Christmas tree fun

Last weekend we headed out to get our Christmas tree.  We may have a new tradition on our hands, as this was the second year that we went to a local Christmas tree farm.  This farm offers the "complete" experience, with wagon rides, cookies, hot chocolate, bonfires and, of course, lots of trees.  We lucked out with great weather - not too cold, but still winter-y. 

Decorating was fun too - Kate found the whole tree-inside-the-house concept (not to mention the tree-inside-the-car concept!) to be quite hilarious.  She kept pointing to the tree and letting out a squeal of delight.  The initial novelty has subsided, but she still enjoys moving the ornaments around every once in a while.

Kate's first baking experience

Don't worry, these cookies were not destined for public consumption  :o)

November Holiday

Back in early November we took a long weekend and went to Lapland Lake Resort in the Adirondacks.  It was an odd sort of in-between season, with virtually no fall colour left, but no winter magic either.  But it was still a nice break.

Lapland Lake provides simple houskeeping cottages with small kitchens.  It was a nice "home base" for the weekend, as it is right on the edge of Adirondack State Park.  We climbed Hadley Mountain (3.6 miles roundtrip) and got a great view from the top of the fire tower.  Even though it was much shorter, it seemed harder at times than our Camel's Hump climb in September.  I expect it was quite a bit steeper, but I haven't calculated the elevation gain.  The trail was interesting, as it crisscrosses with a little creek all the way up.  There were lots of other people on the trail too - it seems to be a popular local spot. 

We also spent some time at the resort's private waterfront.  We even tried our hands at rowing for the first time - we didn't get very far, but it was fun to try!

 At the waterfront

Kate insisted on climbing the fire tower, but Daddy wouldn't let her go all the way up. 

Kate likes to carry her backpack! 

 (She walked about the first 100 feet by herself but was carried the rest of the way)

Great views

 

At the top!