Parade!

My kids have been enamored with parades since I first read them the classic book Parade by Donald Crews.  They've seen several parades in Colville, but their first parade in Maine was a special affair.  In fact, we may have set the bar too high for their full enjoyment of any future streetside processions!  You see, the kids got to be IN the parade, which was a pretty BIG deal.

We were all part of the UMM float, which featured a painting of the main administration building.  This photo also happens to show my office windows, along with a replica of the "Seasons Greetings" sign on display throughout the holiday season.

Here are the kids on the back of the truck towing the float, where they practiced their princess/prince waves, shouted Christmas greetings and threw candy toward unsuspecting observers who probably wished, in hindsight, that they had brought hard hats:

On our way home, our family had a nice discussion about the special privilege it was to partake in the parade, and how we might not always get to be so involved in the festivities.  Thane took it all in stride, and stated that it would be good for other people to have a turn.  Annabel, as always, had her own take on it:  "And just think, Thanie.  Next year we can get a whole lot more candy by standing on the street watching."  She's always looking on the bright side, that girl!

The Nutcracker & Sweets

We started a new tradition this year when we took Annabel and a friend to see the Nutcracker Suite.  The ballet was held at the University, and the ballet troupe involved did a great job.  Here are the girls anxiously awaiting the start of the show:

Intermission was spent eating donuts in my office:

 

Although both girls declared that parts of the show were boring (in their defense, I think they thought that the performance would be more like the Barbie Nutcracker DVD), they were more than thrilled to meet some of the ballerinas after the show:

The most entertaining part of the day for me, however, was trying to explain to Annabel that it really was OK to say "Brake a leg" to the performers!

A Downeast Thanksgiving

We had a great, albeit quiet, Thanksgiving this year.  With our families scattered around the midwest and west coast, a large chaotic gathering with relatives just wasn't in the picture.  No worries then.  We decided to have our own celebration at our little rental.

As you will see, the whole family got into the festivities this year.  Thane provided the bulk of the centerpiece (yes, that would be a stuffed paper bag turkey):

 

Annabel provided the entertainment by singing AND dancing:

 

Even Jordan did his part by cleaning up the bathroom.  Yes folks, that is my dear husband scrubbing a toilet for the first (and probably last) time in his life - a picture worthy moment indeed!

Our families weren't far from our minds, however, and the kids really enjoyed getting to talk to both sets of grandparents before the big meal.  Our gratefulness for our beloved families were certainly not far from our minds on this day of giving thanks.

Oh, and the lobster we enjoyed instead of the traditional turkey didn't hurt either!

Happy Thanksgiving!