'Tis The Season

I enjoyed my time on Friday. I got stocking stuffers for Casey, paid a couple of bills, hung out with Maggie and picked up my consignment check. An extra $35 in the pocket this time of year isn't bad! My dad arrived safely on Friday and was able to catch some zzz's before coming to our place for dinner. Ian was excited to see Grandpa, but thrown for a loop at first. It only took him a couple of seconds to warm up to him though.

Saturday morning everyone came over for breakfast. It was a good start to the day. Ian took a nap and when he woke up we headed to the cookie party at Maggie's house. Yum! There were so many cookies to snack on and everyone got to take a box home with them. Trouble for me:) The best surprise of the day were gifts from Amy & Courtney! Courtney is one crafty gal and she made each girl at the party an apron. I love mine and it is exactly what I need to pull off being a fabulous hostess on Christmas Eve. Check it out!

Saturday night we all headed downtown for Longmont Lights. Ian's first parade! It was rather chilly so we only stayed for an hour, but I am glad we did. It reminded me of the hometown parades I enjoyed (and sometimes starred in) as a kid. I think Ian was pretty unphased by most of it, but he did like watching all the lights as they strolled by. We can't wait for next year when Ian can be our candy catcher! We retreated back to our place to warm up and enjoy dinner. We played Battle of the Sexes after dinner. A good time had by all!

We woke up Sunday to a few inches of snow on the ground. It was very cold too - yesterday it was almost 60 degrees and today it barely broke 5! Yikes! Dad hit the road early so we didn't see him before he left. He was hoping to beat the weather. Casey and I ran our errands separately because we didn't want to take Ian out in the cold again. Brr.... It was nice to be at home and relax, gearing up for the work week ahead. I finally found the motivation to wrap gifts. Our tree is out of control and Ian is starting to show more interest in the lights, ornaments and gifts! We told him he could play with the tree, but only if he got in the holiday spirit. He obliged, kinda.

Lastly, today is the Worldwide Candle Lighting for Compassionate Friends. This is a support network for families that have lost children. Every year we light a candle in honor of Casey's best friend, Anton. It has been 15 years since he passed away - we think of him and the Moellenberndt family often. This candle is for you Anton...