Christmas Eve 2008

Christmas Eve is spent every year with my family, we have such a wonderful time together and what a blessing to have Lauren and Landon with us this year. Of course as I mentioned in my Thanksgiving post my Grandpa passed away in June so this was our first Christmas without him and we truly missed him. I am so thankful that our whole family was able to spend Christmas Eve with my Granny at her house to help her through this time. All the kids got several presents from all the aunts and uncles and loved playing together.

Chirstmas Lights

The weekend before Christmas we decided to check out the lights in Van Buren. There is a house that has Christmas lights that dance and blink to music, just set your radio to a certain station and watch the show, for FREE. Anyway we waited in line for about 45 minutes to see this and was it worth it. Santa was even there handing out candy canes to all the cars. Alyson loved the show, although her favorite part was Santa coming up to her window and talking to her and giving her candy, since this is what she had told me she wanted Santa to bring her for Christmas. It was a wonderful show and well worth the drive and time.

Church Christmas Play

This year Alyson was old enough to participate in the church Christmas play. She was a beautiful little angel. There were four angels in the play this year: Alyson, Braxton, Gaven, and Piper. All the kids looked really cute in their angel costumes. All of Alyson's grandparents came to watch her big performance, although she did not really sing any of the songs (not because she didn't know them, I guess it was stage fright) but she still looked super cute up front. Aunt Mimi and Uncle Andrew came to watch her also. After the program we all met in the fellowship hall for yummy sweet treats. Happy Birthday Jesus!

Alyson and Piper and Alyson and Gaven

Alyson's First Christmas Parade

That is the first parade to actually ride on a float in. Our church entered a float in Mansfield's Christmas Parade this year and the kids in AWANA (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed) rode on it. Alyson had a blast and she was really excited when she was the one throwing the candy. I think she might have liked it more than being the one catching the candy, on second thought maybe not more, but she was excited. It wasn't a big parade but we had fun riding in it.

Family Chirstmas Pictures

I have to say this year I really loved our family Christmas pictures. Alyson cooperated wonderfully and we actually had fun doing them. As tradition after family photos Daddy takes his girls out for our Christmas dinner which is always Olive Garden and then we go look at Christmas lights. Thank you Daddy we had a great time. Merry Christmas!

This is the only pic I could get, but Christmas cards have been sent out with good pics.

Our Christmas Tree

Owen and I have always wanted real Christmas trees at our home, so in keeping with tradition the day after Thanksgiving we all went as a family and picked out our Christmas Tree. I now that we would have so much fun going to a tree farm to pick out a tree but we really like frasier furs and the only place we have ever gotten on is either Home Depot or Lowes. It really didn't take much time to find the right tree, we all agreed, even Alyson that this was the one. She even did a little modeling of one of her new Christmas shirts.

Greenwood Chirstmas Parade

A couple of weeks ago our town had its annual Christmas Parade, I was not entirely sure we were going to go but after mentioning it in front of Alyson and her request that we take her so she could see Santa I decided we would brave the cold and go. Unfortunately Owen was not feeling very well the night of the parade (fever and overall aches) I had determined that Alyson and I would just have to go it by ourselves. My cousin Kellie, however was kind enough to accompany us the parade, I am sure she felt more like my pack mule (she carried most of my things, camera, blanket, and various other things while I carried Alyson the ENTIRE HOUR AND A HALF we were at the parade). I need not mention that after standing at the parade for that period of time holding a nearly three year old child one's arms tend to feel a lot like jello by the end of the night, but we made it and I am so glad we went. Before the parade began they had the lighting of the town square and fireworks, Alyson had a wonderful time. Thanks Kellie for going with us and braving the very cold temperatures.