Merry Christmas!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Christmas day that is spent with close family and friends! Let us remember what Christmas is truly about.

Big Bear Pictures!

Our family has a yearly tradition that dates back to when I when I was in high school and before all the kids were born (except for Katie and Maggie). Every Thanksgiving weekend, the cousins trek up the mountain to spend the weekend at a cabin in Big Bear. I wasn't allowed until I was out of high school, but ever since then, it's been a tradition I always look forward to. We've been to three different cabins in the past, but the current one we stay at is our all time favorite. It has 4 bedrooms and two good sized living spaces. It fits perfectly with our growing bunch.

Below are some photos from this past weekend. I miss it already!

"Serious" Eric, on the way up the mountain


The view once we got up there






Here is our home away from home, Coulter Lodge.



A trip to the cabin isn't complete without playing a bunch of games.

Uno

I'm almost out!!

Poker is a must during Big Bear weekend

I'm preparing to deal

My brothers, Dave (who is camera shy) and Jon

My cousin, Tom, is the big winner!

Whatcha drinkin' Dave?
Amanda takes in the action
Karen's Big Bear tradition is to work on her scrap booking

Usually after spending lots of time sitting and watching movies, or playing games, we like to go out and get some fresh air by taking a walk.

My niece and nephew, Mia and Nick

My nephews, Justin and Joshua
Joshua is all bundled up! Good grief is he ever cute!

Me and the hubster. Sorry it's so blurry!
This one is a bit too dark, but at least it isn't blurry! We are in the same spot as above too.
Jon and Amanda
Dave and Karen
A random shot of the roaring fire we always had going

I can't believe Big Bear weekend has already come and gone. We always have so much fun and I'm already looking forward to next year!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Fall!!

Even though it's still 90 degrees outside, I felt like decorating for fall today! It may as well feel like fall inside, even though it still feels like summer outside! I dug out my box of decorations and got to work and I must say, it looks nice and cozy now!



Here is the overview of the living room. Don't mind the giant fan in the corner. It may be ugly, but that thing really make a difference in the coolness of the room.




Here is a close up of the mantel.




A close up of our coffee table



Here is my dining room table



I haven't even lit any of my candles and already my house smells like pumpkins and cinnamon. I love this time of year!

Fall Meme

I found this Fall Meme at one of my favorite blogs! I thought it would be fun to join in!

When does fall begin for you? Once it finally feels chilly enough to wear long sleeves. Usually that's not till November. I decorate for fall in September (I'm decorating tomorrow!) but it doesn't really feel like it until later.

What is your favorite aspect of fall? The cooler weather and the chance to have a fire in the fireplace

What is your favorite fall memory? Our Big Bear trips every Thanksgiving.

What do you like to drink in the fall? At home, coffee with pumpkin flavored creamer. At Starbucks, a pumpkin spiced latte.

What's your favorite fall food? Soups and pumpkin bread

What is fall weather like where you live? Not 100 degrees! September-October is usually around 80 degrees and in November it gets to be around 70ish. Still not cold enough for me.

What color is fall? orange, olive green, brown and red

What does fall smell like? pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, apples

Holiday shopping in fall: yes or no? This year I already have my Christmas money set aside so I will be doing my Christmas shopping early this fall. Not 3 days before Christmas as usual.

If you could go anywhere in the fall, where would you go? New England. I would live to see the fall colors.

What is your favorite fall sport? I'm not really into sports

Do you have a favorite fall chore? Putting away my usual decor to break out my fall decorations

What is your least favorite thing about fall? Not a thing. I love everything about it!

What is your favorite fall holiday? Thanksgiving Day.

What's your favorite kind of pie? Pumpkin

Which do you prefer, the Farm or the Fair? I've never been on a farm, however I think I would like that better, seeing as our fair is ghetto.

Do you have a favorite fall book? I don't really have one. Perhaps I should find one!

How about a favorite fall poem or quote?

No Spring nor Summer Beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one Autumnal face.
--John Donne