Christmas

This Christmas was warm, quiet, lazy, and filled with simple joys.

We started the morning by ensuring that the reindeer had enjoyed the carrots we left outside for them, and Santa had eaten the cookies and drank the milk we left for him. Then Jackson noticed the excavator Santa left, and we spent the rest of the morning redirecting his attention from the much-loved excavator to the opening of all the rest of the presents under the tree.

Tyler threw together an exceptionally delicious breakfast burrito spread accompanied by mimosas, then, thanks to the unseasonably warm day, we headed out for an early afternoon hike. The afternoon and evening was spent watching Christmas classics, playing with toys, Face Timing family, and munching on cheese fondue.

I love this little family.

Merry Christmas, from ours to yours.

Behind the scenes....

This year, we decided it would be a good idea to load up the dog, the two-year-old, and the camera on a particularly warm November morning. We headed to Pixley Falls, a beautiful spot for hiking and picnicking about 30 minutes from our home. In my infinite (cheap) wisdom, I figured we'd set the camera on a rock, set the timer, and snag a picture.

While I imagine this particular park is jam-packed all summer long (the shallow water practically begs for you to jump in), this unusually warm November weekday meant there was no one else in sight. And thank goodness.

Kahla barks at and chases every moving thing (if you've met her, you know). Jackson is... two. And Tyler, he managed to forget to grab the shirt I placed at his fingertips on our way out the door. Win. Win. Win.

Incredibly, Kahla was by far the most well-behaved individual in our family. Jackson was throwing tantrums - because he hates the camera. Tyler was frustrated - because Jackson was frustrated. And I was over it before it began because - Tyler forgot his shirt, Jackson HATES pictures, and Kahla barks at everything.

BUT. She saved the day. She was calm, posed for the camera, and held this nightmare together. We hiked out of there a sweaty, stressed, confused mess - but that's life.

We managed to snag exactly ONE decent family picture - but that's all you need, right?

Here's to real life. Merry Christmas - from our family to yours!

 

She wins a gold star for this endeavor.

 

Ok. this isn't so bad...

 

Nailing it. Picture after picture.

 

What a backdrop.

 

Nope, that won't do.

 

There she is, posing the way she does.

 

....This won't work either.

 

Mid-tantrum.

 

Things improved once we stopped for lunch, and stopped forcing pictures.

 

 

... and we got one. He's not smiling, but we'll take it.

Falalalala lalalala

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and as usual, we've tracked down and cut down the 'ol Stubbs family tree, dusted off the décor, and hung the lights. Here's a peek at our tree-cutting adventure, and the inside (and outside) our home during the coziest month of the year.

The Thing About Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was never my favorite holiday growing up. Turkey is far from my first choice of main courses, cooking all day is not my cup of tea, and cleaning up the mess is DEFINITELY not my idea of a fun afternoon.

BUT. When Thanksgiving brings us together with the people we love the most - I change my tune, a lot. All of a sudden, I don't hate turkey, I enjoy cooking, and I don't even mind cleaning up the mess. This year, my parents came to visit, and made the Thanksgiving meal - along with the rest of the week - an absolute joy.

As usual, here is a recap of our adventures, via pictures.

  

That sunset.

 



 

(Jackson's first movie - The Good Dinosaur)

 

Saranac Brewery Tour

 

Beer is a hobby.

 

Fancy dinners call for fancy sweaters.

(and 'juicy kisses'.)

 



 

Because every family should own a pair of pink onion goggles...?

 

Feeding the horses apples. Happy Thanksgiving, horses.

 

A beast of a feast for 4.5 people.

 

Welcome back, Clyde.

Christmas train ride to Old Forge.

 



 

He's a fierce napper. Anywhere. Anytime.

 

Fulton Chain Craft Brewing - this place offers awesome beer in an authentic Adirondack setting.

 

...still napping.

 

We got the inside scoop on a 'legitimate' speakeasy in Thendara, NY. I'm certain it's all about the experience, since drinking actually IS legal. That being said, this place was unmarked (above), and upon entering we were asked by the pretty Romanian (below) if we were lost. After saying the password, we were granted entry. Sorry, no photography allowed inside. A local gem, to be sure.

 

Jackson made a friend (and he has good taste, obviously).

The train ride home.

 

Thanks Nana and Papa, for yet another memorable and special week. We miss you already! Pencil us in for next year?