Christmas, already!

Thanksgiving's not here yet, but we've been doing some Christmas-like things already.  We've already had two Thanksgiving lunches last week, the feast at Jordan's school and a lunch at Chris' office.  Both were feasts.  Tons of food and laughter.

We have four more to go over the course of the rest of the week.  I used to get burned out and stressed about all of the dinners but last year I realized that going to lots of Thanksgivings just means that we have lots of sweet friends and families in our lives.  Something else to be thankful for!

The kids and I were in the mall doing some shopping and we came across Santa.  I didn't know he'd actually be there.  To be honest, he was kind of a sketchy looking Santa.  Vi wanted nothing to do with him.  She wanted to see him at first, got out of her stroller and walked around the big path get up close and then kind of freaked out and hid under my shirt.  She wouldn't even be bribed with a candy cane.  I really can't say that I blame her!  Jordan told Santa his wishes and got hats and candy canes for himself and for Violet.  Shaun, of course, is too old for  Santa but he wanted Violet to like him.  But...when he saw this Santa up close,  he couldn't blame her, either.  Ha!

I also let the kids put up their little Christmas trees in their rooms.  We went to Hobby Lobby to browse around and everything Christmas is 50% off, so I couldn't resist.  The kids have always wanted little trees in their rooms and now they have them.  Here's a picture of Violet decorating her tree.  Ignore the messy room... it's just real life around here!

She worked so hard and this was the finished product:

It really took all of my self control to not even out those ornaments.  She was so proud and kept saying, "That's one gorgeous tree"!

She also wanted her "trophy" under the tree. The "trophy" belonged to my great-grandmother Mammie.  She never knew Violet,  but I love that Violet loves that little figurine. 


On Saturday, I decided that it would be fun to take Violet to a Christmas ballet.  It was  a free production, she's shown an interest in dance, so we met up with a group from our church.  Natalee, Violet's best friend, came along, too.  Here they are before the show started.

They were so excited, and they LOVED the ballet.  For about 2 songs, they were on the edge of their seats proclaiming how beautiful the dancers dresses were and oohing and ahhhhing over the scenery.  And then that was enough. I took Violet out to the bathroom twice and then just stayed out in the lobby while she played on the stairs.  And then we left with them at intermission.  Ha!  Oh, well.  Maybe next year.  


And finally, I was in the library yesterday and found this book.

Oh my goodness, it  made me so excited!  I remember my teacher reading the longer version aloud to my class in second grade.  I didn't even know that it had been adapted for a younger audience, but this shorter version is every bit as great as the original.  Such a sweet book, and Violet really enjoyed it, too.  I really have the Christmas spirit now, even though it's not even Thanksgiving.  

Tomorrow we're planning on getting our tree. This weekend is filling up quickly so I'm glad Chris is off tomorrow so we can enjoy setting up for Christmas without being rushed before all of the crazy busyness of Christmas sets in.  

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Skating

We went to a birthday party last week, and Violet tried roller skating for the first time.  She actually did pretty well, considering how terrible her mother is at skating.  I don't skate, but my niece and my sister helped her out.  

Here are some pictures from out afternoon.  I think they're so funny!

Fallish Things

It's November, so Fall has been around for awhile now, but since we live in Georgia the heat likes to stick around and it never seems like Fall until really late in October.  At least to me it doesn't.  

I remember one year, when Shaun was maybe 2 or 3 years old, it was 90 degrees on Halloween.  

Not this year, though.  The weather has cooled down and I love it!

Jordan's class has been studying China, and each kid had to make his or her own (flyable) kite as a project.  We left school early one day and drove out to a field to fly them.  Jordan's kite looked good, but wasn't a very good flyer.

  Most of the kids had the same problem, so there were plenty of store bought kites there for the kids to fly.  

The kids and I have been going to the park a lot lately.  Jordan and Shaun skip rocks and take pictures, and Violet just plays or runs around like crazy.  I know it sound sappy, but I know my days of going to the park with my kids are numbered and I'm just so glad that they still like to go.  Last time, the fickle Fall weather was so warm that I let them wade in the water.  I won the Cool Mom Award for that one.  Ha!

We missed Mule Camp Market due to our busy schedules, but we did make it to The Gold Rush after church one Sunday.  Mainly for the rides, of course. 

We walked Wilshire Trails the other day with hopes of seeing some Fall colors, but we were a little early.  Going to try to go back in the next few days.  

A certain little girl wimped out on the walk back and Shaun was nice enough to carry her. Violet kept rubbing his hair and saying, "It's softer than it looks".  

Another trip to Laurel Park, and we saw some orange leaves!

And of course, the annual  Pumpkin Carving Party with our friends the Cyphers.  One of our favorite things about Fall!

Violet wanted a Sofia the First pumpkin, so her daddy made it for her.

Fall Festival at Free Chapel.  Two nerds and a Bulldawg cheerleader.

I didn't dress up, but I ate a ton of candy, which resulted in this funny text.

Jordan's school had a Greek Festival...olympics events and a Greek feast.

The boys and I went to watch the Trojans stomp the War Eagles last Friday night.  

And Halloween.

Shaun went Trick-or-Treating for the last time.  We are sending the kids with him next year! Ha!  We met up with some friends and hit a subdivision.

And then our family went to dinner and the Haunted Hay Ride at Papa's Pizza.  

Have you heard of Jae Tracie?  I love her.  She's so funny and just real.  I came across this youtube video she did about Halloween and whether or not Christians should take part in it.  I loved it because this is almost exactly the way I feel about Halloween.  I'm not starting a debate, just throwing  my perspective out there.  

And finally, I took this picture on the way out of church this past Sunday.  Violet was in her galoshes and jumping in every puddle, so it took us forever to get to the car.  Lovely Fall!  I slowly strolled along and enjoyed the view.