What's been going on???

I haven't been in a blogging mood lately. I don't know why, but the words just haven't come. I've been in a little bit of a slump. I'm seeing some relief from my " slumppiness", but I will just have to catch up with what's been going on with one post and lots of pics. Over the past couple of weeks we have celebrated Thanksgiving and began decorating for Christmas. Thanksgiving was spent with family, some from both Patrick's and my side. We were able to get out of town for a few days and that was just a perfect time for the 6 of us. We had Thanksgiving dinner at my mom's "country house" and it was oh so delicious and wonderful. We all had much to be thankful for. The kids got a total of 6 days in a row off for vacation! Such a treat!! Monday afternoon we took our annual trip up to the mountains to cut down our Christmas tree. I love doing this! The weather was perfect for tree hunting and we found a spectacular one this year. Every year our tree just gets better and better. Michael is really at the perfect age this year to get hyped up about the festivities. Last year he didn't really understand anything that was going on around the holidays, but what a difference a year ( and the influence of his older sisters' anticipation!) makes. He is SO thrilled for Santa to arrive - it is going to nearly drive me crazy by the time that sleigh finally pulls up to the roof!!!!!