It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

What a super busy, yet fun weekend we've had! Audrey and I went back "home" to kick off the Christmas season with some of my favorite traditions. My mom's church always has a Christmas party at a nearby nursing home for the residents. Mom always heads-up the party so it has been tradition since I can remember that I go to help her with it. This year was no different. We are now training a new little "elf" to follow in our footsteps.

Audrey was so precious helping out. She performed with the other children as they sang some Christmas carols for entertainment.

Then Audrey, along with the other children in attendance, delivered gifts to each of the residents. (People from my mom's church- and my family- select a name and purchase an item for that individual.) This year our family selected a lady named Ms. Audrey, simply because her name was the same as my Audrey and we chose Ms. Betty's name. Ms. Betty is a very special lady to our family. She is always making something for someone- bracelets, necklaces, ponchos, blankets, etc. My mom, Audrey and I have numerous items to show for her generosity. So giving back to her was such a pleasure for us. We made sure that Audrey delivered the gifts we bought to her. She was just as delighted to receive loving from Audrey as she was to have the presents. Below is a photo of Ms. Betty and Audrey:

After the party, we had a delicious lunch with my grandparents, my mom, cousin Keeley and one of her friends from college. It was a wonderful time.

We finished up lunch just in time to get bundled up to watch the Christmas parade in Prattville. This wasn't the first parade that Audrey's been to, but it was definitely the first that she understood what was going on. She was quite mesmerized by all the activity.
The lights, music and floats held her attention until the very end. Mom and I enjoyed watching Audrey's reaction to the parade as she waved to everyone that passed by and yelled out "Merry Christmas" to them. It will be an evening that I remember forever.



Oh how I love this time of year. And this year is even better as I get to enjoy it through the eyes of my 2 year old. It can't get much better than that!