Eight Maids a-Milking

Topic:  Holiday Eats

This one is easy - BAKE DAY! My family does an annual bake day where all of the women in the family get together for an entire day to bake! We gab away, tell stories, laugh until we just about pee, pray before we eat, and mass produce cookies. This tradition started with my Grandma and us Grandchildren just won't let the tradition go.We change up what we're baking almost every year. Some of the things we baked this year are: Cinnamon Hazelnut Biscotti, Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, Chocolate dipped shortbread cookies, 4-layer bars, Oatmeal cranberry raisin cookies, White chocolate chip and macadamia nut cookies, Butternut Balls and Muddy Buddies just to name a few!

Three French Hens

Topic: Travel Tales

Over the Thanksgiving Holiday we traveled to Maui with Nicole's whole family. I really think traveling together is the way to go! We have also traveled with them for a Mexican Riviera cruise and also traveled with my family to Donner Lake, that was a first for my family! It was tons of fun!

Personally, traveling stresses-me-the-heck-out until we're at our final destination. Thank goodness my lovely wife is a good traveler! 

I really miss traveling to So Cal to visit my Father, Sister and her family (1 niece, 3 nephews (one I haven't met)). Unfortunately, the dynamic has changed. Not by my choice, but my sisters. That doesn't mean I don't miss them, love them any less or hurt because they choose to not allow us in their lives because it "is just easier for them".. boy I wish I had that switch to turn on\off at the drop of a hat. And as for my Father, he struggles with addiction so unfortunately he is in\out of our lives from time to time. I'm hopeful that one day he will be freed from addiction and able to enjoy life with those who love and support him most.