better than Christmas

This weekend has proven to me, once and for all, that Thanksgiving is definitely better than Christmas. 

Here are five reasons why I think so: 

1.  The Weather. 

Fresh, cool and crisp in the morning.  Afternoon highs ranging from mid-teens to mid-twenties. Sweaters and jeans.  Brisk evening walks without the need for a shower afterwards.  The best.  

Annual after dinner walk.
 I really didn't need that toque.  It was beautiful outside!  

Same after dinner walk.... the sun was so bright it blinded us!  

2.  The Beauty 

What can possibly compare to clear blue skies with contrasting red, yellow, orange, and green trees?   It is truly a spectacle for the eyes and we are so fortunate to bare witness year after year.  People travel long distances in hopes of getting a glimpse.  We're surrounded by it for an entire month... or more.  I wish those beautiful leaves stayed up there all winter.  

Taking a break from catching leaves at Centennial Park.
They were falling out of the trees onto us!

3.  The pressure is off. 

At Thanksgiving, there's no pressure to give gifts.  The holiday is based on being thankful for the blessings in your life.  Uncomplicated.  Like.  

Ruby's gift to me was her making efforts to zip up her own coat!  

4.  No Snow pants or winter boots.   (need I say more?)

Hats, mitts and sneakers.   Done.  

5.  Turkey and Pumpkin Pie.

Pumpkin pie is my favourite dessert and I only get it once a year.  Another reason why it's my fave.

So, there you have it.  Another year of blessings and thankfulness.  

Happy Best Holiday of the Year Everyone!  

-L ox

songs

The other day, I took Leo to the park for, as he calls it, "a hike in the woods".   The term was coined by Ruby when she was his age so it's become a tradition and we use the term often.  It's actually more like a very slow meandering on a trail in a park that's somewhat wooded, but, in any case, as tradition would have it, before we even hit the trail out comes the tune...  "A hiking we will go".  Leo's become quite a little singer these days and often falls asleep singing.  Last night, he serenaded us with his version of "Frere Jacque"… for about an hour past his bedtime!   One day on the way to visit Papa and Nanlynn in Saint John he fell asleep in the middle of the Alphabet song.  I think he dozed off at QRS..... Fourty-five minutes later he woke up and mumbled "now I know my ABC's....  It was hilarious.  I love hearing him sing and hope that he continues his love of music and song forever and ever.  I personally, have been neglecting music as of late.  To assist in the matter, I brought my guitar upstairs and gave it a new home in the living room for anyone and everyone to play at their leisure.  The junk room is no place for such a beautiful instrument.

Here are some shots of what else we've been up to around here…

Miss Ruby out for dinner at our favourite - Calactus!  

Monkeying around!!  

On our little hike… getting ready to feed the squirrels. 

Close up with the squirrel.

Having a tea party in Grandma's tub. 

Riding a tractor at Sobey's.