the day before the day before....

"the day before the day before"... still one of my favorite "days of the holidays"  though I must admit, that this year... it doesn't have the same "meaning" as it has in the past. When the kids were little, I loved the 23rd, because I was always already for Christmas.. the "stress" was behind me, and yet the excitement and wonder was still yet to be .... now that we're empty nesters... the "stress" of getting it all done really doesn't exists anymore, but there is still the excitement.. especially with the grands!!!


And we woke this morning to the sound of sleet and ice, and the world around us seems to be made of glass. Though it is pretty, it's also a real pain in the neck, and getting around the farm (especially on the drive) is not much fun. No more walking down to the barn for me... I'll pull the jeep out and drive it down...

so, the doggies and I just stuck close to home (Ed was working) and made sure that everything is wrapped and packed and set to go......

Yesterday, however, was a much more exciting day. Abbie had spent the night before, and we all dressed in the morning and went to church. She hasn't been to church with us for a while, so everyone was so happy to see her. Because of the predicted weather.. attendance at church was low, but it was fun. The kids had a special story and each received a white Christmas teddy bear, much to their delight... an early Christmas gift. 

In the afternoon, Abbie and I made cookies.. she loves to bake and is so good and careful around the stove. I love cooking with her.....and she was so happy to make Papa's favorite cookies for him.

She did some re-dorating of the tree, putting her favorite ornaments where she could see them best. And needless to say, she is beyond excited about Christmas. Her request this year are "my little ponies"... and I know for a fact that Santa has many of them tucked into his sleigh just for her. Sadie came and picked Abbie up late in the afternoon so they could do some of their family activities... but Abbie will be back on Christmas eve afternoon.. so that Papa and I can have some "present time" with just her......

After Abbie and Sadie left, we headed out to meet up with Kas, Nate and Reagan. There is a house a few towns over that does an amazing light display... so we thought it would be fun to have some dinner together and then head over and check out the lights. Reagan is so good at restaurants, and now he is really getting into feeding himself... 

And he seemed to really get into the conversation at the table. It still amazes me at how fast these little ones grow... next Christmas I can only imagine the excitement level with both these "grands!!!"

As we pulled up to see the lights, Reagan caught on right away. He was so exited to watch them... Kass pulled him out of the car seat so he could see them better....

and it was a nice display. All done to music and the trees and house all light up and "dance". It really is neat.... and must take them hours to prepare. We have gone to see these lights other years, and it has been packed and hard to enjoy them. Because we were just on the early side this year, we had the whole event to ourselves....

The family that does this has a donation box and you can drop in a few monies ... all the proceeds go to the "Make a wish foundation"... such a good thing to do in the spirit of Christmas.....

I think Reagan could have stayed and watched all evening... but others were coming to see and we all need to be getting some good rests to carry us threw the next couple of busy days!!!!

So, on  this "quiet" day before the day before... I hope that everyone is getting those last minutes things done, and enjoying the hussle and bussle that seems to come with it all... and yet, I hope too, that everyone has those wonderful moments to catch your breath and simply...... enjoy!!!