It's our first holiday as a family back in the state of WI. We had our first Thanksgiving away from our family in Minnesota, which was tough because we had built some amazing traditions... not the least of which included an ER trip for Melissa and dessert recipes which should never be repeated (pumpkin pecan pie? blueberry pear bake? Ick. For the sake of all of us, I was hoping a new location would bring better recipes. So far so good.
This Thanksgiving we hosted Grandma Karen, Aunt Diana, Uncle Chad, Ava and Grace - boy was the food delicious! The kids made place settings with our names on them, napkin holders and even pilgrim hats and turkeys out of cookies. After a Packer victory, the GB crew traveled home and we got to decorating!
The mantel was perfect for our XMAS stockings to hang!
We spent Friday putting up the exterior lights, Saturday and Sunday getting the tree in great shape. Little man and I put the star on top, one of the final touches to the tree. We haven't had a tree since we've been married because we always traveled home for the holidays and it was too much work in our little town home. 
Jacob was a terrific helper with the ornaments. There was only one slight hiccup... he put them all on the same branch... so you had to follow him and take the one off he just put on before they all toppled. Zero broken ornaments, one very happy kid and an equally happy mom and dad. 
At last, the finished product. Notice the Duncan the super-dog resting on the couch... don't worry, he helped out plenty - he barked for three straight hours. That must have tired him out. 
As a dad, I couldn't think of a more perfect way to start our family tradition... two thumbs up.Oh... and here's to hoping our new arrival comes quickly, healthy and happy.
Much love, God Bless
- Adam, Melissa, Jacob, Duncan and Baby
