Christmas Lights

Shortly before Christmas, when the oldest was home, we ate dinner at our favorite malt shop and drove around looking at the Christmas lights on houses.  It was kind of odd to be doing it with no snow on the ground, but no matter--it was fun!   

Traditions

This was the last year for the youngest to be in the Sunday School Christmas program.  She was the Angel Gabriel.  It was a very nice program.  We'll miss having someone in it. 

After it was over, we headed to Macy's for the auditorium show "A  Day in the Life of an Elf."  We do miss the variety there used to be with a new theme each year, but it is still cute. 

Oh Christmas Tree

 Yes, that is the tree skirt.

Merry Christmas!

Nativities

In early December I went with a friend to this display of nativities at  a church.  It was amazing! It was in the church's gym, but as you can see it was lovely with nice lighting and tableclothes.  There were all kinds of nativities--probably 200-300 made from many materials such as porcelin and wood.  There was even an old one molded from white chocolate.  Some were from other countries.  There were also a few odd ones such as a snowman nativity and a penquin nativity. 

At the end we received a small baby Jesus ornament which would be easy to make.  I will try to take a picture and post it.  There was nice background music being played by various people.  Next year I plan to go with the family.

Thanksgiving

This year we took our traditional roadtrip north to the in-laws.  Dinner and visiting followed by pool time, lunch out and a movie the next day.  We saw Jack and Jill with Adam Sandler.  It was a compromise since some wanted to see the Twilight movie and others (me) would have liked to see The Muppet Movie. On Saturday we hit the craft store on the way home.  On hindsight, I wish I had bought a few more things there.  Overall, I didn't get too many pictures.

Are you dizzy yet--having flown through October and November in just a few days? ; )

Encampment

In November, the younger two and I went to encampment. It was middle daughter's last. Who doesn't like smores by an indoor firepit? 

The girls did a lot of service projects including making birthday bags for the food shelf. 

This game is British and a lot of fun. The die goes around the circle until someone gets a six.  That person runs around the circle until they get back to their spot. They sit down and put on the scarf and oversized gloves.  Then, they try to get a piece of the king-sized candy bar using a fork and knife.  If they get a piece their turn is over. Meanwhile, the die continues to be passed around the circle.  If another person gets a six, they run around the circle and then have to get the scarf and gloves off the person currently wearing them and try for the chocolate. The game ends when the chocolate is gone!

Making fleece blankets was another service project.  This one was nice because it had cutting lines printed on it.  Even though I haven't been a leader for a couple of years, I am still registered and I end up going with one troop or another and join in on the fun! 

A Better View

Here is a better view of the Project Runway jacket without the scarf.  Just darling--both my daughter and the jacket!

Project Runway

A store in a nearby suburb had a fashion show to benefit a charity in November.  Some of the girls modeled clothes from the store while others entered the competition.  You could compete in the category of remaking an existing piece of clothing or you could make clothing out of materials clothes aren't  usually made of.  The youngest remade my husband's old long-sleeved running t-shirt into a short open jacket.  For her efforts she won a $50 gift certificate to the store.  It was a fun show and it was exciting that she won!

Fall Table

In November I entertained my college friends.  I thought the table looked nice.

Halloween

The great pumpkin carving event. Please ignore the background.

The youngest had a few friends over to trick-or-treat with her and so she made some witches hats for dessert.  After all, they didn't need much since they would be getting lots of candy.

Papa Murphy's provided dinner.

This year, at home, we had a cute bumblebee and a Nordic Mulan.

The jack-o-lanterns turned out cute.  The dog has a Wishbone hanging in front of its face. It was a fun evening!

Miscellaneous

I am catching up on my posts. Hurray! I have made  it to the beginning of Halloween. It would be sad to have it look like we skipped it this year wouldn't it?  Here is our sweet, tolerant now that she is mature, Emmy.  All set for some trick-or-treating. 

And what else is there to do at this time of year, but go ice skating with a friend?

Notice how much the support thing (what do you call it?) is needed.

Followed by a delicious cinnamon sugar jack-o-lantern tortilla.  Enjoy the final week of Advent!

Friends

These three sure have grown up from the days when they played with dolls. Two at college and the last one  will be next year.  If you have little ones, be sure  to enjoy every minute because as I've said before--time flies!