I’m not sure if I came up with this saying on my own or, perhaps, I read it somewhere, but like raking the leaves in fall, gathering all the leaves from our family tree is a wonderful experience.

For Andrew and Cassie Noyes in Colorado, wrangling up their kiddos Alex, Hayden and Dylan, and hopping on a plane bound for Martha’s Vineyard to see family seemed like a good thing to do. Ann and Hal Noyes were in their glory having them here. They had quiet moments strolling and taking in the sights. They had boisterous, raucous and downright disorderly moments as the cousins gathered under the roof of Hilary and John Keene. It sounds like a perfect visit was had by all.

As I sat on the boat last week for the first leg of my journey to visit family in New Hampshire, I glanced up and saw a familiar face. It was Molly Peach Mayhew. She, Matt and glorious little Ida were headed to see Molly’s folks in Jackson, N.H., just 15 minutes north of where I was going. Although we didn’t happen to bump into each other while we were in the valley, it was nice knowing we were neighbors. Coincidentally, Miss Ida celebrated her second birthday on Nov. 29.

Owen Singer was in town again for a few days to spend quality time with mom Claire Ganz and grandparents Ann and Bob. He did a few chores around the homestead to earn his keep. Chores with family can genuinely be fun. As an aside, the Martha’s Vineyard Times welcomes Claire as their new Chilmark columnist.

Tegan Fenner is back from a hunting trip with his grandfather Frank and Frank LoRusso. He didn’t have a ton of luck but time in the vast expanse of upstate New York is rewarding. He did manage to bring back some venison that put a dent in the empty space in the family freezer.

The Balabans made their way from New Jersey to Wayside Farm for the fourth week in November. Susan, Jason and Sophie, along with their pup, enjoyed beach walks, food and friends.

Sarah and Eugene Langner, along with their teens Sam and Josh, spent quality time at their Levy family home on Prospect Hill. They not only enjoyed Thanksgiving hosted by Tim Carroll and Genc Brinja but their sweet pup Scooter had an opportunity to frolic with their dog Miki and my daughter’s beagle/redbone coonhound Hooper. The three canines played hard and napped long.

Another milestone event happened at the Thompson home this past week. Just shy of her sixth birthday — which happens to be Dec. 4 — Mae Thompson got a visit from the Tooth Fairy. She shed her very first tooth and, for the time-being, might have a tiny bit of trouble biting into apples and such with that wide open space.

Don’t forget: Offerings of Music and Light will be held in honor of Lia Littlefield Kahler on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. at the Chilmark Church. It is a wonderful spot to enjoy music and brighten up these dark December days. All are welcome to stop in, not only for the entertainment but for warmth, candles and refreshments.