As tradition would have it, we set out for the great Christmas tree hunt on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. But first, Perkins. Because the search party requires muffins, bacon, & omelets energy to successfully find trees.

On the way to Patterson’s Christmas Tree Farm, Mom and I decided that we would settle for nothing less than a 10-foot tree. Dad objected and Genesee abstained, so with a 2-1 victory, we brought home the 10-footer! (Fingers crossed that Genesee joins the winning team when she can vote next year.)

This is always one of my favorite days because it’s beginning to look a lot like the most wonderful time of year is coming to town, and oh what fun it is, so you better watch out ’cause I’ll be rocking around the Christmas tree like only an overly-excited 4-year-old can:

On Thanksgiving this year, I paused to reflect on how grateful I am for family, friends, food, and the fun that ensues from a competitive game of Jenga.

Genesee gave thanks to her teeth. Because the appetizers. And the turkey. And the pies.

Cheers to Grandma and Grandpa for always hosting a holiday that fills our hearts and bellies!

My first hunting trip was a success! Mostly because I got to stay home from school, but also because Grandma and Grandpa ordered KFC takeouts for our lunch at the cabin! Oh, and did I mention that we also shot a buck!?

To prepare for my big hunt with dad, we first shopped for a bright orange winter coat, then I got home and took a shower with no-scent soap, and finally, I packed my own backpack before getting a good night’s sleep. At 6 a.m. the next morning, I woke up with a smile on my face, sent mom off to work with a kiss on her cheek, and then grabbed my fresh-from-the-Keurig hot chocolate and headed out into the cold, dark woods. And even though boredom got the best of me a couple times, and despite some tears that fell because I “missed my sister,” and never mind that I regularly inquired about when we could return home, I’m so glad I got to spend such quality time with my dad and the squirrels. Because suddenly, before all was said and done, Dad spotted an injured buck that we needed to put out of its misery. So, I covered my ears, dad pulled the trigger, and just like that, we were climbing down the deer blind in search of our soon-to-be venison jerky.

“Just go, Dad. I’ll catch up,” I exclaimed as I tripped over all the branches. But eventually, I arrived at the scene of the crime, and instead of feeling sad, scared or distraught like Mom feared I would, I had a weird urge to pee on Mr. Buck. I mean, I didn’t actually urinate; it was just an idea that popped into my head. Little did Mom know, she has other reasons to be concerned about me.

All in all, it was a hunting season for the books… from opening day when the Docan-Morgans came over for a playdate, to the very last supper at the cabin… Genesee enjoyed Uncle Cory’s snuggles and I loved being dad’s little hunting buddy.

It was awesome! We took nothing but memories and left nothing but a trail of crumbs behind Genesee’s path. So look out, wounded deer and clean cabin floors… we’ll be back next year!

On November 6, we took Genesee in for her 15-month Well Child Appointment and learned that my lil’ sis is healthy, strong, and unrestrainable.

She weighed 20 lbs, 8 oz. (37th percentile), her head measured 45 cm (30th percentile), and her height remains undetermined (hence, the aforementioned “unrestrainable” trait.) However, she’s not so tough when she’s getting poked with a needle. All. three. times.

I, on the other hand, took my flu vaccine like a champ, with no screams or tears whatsoever. Apparently, once you turn 4 years of age, you can choose between the needle shot or the nasal spray. I chose the latter. Call me chicken or call me smart.

Someday, Genesee will be as tough/smart as me. But for now, Genesee is a mover and shaker who likes to hit me on the head, slap me in the face, and pounce on anyone who dares to relax on the floor. She’s a lover of books, shoes, spaghetti, most male figures, and all things sweet. She’s a homewrecker, so don’t put anything nice within arms reach of her, and careful when you give her a bath… she tends to perform dangerous maneuvers.

These days, you can often find Genesee snacking, reading books, looking out the window, wrestling with me, riding my scooter, playing basketball, hiking with Dad, or splashing in self-made milk puddles. She’s got more teeth, more words, and more attitude than her last Well Child Appointment. But after this check-up, she’ll have less bottle time because Doc ordered a full transition to sippy cups.

So, our little, bottle-banned baby girl is growing up right before our eyes… She’s blossomed into quite a healthy, strong and unrestrainable toddler who moves through life on her own terms. And while it’s become quite clear that this is her world and the rest of us are just living in it, we wouldn’t want it any other way!

Future basketball star

This is not my idea of relaxing on the floor.

G loves story time!

Spaghetti dinners are the best…

…and quite messy!

G lounging on the couch

Wrestle wars!

G loves a good scooter ride.

A hiking they will go

She loves me!

Baller