Thanksgiving and More

Happy holidays everyone!  Like most people, we have been sucked into the chaos of the season.  The week of Thanksgiving started with the much anticipated arrival of Lance's brother (Travis) and his wife (Wendy).  We all really enjoyed spending time with them and their new dog, Dude.  We took Travis and Wendy to the coast one day (Lincoln City and Newport) and went on a tour of the Rogue Brewery. It was a fun day! Lance's parents hosted a wonderful meal on Thanksgiving Day and then we sadly had to say goodbye to Travis, Wendy, and Dude that Saturday.  That Sunday Lance and I actually went to the Tran Siberian Orchestra concert in Portland.  If you have an opportunity to go to one of their concerts, I would strongly recommend it.  My parents just came out for a quick visit this past week.  We kept busy with a road trip to Hood River to get a Polar Express experience (going on a train ride, drinking cocoa, meeting Santa and some of his elves, etc.). It was a lot of fun and a beautiful drive.  My cousin Kim actually came to stay with us Saturday, and we all enjoyed her visit.  Sunday we went to get our Christmas tree (which included a pony ride for the girls) and celebrated Anne's birthday.  We had to say goodbye to Nana and Papa Brannan on Tuesday and have been trying to get back into our normal routine since.  We will be having Anne and Art over for Christmas Eve but will be on our own Christmas Day.  This will be a little different than what we have become used to, but I think we are looking forward to it.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 Lance and Travis

 

 Claire and Breanne with Paddington