Holiday Season 2016 went into full effect on Thursday morning as we rolled out of bed and into the kitchen to begin Project: Turkey. Â This was our first year eating at home and I was eager to spread my culinary wings. Â I pulled the bird out of the fridge, poked it a little, and then…left it to “rest” for a bit while I built up my confidence with cranberry sauce. Â You really can’t mess up cranberry sauce. Â Right, Jules?
I spent much of the day in the kitchen, reveling in that coziness that comes with oven warmth and good food smells and the sound of daddy-daughter giggles.
The Rust clan showed up late afternoon and Nance helped me with the finishing touches. Â Turkey, green beans, sweet potato casserole, broccoli bacon salad, corn bread, two kinds of cranberry sauce, and mulled wine, plus mashed potatoes and onion soup and apple pie a la Jason. Â LET’S EAT.
There was a short moment of panic as we wondered whether or not the bird was fully cooked, but we decided we’d chance it and dig in.
There is much to be thankful for.
We spent Friday morning cleaning out the garage and then headed over to Seward Park for a breath of fresh air.
Juliette is always thrilled by the sight of downtown Seattle, pointing and shouting “that’s Daddy’s building!” Â (His office is in the one with the green roof).
<<insert heart emojis here>>
I don’t know that we’ve ever hit this park this hard, biking the loop and “hiking” the trail and sitting on the beach and running the dock.  There was even a romp on the playground to wrap it all up!
We ate a leisurely, indulgent breakfast at Super Six on Saturday morning and then headed home to hunker down for what looked like would be a wet, wet day. Â Shortly after lunch, though, the sky brightened and we got a text from Jack: “dudes. unexpectedly devoid of rain right now. should we go get a tree?” Â Yes, please! Â To Mountain Creek we went.
Jules and N spent quite a while standing at the base of this tree and arguing, “I want this one!”, “No, I want this one!” Â Move along, kids!
We found a perfect 7-foot Noble Fir and Shane hacked it down in true lumberjack fashion while Juliette cheered him on.
The Chens went big.
I had to promise these kids apple cider and candy canes to pose for a quick shot.  Worth it.
This place, though! Â It never disappoints. Â The same kind lady has been handing us candy canes at the register for the past 11 years, and IÂ expect we’ll be here 11 years from now. Â At which point Juliette will probably insist on just sitting in the car and texting with her friends while Shane and I pick out the tree…
Better grab all those happy family selfies while we can!
We spent the rest of the day stringing lights and sipping egg nog while A Charlie Brown Christmas piped through the speakers. Â I think I say this every year, but this might really be our best tree ever.
Oh, holidays…I’m so glad you’re here.
