16.8 year streak

As we drove to the hospital Wednesday night Hamp says to me “aw man, I broke my streak!” Meaning he had never broken a bone before... turns out 1-on-1 basketball drills can sometimes get out of hand... and elbows are harder than noses!

But I am relieved that it was only a broken nose and a clean break that was easy to fix. And after 3 trips to the hospital (initial trip to the ER, consult with the ENT & reset in the OR!) I am happy to have Hamp all straightened out - at least esthetically. He was in no pain and super calm throughout the 48 hour process so I am glad to know he has his father’s nerves of steel!

He’ll be back to basketball practice in January.... 

in the ER Wednesday night:

getting ready to go under to have it reset:

all done:

(and enjoying the lingering effects of anesthesia...)

we got a BIG tree this year....

No... not that one!

After Thanksgiving we all drove into the National Forest for the annual Christmas Treet hunt... and while we were disappointed in the lack of snow, the day was beautiful enough to enjoy hiking around!

We did find a great tree (thanks, Mojo!) that I was sure would be a perfect fit in our house.

The boys dissented, but cut it down for me anyway.

Sweet Hamp let his younger cousins help him saw...

Sam insisted on "sledding" despite the meager conditions... and everyone enjoyed playing outside for a little while!

(until they were cold, hungry and tired.... then it was time to go home)

And quite frankly, I think this big boy (whom Sam randomly named Darryl?!) looks lovely with all the lights and baubles... 

Kitten thinks it's perfect, too.