The first weekend of December is typically a busy one for my family and this year was no exception.  Hosting the first of two parties on Friday night I would have to say it was a success.  Everyone seemed to have a good time and there may have even been one or two headaches the next morning when people woke up.

That’s what happens when your husband makes excellent homebrew AND your home has a full-size bar with a 4 tap kegging set-up.

The last seven years have seen us getting up early and driving a few miles south so one – or both – of our sons could participate in the Richardson Christmas Parade with their band.

This band is HUGE as it includes several private schools in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex.  It’s been a fun experience.

With this being the last year at the current school for our 8th grader it was a little bittersweet.  But, new and bigger challenges are waiting for him as he prepares to go to high school next year.  And, I have no doubt we will find something to fill up Saturday mornings of the first week of December. 🙂

Sunday, after Mass, we headed over to our place of business (retail appliances and flooring) to watch our hometown Christmas Parade.  It is always a fun afternoon and this time was no exception.

Granddaughter, Claire, rode with the American Heritage Girls.  She had the easy part.

Daughter, Krista, walked the whole route while carrying a sleeping Therese on her back.

Husband, Ronald, and son, Patrick helped with LifeTeen group from our church hand out candy and treats to the little ones.

After Grandpa and Uncle Patrick passed, granddaughter, Gianna, had had enough and decided to sit and enjoy one – or several – of those treats.

Post parade grandson, Kolbe, showed me his big bag of treats and candy.  It’s almost better than Halloween!

And, finally, Santa and Mrs. Claus came down the road in style.  Firetruck style that is.  Stopping for a minute at the exact spot my family was standing the grandkids were able to have their own private conversation with him.  Their day was made for sure.

Blue skies, brilliant colors of autumn, mild temperatures and Santa on a firetruck. What better way to end the weekend?

And, now, the weekend is behind us and the daily countdown has begun.  My son, Joshua, and his wife, Emma will be home in less than 6 days.  (read that post here )  The excitement continues to build.  I can’t hardly stand it!

Merry Christmas!