Panning with Friends

Friends visited from SoCal and Henry quickly shared one of his favorite activities...panning for gold.

After that it was time for tractor rides!

Christmas Day

Our first Christmas in the US since 2006.
What fun!! A feast of smoked turkey, packages... everything but snow!
The country home where we are house-sitting gave us a charming place to enjoy Christmas this year.  The Charlie Brown Christmas tree added to the authenticity of the day.  Being together and enjoying the Christmas spirit was the best gift of all.

Panning for Gold

Henry pans for gold with his new buddy, Dave. 

Christmas Tree Hunting..... In Your Own Backyard

Tree lots are a dime a dozen up here in the woods.   Henry would have nothing to do with those beautifully shaped, fully foliage-d farm trees.  He scouted, sawed, and huffed our tree home.  A few strings of popcorn and red and white striped ribbons, and the Christmas tree transformation was complete.  It became our very own Charlie Brown tree.

Stringing popcorn while Doug reads aloud.  I think Norman Rockwell was in the corner painting. :)

The finished product.