Christmas Joy and Gratitude 2010

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Season Greetings...

O' Christmas Tree...

Time had come to make the annual trek to the upper field to look for the perfect "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree.  That is all that seems to be left of the ole upper field Christmas tree farm.  We really found a charmer this year.  Laughing so hard we could barely stand it...We had to push on and find something a bit more normal!  

This tree was a piece of work...On to find a different one...

This is more like it!

Truckin home...Thanks Daddy sherpa!

We actually ended up with a pretty nice one, maybe a tad on the big side for our cozy little place, but it works well.  I put the lights up while Chapin was sleeping and the next morning he help put up all the ornaments.  I was filled with joy seeing the twinkle of joy and wonderment in his eyes.   What a great time of year.

 Chapin is also finding joy in the Christmas DVD box set that Grandma gave him last year, which has Frosty the Snowman, Roldolf the Red Nose Raindeer and Santa Claus is Coming to Town.  He has choosen not to watch Santa Claus because of the "evil guy" that he remembers from last year.

Snug as a bug...

The cats are enjoying movie time too...

  We go into this season filled with gratitude and look forward to a beautiful holiday.  Hope you can too!

Happy Birthday Mom...I love you!!!

Mom and Me - Maroon Bells...Aspen, CO

Mom and Me - Independence Pass ...Aspen, CO

Walking the path of life with you because of you, Mom...Thank you for being such

a beautiful women and sharing that with me…Happy Birthday.”  

I am forever grateful to you...Love you!

Thanksgiving with Jeanne and Bill...

Bill, Turi, Chapin, Margaret, Jeanne and Jon (behind camera)

Thanksgiving was spent in Connecticut with Jeanne and Bill Turkel this year.  The standard fare was offered and it was delicious.  We were joined by Margaret, a Pilates client of Jeanne's.  She is just lovely and we were pleased to spend another Thanksgiving with her.

We have been reading The Wizard of Oz to Chapin and promised him that when he finished we could watch the movie.  Well the timing was just right and we enjoyed watching the movie on a rainy Thanksgiving afternoon.  I believe it was enjoyed by all.

Major highlights of the holiday weekend were Chapin riding bike for the first time all by himself.  Jon worked with him and this 'Balance Buddy' bar that hooks to the back wheels.  It allows support to hold the bike and rider up and then allows you to let go.  Before you know it Chapin is swaying back and forth back and forth with a huge, I mean giant, smile on his face.  Chapin didn't know he was riding by himself, but he was feeling something because he was grooving - moving correcting himself to the left and right and so forth.

Chapin and Jon also enjoyed an adventure of taking the row boat down to the bridge.  Although it seems like Jon barely fits, Bill assured us that he had the whole family in the boat at once when Jon was Chapins age!

A great weekend we can be thankful for with family / friends in CT!
 

Turkey Time

The Cove - Stamford, CT

Star

The "Balance Buddy" was Chapin's buddy in learning to ride a bike solo

Chapin riding a bike for the first time all by himself...Yahoo...He loved it!

Weed Beach park...All having fun.

 

Gorhams Pond from 12 McCrea Lane

Happy Thanksgiving....

"I am thankful for construction vehicles and toys for Christmas..."  Chapin Henry Turkel

Front yard...Kent Farm Lane

School Thanksgiving program...Little Indian!

Fall continues to be...

Fall continues to be absolutely incredible.  We have been taking advantage of the beautiful weather by enjoying some lovely hikes with Chapin.  There is talk of winter and excitement for that too.  Winter is on our minds for Jon has accepted the role of head trainer at Bryce Mountain Resort.  Good job Jon...We look forward to the ski season.  In the meantime, enjoy some more fall pictures...

A beautiful fall...

Fall is such a beautiful time of the year in the Shenandoah River valley.  After a very hot, long summer the cool, calm temperatures are very welcomed.   The outdoors has been keeping us busy...Biking, gathering firewood, pumpkin picking, hiking, rock climbing and enjoying the fall colors. 

Ride on the tag-a-long on the W&OD trail.

Nice load boys!

"This is the one Mommy"

The road less traveled

Watching rock climbing up at Raven's Rock off the Appalachian Trail.

A bit of bouldering...

Chapin giving the boulder a go!

View from a top.

Crick!

Kent Farm Lane

The mighty Shenandoah River

Crick started on my knee.

Crick ended up on Chapin's life jacket.

Crick on Chapin's shoulder

What a fun fall river trip with a cute little cricket named "Crick."  It was as if Chapin's great grandfather Crickenberger was reincarnated as a cricket for the day and decided to join us for a river trip.  Chapin was engaged, excited and talkative with Crick...Very interested in knowing more about his Great Grandfather Crickenberger.  It really was an amazing connection.  Thanks Crick...We love you!!