Gingerbread Houses

Festival of Trees

Another event that we look forward to each year is our little town's Festival of Trees.  Our little tradition is to go each year with our friends Belinda, Kenny, Mary Helen and Maggie.  We usually make it every year unless someone is sick.  All of the local businesses decorate themed trees to be auctioned off and all of the money goes to children's charities.   All of us love going to it each year.  They serve hot chocolate, cookies and have a bonfire for roasting marshmallows.  I love looking back at all of the old pictures of previous years.  We have had some really special memories there.  This was our first public outing with our boys at about 3 weeks old because we were determined they would see Santa.  I remember the year that Abby FINALLY sat in Santa's lap and didn't have to stand beside him.  One year Nathan took his first steps right as we walked out the door to go.  Here are some of this year's memories:

Christmas Parade

Our town's Christmas parade is usually the official start of the Christmas season for us.  It is always the first week of December and we  look forward to it each year.  We go early to stake out our spot near the kids' old preschool.  (Brings back lots of memories!) No matter how hot it is on Monday of that week you can be assured by Thursday night it will be freezing!  This year was no exception.  We always walk down to the local bakery for cookies and hot chocolate.  We had a fun night and ran in to lots of friends!  This year the famous Clydesdales even made an appearance which is always a treat.

Hat head!!

Recreating a picture from years ago!