First Weekend of December = Busy, Crazy Fun!

Friday night, Coop's preschool class sang a few songs at the town's annual Christmas tree lighting. He was so excited, and kept reminding all of us that we needed to get ready so we wouldn't be late. We were all under the impression that he wouldn't know any of the songs, since he couldn't even remember the words to Jingle Bells, but imagine our surprise when they put him smack in the middle of the pack and he sang the loudest! I SO WISH my camera would take video in the dark, because it was absolutely PRICELESS to watch his goofy grin while he sang the songs and did the motions. Several people were laughing at him, but in a good way. Our friends Caleb and Desi came to watch, and Uncle Leroy and Aunt Juanez ended up being there too, to meet some of their friends. So it was a nice (although very COLD) little gathering, and we all had a fun time.

Saturday was such a whirlwind day, but one of the best we've had in a long time. Dave & I got to go Christmas shopping by ourselves, while the boys stayed with Aunt Kris and Uncle Kev. We got a lot done, and managed to not even get into any arguments about what we bought! LOL! Then we rushed back to Grandview, picked out our Christmas tree, brought it home, put it in the stand and changed our clothes for the Lighted Parade. A quick stop at Starbucks for some coffee, cocoa and snacks, and we were ready! Dave brought his little heater, which we hooked up to our propane tank and sat in front of us on the sidewalk. Thank goodness we had that thing! It was a FRIGID evening...but when we saw Papa's float coming down the street, all of that numb, cold feeling went away for just a minute, because we were all so excited! Dad's City of Sunnyside float won 1st place in its division. He and all his friends were very pumped!

Dad & Mom drove the float, and there's Hunter cheering them on!

They even had the voices from the movie playing!

Up on top of the tractor is sad-looking Charlie, kneeling by his floppy tree.

We were finally able to get the tree decorated Sunday after church. And I must say, it looks much better with the lights and ornaments on it because I was afraid after getting it into the stand that I'd picked a dud...LOL! Tonight I have big plans for wrapping a few gifts, but I'm afraid once they're out there Cooper will not stop throwing fits to open some! So who knows... Wow, this has been a long post. I admire the bloggers who can just post a picture and a sentence. I, however, have the gift of story-telling, which I probably got from my dad...okay, which I ABSOLUTELY got from my dad - ha!

Thanksgiving, Bowling and Christmas Decorating, OH MY!

There have been several blog-worthy events since Thanksgiving, so I'm wrapping them all into one!

Thanksgiving this year was spent with Dave's family. I always look forward to his mom's cooking, and she didn't disappoint this year...everything was YUMMY! She is the mother of all boys, and all of her boys have boys...no girls...so it gets pretty rowdy, but that's the way we like it. They all played football in the rain. I went out to take a few pics, but there was no way I was gonna stand out there and watch! LOL!

Friday, Kristal and I went shopping. Even though we didn't get up SUPER early, like all the other crazies, we did get a lot done. Dave and the boys wanted to go bowling when I got back, so we called my parents and they came with us. Dave's mom and stepdad ended up being down there too, so it was a true family affair! As always, Dave and my dad had the best scores and Hunter pouted the whole time because he wasn't "doing good". I think he gets his competitive attitude from my side of the family! Coop is a natural. He always makes sure we're all looking, then lets the ball go and watches it 'til it hits the pins...even if that is ten minutes later...LOL! I tried to stay even with my mom's score, and we did okay. :)

Finally, we got our house decorated - inside and out - for Christmas! I worked all day Saturday and had it almost done by the time Dave got home from snowmobiling. Sunday after church, Dave mustered up some Christmas spirit and got all of the outside lights and decorating done. I tried to help as best I could...and was actually a bit sore the next day! Whew...I'm out of shape!

We sincerely hope that this time of year is special for each one of our friends and family. More fun blogs to come, so check in often!