Christmas Light Show

Last night, before the Palifkas headed back to NH, we visited the Christmas in lights show at the mall.  This is our 3rd year going and the kids really enjoy it.  The lights in the center of the outdoor area of the mall blink in time to several holiday songs every night, several times a night.

We caught the 6:30 show and then headed home for bed.  The Platenik children were asleep in the car by the time we got home but we roused them to say good-bye to Zack and Nicholas who headed back to New Hampshire during the night.  We had such a fun visit and will take the rest of the weekend to recover and relax before a busy week again.

Post Thanksgiving Fun

This morning, our elf Jingles arrived for the season!  The kids were so excited to explain this tradition to their cousins.  There was even a note from Santa!

They played dress up, among other crazy games all morning and then Aunt Leah and Megan packed them up for a morning hike and playground time at a park nearby.

We spent a lot of time throwing rocks into the creek.

Then we finally made our way to the "bear cave".

Finally, we ended up back at the playground where we played on the slide, swings and rock wall.

Then, it was home for lunch! Yummy!  

Thanksgiving Day

Yesterday morning, we all suited up and headed to the YMCA annual Turkey Trot.  Josh and Bruce were the turkey volunteers again this year, guiding the kids' races- all 7 of them.  

Megan ran the 5K with some friends from the Y.

Kylie ran the 1/2 mile in 9 minutes, 48 seconds.  Will ran his mile in 13 minutes, 57 seconds.  It was 26 degrees and sunny out at the race.

When we got home, we found Aunt Leah, Uncle Bob, Zack and Nicholas at our house!

We stuck the turkey in the oven and played inside and outside.  Will made place cards for everyone for the meal.

Everything was ready at the same time and served piping hot.  Will had 3rds of turkey and 2nds of dessert.  

The kids snuggled up to watch Frosty while the grown ups cleaned the kitchen and everyone crashed for bedtime while Aunt Leah and Megan snuck out to Black Friday/Thursday shop at Target.  

Ky's Field Trip

Kylie had a field trip to a local paint your own pottery place this morning.  We were a tad early arriving so we went for a walk around downtown and took some pictures.

Then we met up with Kylie's class at the pottery place and painted our own Christmas ornaments.  Kylie chose a reindeer.  She is very in the Christmas spirit this year.  

She was a very serious painter, too.

After the field trip, we had a Mom and Kylie lunch followed by a doctor's appointment for Mom for that hurt ankle that just won't get better.  Hoping for some answers next week.