Last night the two little littles and I bundled up, complete with blankets and hot cocoa and went to the downtown Wheaton Lighted Christmas Parade. It was super fun and SUPER cold. It seemed as though the whole of Wheaton showed up for the parade - the streets were lined with tons of families, all bundled up trying to keep warm and enjoy the parade. My favorite part were the two different groups of bagpipers. Not only did they sound really good, but I was thoroughly impressed with the fact that they were wearing their Kilts and exposing bear legs in the it's way too cold to expose bear skin weather. :) We ended the evening by going to the popcorn shop. A "famous" shop to all in Wheaton. It's an alley (about 4 feet wide) between two buildings that has been turned into a popcorn and candy shop. We waited in a really long line because I had promised the girls that if they didn't complain about the cold, they could get some candy. You can only imagine how thankful I was that while waiting in line, the girls were completely oblivious to the brief conversation going on in front of them. Basically, the mom in front of us told the kids they could each spend $3 for candy. . . EACH!!! Well, (insert sarcastic chuckling) I'm really stinkin' cheap. . . I told my girls they could each have 40 cents - I had $1 in my pocket and we needed to account for sales tax. Allison spent 41 cents (jeesh) and Hailee spent 35 cents (that's more like it). . . and I didn't notice until later that the really smart mathematician who gave us our change gave me 30 cents back. It was a good night!! :)
This morning, we decided to have a bit more fun ( cuz freezing our tushes off last night just wasn't enough for us ) and caravan with the fam (Christian's brother Josh, wife Kelly, 3 littles - Olivia, Emily, and Andrew) to a Christmas tree farm. The ride there ( and back ) had moments of hilarity as the boys quoted YouTube videos back and forth on the walkie talkies. . . something about Turtle man?!! :) Going to a Christmas tree farm isn't too much different in Illinois than in Oregon. . . as long as you don't look too far past the Christmas trees around you and realize you can see forever. . . because, of course, there are no gorgeous mountains in the distance blocking your "forever" view. ;) There are also no Nobles - which is all we buy, well, until today. I prepared myself for a completely ugly tree and a hopefully better than ugly attitude. Upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised that they had Frazier and Douglas Fir trees - both are an attractive alternative to the Noble. We started out on the tractor drawn hay wagon and headed for the field. . . after, that is, I learned the entire wagon was waiting for me. . . who of course, was talking and taking pictures and STANDING at the back of the wagon. I guess for liability purposes I needed to sit. Whoops. :) We soon discovered the trees growing in the field, though pretty, were short and skinny. So, much to the girls displeasure, we opted for the prettier, taller, fuller pre cut trees back at the beginning of the hay ride. They are from North Carolina. :) Apparently it's just not the same if daddy is not down on his knees working that saw. With a quick reminder, or two, of the yummy apple cider donuts that awaited us in the country store, buying a precut tree seemed to be a good idea to all littles around. We found a beautiful tree, went into the super cute barn and enjoyed apple cider donuts, hot chocolate, fun decor and just relaxing. While waiting for the trees to be tied onto the car - the guys threw the football around. ( They keep one in each car for moments like these. . . the moments they have longed for. . . the moments when 2 brothers can play catch and laugh together). The day was a fun filled day, finished off with decorating the tree and house at home. :)
On the hay ride.
Josh, Kelly, Olivia, Emily, and Andrew
Look at the moun. . . I can't even pretend - it looks like about a 7 foot rise. :)
Hailee found a tree on the ground - she desperately wanted for her room - but at $50 for anything under 5 feet, well, you all know how cheap I am. . . that was definitely NOT going to happen.
Another sweet picture of the other Betts family.
Can you tell which one is faking the smile just so she can have a donut?!!
We're so mature.
Some kids are born with the ability to smile at a camera and look amazing. . . my kid is on the right. ;)
My 3 and Olivia.
The bruders. :)
Go long bro. . . .
Hailee hop
Tae
Allison and Hailee ( Please know, my house is not usually this messy. . . we were rearranging furniture for the tree and bringing up Christmas boxes. . . okay, I feel validated now).
