Christmas Fun 2011

We have had a really great month, attending lots of Christmas events.

A couple of weekends ago we went to the Christmas parade.  It was great that it wasn't freezing outside that evening! 

A huge crowd was there, partly because local boy Tony Stewart was the Grand Marshall of the parade.

I took some grainy iPhone photos of the evening.

A huge, locally-built Cummins engine

From my vantage point, I realize you can't see Tony Stewart.  He's riding in the car with our Mayor, waving to the crowds.  His photo was all over our local paper, so I know it was him :)

And Santa himself!

After the parade we went for Japanese food with another family and watched some of the fireworks.

A really fun night!

Over the last weekend we attended several parties and I'm looking forward to the coming, laid-back, weekend before we travel south for Christmas.

We hosted David's new staff and their spouses at a local restaurant.  The food and company were terrific.  I haven't laughed that hard in a long, long time.

Saturday night we attended our friend's annual Christmas Cookie Exchange party. 

We've missed it due to conflicts the last couple of years so we were happy to make it this year!

Every family brings 3 dozen cookies and a large table is set up with the various kinds with place cards identifying the type.

The kids get a plate of cookies and hot apple cider and then play in the basement.

The adults enjoy cookies and some more adult beverages, in addition to cider, hot chocolate, and coffee - and college basketball on t.v.

The cookie nameplates are put into a drawing and two winners are drawn for prizes from the hosts.

Then each family gathers in front of the Christmas tree for an annual photo.

Sarah then sends the photo, along with a hard copy, to each family.

Isn't that thoughtful?!

I loved seeing the album of Cookie Exchange party in years past.

I took Melissa's Chocolate Chip cookies this year and they were a hit!

On Sunday afternoon we had our neighborhood Christmas party at Dr. and Mrs. Able's house.

There was a huge turnout and the food and catching up were great.

I took a Feta Dip and sliced whole grain baguette.  It was so good!

The boys have attended a number of parties at school and they have two big ones with church coming up.  It's a busy time of year, but I love it!