A Contest

I know, I know. These "gingerbread houses," which were lovingly handcrafted with a glue gun and graham crackers (you heard me), then decorated with great attention to detail, have awed you with their beauty and magnificence.

Now, I need your help. During our "gingerbread house" night, one of the participants mentioned that we should hold a contest on the family blog to see which one was the favorite of all our blog readers.

The participants were: Kristy, Chris, Nate, Nancy, Bill, Harper, and Elliott. I shall not reveal who created which house so as not to influence your vote. Please use the poll on the right to cast your vote for your favorite house.

Thank you! The winner will be revealed on Friday.

The Kid. In a Candy Store.

We have traditions. Some of them are fabulous and some of them are just things that we do every year just because we do them every year. For example, every year my mom gives us each a box of Cummings candy. My favorite kind of candy from Cummings chocolates is dark chocolate covered caramels. However, I get milk chocolate nut creams. Every year. It's a tradition.

This year, Nate and I were in charge of picking up the chocolates, which would later be delivered to various recipients (all nut creams, please). We had the pleasure of loitering in the store while our gifts were being wrapped.

Now this place is festive. Nate hardly knew what to do with himself.

Please don't tell my mom that I don't like nut creams. Thanks.

Per Your Requests

So, I turned off comments for a while. Because, you know, really not that many people commented anyway. But then, I received concerned messages, and confused texts, and frustrated Facebook updates. Who knew comments were critical? So you may comment now anytime your little heart desires to do so.

Also, Brent Hall has requested more kittens. Here is an adorable photo of Nate and Penelope. You know, the kittens really love Nate. He feeds them, plays with them, and has a perfectly tuned "kitten voice." Plus, he's really good at snuggling.

For, You Know, the Kids

Nancy's kids, Elliott and Harper, were in Arizona for Thanksgiving with Ty, so Nancy sent them a video greeting of Harper's favorite song.

I promised Nancy I would never, ever put this video of her singing "Turkey in the Straw" on my blog.

So here you go:

Turkey Day

Happy Mutti Day

Nancy and I were kid-free this Thanksgiving. Harper and Elliott were with Tyler in Phoenix. Nate and Ro were with their dad in St. George. This situation caused the aforementioned never-before-happened occurrence: the sisters had no kids around.

My mom's birthday fell the day before Thanksgiving this year, so we told her to choose whatever she'd like to do and we would play along. Luckily for us, she chose dinner at Sundance.

We enjoyed some serious girl talk and giggles.

I'm pretty sure that is a non-alcoholic martini your daughter is drinking, dad.

Happy birthday to the best Mutti in the whole world. Seriously. Everyone should have one just like her.