We stopped at another Bass Pro Shop on our travels and Dorothy wrote a follow-up letter

Choir concert #3

The Sunday Funny

For the life of me, I can't recall the set-up, but I scribbled down the punchline:

Dorothy and I laughed at something ridiculous, and I suggested that Dad would be confused when he came home and found out.  I said something like, "Dad will ask what in the world we've been up to."  Dorothy added, "We'll exchange looks..."

We did family Christmas early (Mele Kalikimaka!)

Holiday luncheon at school

Dorothy has a cookie exchange today

Neighborhood holiday parade post-party

 

All is calm

Choir concert #2

 

Choir concert #1

 

Lego Advent calendar

Our Bass Pro Shop Tradition

 

Advent-ing

The Sunday Humbler

On our recent drive to Valdosta we stopped at our favorite convenience store, which is a clean and friendly family-owned place in Jesup.  After we used their restroom, we all got snacks.  Dorothy picked-out a double-package of snowballs, Sarah got spicy peanuts, Brian bought a Rice Krispy Treat, and we all shared a tube of rainbow bubblegum--a snacking bonanza!  Back in the car, we explained to Dorothy why we wanted to support the store, and we talked a little about how buying the treats would help them stay in business.  Dorothy pointed-out that there was a donation bucket at the counter for a child with cancer.  I said that I had not noticed it, but that if it was there when we returned, she could put money in it.

On the return trip home to Savannah, Dorothy suggested two or three times that we go to the same convenience store.  Brian and I chuckled, and even noted that she must have her eye on more treats to "support the business."  When we did stop there, she quietly pointed-out the collection bucket for the child with cancer.  "Thank you for reminding me," I said.  "I had forgotten about it but we'll put in money this time."  She whispered, "That's why I wanted to come here."

Dear Santa

Draft

Willa's Swiftie birthday party

Baby Love (second cousins)

The Sunday Funnies

After checking-out at a store, Dorothy asked me, "Did you see how long the cashier's nail extensions are?"

Dorothy read every sign at the Jacksonville Zoo.  She's got that absorbent nine-year-old brain.  In the Africa section, we viewed the Bongos, which were new to me, and we laughed about the name.  On our way out of the area, I quizzed Dorothy:  "Do you remember what those are called?"  She wrinkled her face and thought for a while.  "Bongos!"  I answered for her.  She scowled.  "I thought you meant what are their real names.  It's something like Serena and Jade.  Of course I know that they're called Bongos."

Decorating a mini tree with Gram

Black Friday = holiday crafting

The Thankful List 2023

Each night in November we share something we're thankful for.  Here is Dorothy's list, 2023:

• My awesome family
• School friends
• How nice all my friends & family are
• Skeleton dances
• Love
• Field trips
• Playdates
• How nice Ms. Stephens is
• Doctors
• Livia
• Rubber bands for making rubber band bracelets & making Barbie ponytails
• Maisie & all my other friends, and birthday parties
• Books
• Library
• All my friends
• The Thankful List
• Hugs
• Axolotls and hamsters
• Frosties (peppermint)
• The zoo
• Hammy
• Taylor Swift
• [sound of footsteps near Sarah's bed]  Good morning!  I'm thankful for you.  [Sarah melts.]

Happy Thanksgiving!

On Monday we visited the zoo with Daniel's family

Admiring shoes

Loving giraffes

Our Chinese zodiac signs (Valerie was getting lunch!)

The zoo has no paper maps.  Mom was lost all day.

The lantern decorations light-up at night and were so beautiful.

Lanterns

Lanterns

Lanterns

Andrew diligently worked on the lollipop until it was white.

Dorothy's #1 goal was to see otters.

Valerie, Alina, Daniel, Maddux, & Andrew

Lanterns

Dorothy and I stayed until closing!

 

My daughter wanted bangs

The Sunday Funny

Dorothy and I were bantering, and laughing, and I eventually remarked, "We've been saying 'fart' a lot lately, and that's unlike me."  "That's because it rhymes with everything," Dorothy retorted.

"B" is for Betsy

Book character dress-up day

Discovering Koala in her satchel

Think in Circles

Dorothy & the band

 

Harry Potter party: wands, potions, tasting Bertie Bott's Beans

The Sunday Funnies

Dorothy and I made some Jell-o No Bake Cheesecake.  I told her that I thought that the cherry topping was classic.  She pointed out that there was a different flavor called "classic."  I understood, but noted that the classic cheesecake doesn't have a topping.  "No," she told me, "the picture on the box has a dollop."

Brian asked me why I went to Kohl's and came home empty-handed.  I explained that I wanted to order something that Kohl's carries online, and you can get free shipping if you use the app from within the store.

"Does everybody know this trick?" he asked.

"I don't think so," I said,  "but most people would probably just pay $9 shipping instead of driving to Kohl's.  Or they would order three things instead of one to get free shipping."

"And return two of them?" asked Dorothy.

Please, oh please, wear your overalls, Mom begged