Parades, Parks and Parties!!!

Last weekend was packed with all things Christmas. Our small town hosted its annual Christmas Parade. Below is a picture of Paul and Clara Beth ready and waiting for the fun to begin. It was cold so we all bundled up and waited for the parade to pass. Even Anna Kayla and Greg's dog joined in the fun. We waved as floats and people passed by us throwing out peppermints and chocolate to fill our coat pockets.

After the parade had rounded its last corner we gathered in our town park to sip hot chocolate and wait for the arrival of Santa Claus. We met some other special friends while there. Clara Beth was very curious as to why Elmo was wearing tennis shoes, I told her he had to because he had to walk so far in the parade.

Here's Greg helping Clara Beth with her hot chocolate. The park was filled with people, games and food.

Finally the big guy in red arrived and we were second in line to hop on his lap. Well actually only Clara Beth would sit on his lap. Emanuiel prefers to stand beside him and talk.

After they shared their very short list with Santa we walked to Anna Kayla and Greg's house for lunch. This has become a tradition after the parade. Here are Clara Beth and I leaving the park.

Anna Kayla had everything ready and waiting for us. Her house was decorated so pretty. Here's a shot of her mantle.

We enjoyed Loaded Baked Potato Soup which was perfect on such a wintry day and for dessert we had coffee and a yummy Cinnamon Cake. Below you can see Anna Kayla and Greg finding out what it's like to try and entertain little ones while getting lunch ready!

We topped off our visit with them by opening a door on the Advent calendar and discovering little chocolate goodies inside.

After that Anna Kayla, Clara Beth, Emanuiel and I headed off to a birthday party at a Christmas tree farm where we drank more hot chocolate, petted goats and enjoyed a hayride through the Christmas trees while the big boys all watched football and napped at home.

Later that night we headed out once again to enjoy a carriage ride(in the bitter cold) through a light filled children's home and farm. After our ride we had what else......but more hot chocolate and some homemade baked goodies. It was a day that was filled with many Christmas memories.

Until next time.......................... I hope that you and your family are busy making memories of this wonderful Christmas season.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV
[A Time for Everything] There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

Robin