternoon for a fire, Mr. Prose.

 

We put up Great Grandma's nativity scene today. Harper thinks Great Grandma would like twinkle lights, and plans to add some. Bennett is pretty sure she would say "it's perfect the way it is". 

Happy happy 47, Andy! Our birthday wish for you is freezing cold temperatures. Please make some ice, Mother Nature! 🎣🧊

 

These two best friends... Pretty sure that Dana is going to be the saddest of us all when Bennett goes to college. 

 

We continue to watch Bennett grow into an incredible human - one with patience, and a passion for justice, a thoughtful heart and unwavering sarcasm. He still watches TV with us each night, and strictly adheres to his 8pm bedtime. While he promises every year to wake up as an angsty teen, it has yet to happen. Happy #17, Bennett Daniel. We 💙 you, unmeasurably.

 

Dad posted this on FB, and it will forever be one of my favorites. While I do love falling back, it's quite a silly concept. Wonder how long it will last??

 

As we begin to navigate our growing children, and enter the phase of life where we can do things without them,  "What should we do today?" has so many possibilities. We opted for a late lunch, with fancy drinks, and then yard work - gathering leaves from our lawn and the lawns of 2 neighbors.  Such an exciting Saturday in the suburbs.