The first couple days of Christmas break were rough. Remember that puking kid at the holiday concert? Yep, that stomach bug made its rounds through school and picked me as its next victim at 4:00 a.m. on December 22nd. I had zero appetite, the energy of a sloth, no sparkle in my eye, and a mom who followed me around with a bucket like she was auditioning for the Olympics of Germ Containment. It was a huge bummer. We even had to cancel plans with friends, and I was seriously worried I wouldn’t get cleared for Christmas Eve at Grandma & Grandpa’s house.

Luckily, after a day and a half of rest, temperature checks, and motherly pampering, I was back in action and ready for all things merry and bright. It was the ultimate Christmas comeback!

It’s a good thing I made a full recovery because this Christmas was packed with all the best things: legendary meatballs, cheese-curd-infused macaroni and cheese, Red Lobster biscuits, fizzy Grinch punch, Grandma’s home-baked cookies, and the sweet magic of cherry berries on a cloud. Artemis added to the joy by showing off her pro-level gift-unwrapping skills. And to top it all off, Genesee and I were fortunate to receive amazing gifts like a shuffleboard table, a foosball table, a jewelry cabinet mirror, and Starbucks gift cards. But truth be told, my favorite gift was something that can’t be wrapped—being healthy and able to enjoy it all after a rocky start to the week.

Cheers to good health and Skibidi Rizzmas to all!

This fall was all about movement— We picked apples, scored goals, spun our bike wheels, started basketball season, and soaked up the cooler weather. By December, we welcomed the holiday lights, cookie making, and tree decorating. It was the season for moving and grooving, just like the swirling leaves.

“Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day.” -Shira Tamir

Life is better with homemade cookies.

That’s all. That’s the post.

December 10th, 2024 shall go down in history as one of those moments where I shined, literally. At our school’s holiday concert (Surfin’ Santa: A One Act Musical Play), I had big speaking parts, and let me tell you, the spotlight was definitely on me! I was nervous at first, and some of that shine came from my sweaty forehead, but once I got into the groove, it felt awesome to be up there, representing my 5th grade class as “Willy.”

Not everything went as planned, though—halfway through, a kid in the front row lost his cookies all over the risers. (Yuck!) It was not a cute look. Or smell, for that matter. Thankfully, the rest of us managed to hang on to our cookies and power through. I nailed my lines, and despite the unexpected drama, the show went on!

Artemis’ big moment finally came—meeting the one and only Santa Claus!

She approached him cautiously at first, sniffing his boots like a seasoned detective. But before long, she was snuggled up in his lap, doling out puppy love. When Santa asked if she was on the naughty or nice list, we replied, “Is there an ‘I tried’ list?”

Then, with perfect timing, Artemis leaned in and planted a wet kiss on Santa’s cheek, trying to charm her way to becoming his new favorite helper. Whether her strategy worked, we’ll have to wait until Christmas morning to find out. Our fingers (and paws) are crossed!

We had the chance to see something truly special this holiday season—a concert by B2wins, twin brothers from Brazil, on a mission to make people smile with music. When mom heard they were in town, we packed Grandma & Grandpa in the car and headed to Viroqua’s Historic Temple Theatre.

From the moment B2wins hit the stage, it was clear we were in for an unforgettable show. Their violins didn’t just sing—they told stories, blending classical Christmas tunes and Brazilian rhythms into a sound that was pure magic. The energy in the room was electric, and it felt like the holiday spirit came alive through every note. It was a holiday performance to remember; we left with nothing but joy.

Bundled up and braving the chill, we joined the Cook family to explore Sparta’s Kriskindlmarkt, where the air smelled of cinnamon and holiday cheer. The highlight? My sister meeting her long-lost twin, the Grinch! The cold only added to the magic, and with a warm cup of hot cocoa in hand, we wandered through the lights and laughter, soaking in every festive moment.

We browsed the little shops, hunting for Christmas treasures. Then, just down the steps and off the beaten path, I found the one...

..It was love at first bite.

Dear Mini Donuts,
You’re everything I didn’t know I needed. I’ll never forget you. Stay hot, stay fresh, and wait for me—I’ll be back next year.

There’s something magical about our annual Christmas tree adventure—it’s more than just picking out a tree; it’s about the ritual. My favorite part of the ritual? Kicking off the day with pancakes and smiles at Perkins, of course! But the tree search is always fun, too, and this year was extra special because we had Artemis along. To earn her keep, Artemis took her role as tree inspector very seriously, sniffing every branch until she approved “the one.” With the tree stuffed into the back of the truck, and our bellies stuffed with breakfast, we headed home to decorate, continuing a tradition that feels like the heart of the holiday season.

I just returned from an epic trip to Montana with my dad, Uncle Cory, and Grandpa. We stayed in the Highwoods area of Central Montana, in a recently remodeled cabin, where I snagged the top bunk every night. My only critique is that the water was stinky, but it was a fair trade for missing five days of school and getting to spend quality time with my main men!

In fact, it was a dream: Every day started with hunting and ended with playing cards. Plus, we didn’t come close to starving because Grandma sent us with delicious pre-made meals, and our Microwave Chef Grandpa was a pro at hitting just the right buttons to satisfy our bellies.

Of course, we worked hard for those meals! Besides hiking on foot here and there and everywhere, we also put a ton of miles on the side-by-side—12 miles one way just to get to the hunting area. I was the designated driver most of the time, while Dad got stuck being the gate opener. We experienced peaceful landscapes, witnessed a real cattle drive, and even saw hundreds of elk in one majestic spot!

The second full day was definitely the highlight, however, because right at daylight, we spotted a mule deer about 1,000 yards away. After a long stalk, we got within 50 yards, and I watched as Dad dropped him right on the spot. Well done, sir! And just as I was about to proclaim victory on the walkie talkie, we found out Uncle Cory had harvested a mule deer too! (Though it took him five shots to get the job done, but ya know, it happens to the best of us, and besides, that’s just a minor detail that doesn’t need to be publicly documented in our hunting chronicles).

After all of that excitement early on in the trip, we stuck around for a couple days to hunt a cow elk, but no luck there. But who needs luck!? Between the double header, laughter, bottomless plates of nachos, and even earplugs to block out a bunch of snoring bears, it was definitely a trip for the hunting books!

This year’s trick-or-treat was not so hot. I’m talking rainy, windy, and super duper cold. It was our first time trick-or-treating in town, and despite the miserable weather, we still scored plenty of candy, admired some amazing decorations, and managed to finish our route without succumbing to frostbite. Even our dog, Artemis, was shivering—but that didn’t stop her from stealing the show in her costume! Next year, though, we’re hoping for less “trick” and more “treat” in the weather forecast!

All in all, it was a good Halloween! We even made it to two Halloween parties this year. Of course mom had to be a party pooper because that’s how she rolls, but the rest of us knew how to have a good time!