How 'bout dem lights...{title courtesy of Eric}

Tuesday evening, we got all spontaneous and headed to Charlestown to see the Christmas lights!  Sometimes, it's those little impromptu outings that end up making the best memories. 

Despite my kids looking pained that I am making them get their picture taken...again...they really had a great time!

Charlestown is the bomb diggity when it comes to a small town light show.  They do it up right!

The kids were in awe of all of the lights and just seemed to jabber with each other the whole night.  It was really precious. 

  

There's just something about Christmas lights that takes me back to my childhood.

This year, Charlestown added a train ride through town.  YES, PLEASE!!

The kids begged and pleaded to go on the train and we were happy to oblige.  

During the ride, they played all kinds of Christmas music -- Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, We Wish You a Merry Christmas...Maggie was so adorable when she said, "How did they know all of my favorite songs?!"  Love.   

There is even a new park and activities building where they've built a skating rink.  Um, I will be going back soon to show off my ice skating skillz.  {Notice I spelled that with a "z" as to appear more gangsta.}

Not only did we have some hot chocolate to complete the night...

...but we ran into Levi's kindergarten teacher!  Our talkative little boy immediately turned shy and giddy.  It's safe to say that Levi loved Mrs. Summers!!  ;)

What a really great night!

The first of a zillion Christmas festivities

I think that one of the reasons I like to decorate so early for Christmas is that once Thanksgiving hits, our Christmas festivities start right away!  On Saturday, we headed to Indianapolis to celebrate Christmas with my mom's sister and her family.  I'm pretty sure I will say "this is one of my favorite things to do" about 38 more times on my blog before Christmas actually arrives, so just bare with me. ;)

This is one of my favorite things to do.

My aunt always has her home decorated to a tee and it's just gorgeous!  

This year, we celebrated in their brand new home.  My aunt has impeccable taste and I love snooping looking around to see the new things she has decorated with.  Oh, and she always does the cutest favors for everyone.  Love!    

This is my mom and my aunt, two of my very favorite people on the planet.  

The second we arrive, the kids all do what they do best: find their cousins and drag out every single toy they can find.  Our crew doesn't get to see their northern cousins very often, but when they do, they act like no time has passed at all.  

As for the "big people", it's pretty much the same.  We cut up, tease, laugh, reminisce and the time goes by way too fast.   

This year, my uncle found THE PERFECT Christmas gift for my dad.  Even my dad chuckled.  Priceless.

After lunch, we had a surprise for the kiddos.  A trip on the Polar Bear Express!  They were sooo excited!

I'm gonna let you in on a little secret.  When we get together, there is a lot of craziness!   

And there is SO.MUCH.LOVE.

Occasionally, there is some sarcasm thrown in for good measure {{DAD!!}}.

A perfect way to kick off the Christmas season...with my crazy fun family!

Thanksgiving aka eating too much and feeling like you're going to explode

It just doesn't seem fair.  All the hype and build up to my favorite food in the world and it is over in a few short hours.  I really wish we, as a nation, could get on board and make Thanksgiving a week long holiday.  Who's in??

Our morning started off with what has become one of our favorite traditions - - brunch at Cracker Barrel!  

A few years ago, right after Maggie was born, we started meeting my in-laws for an early lunch.  The kids and I usually get breakfast and they usually get the turkey dinner.  I mean, who doesn't like going out to eat, getting a fabulous meal, and not having to clean up??  SIGN ME UP.

Look at that concentration... 

 I love the memories we are making with the kids.  They adore their grandparents and the feeling is mutual.

After some lazy afternoon naps, we headed over to my aunt's house for Thanksgiving dinner.  As usual, it was AMAZING - turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, corn, green beans, rolls and our family favorite cracker dumplings.  My sister-in-law also put this adorable fruit turkey together!

 
Shortly after dinner, people started falling into their food comas.  

Every year I take my camera to my aunt's house fully intending on getting some great pictures of the kids playing and the women visiting while the men sleep.  And every year, I FAIL.  Maybe I get too caught up into visiting.  Who knows!  We did manage a quick picture of my granny and papa with most of their great grandchildren.  Precious.

And, my sister and I snapped a quick picture together.  Love her so much!!!

What a wonderful day of celebrating with our families! Now, bring on the Christmas festivities!! :)

Before we get to Thanksgiving, let's talk about the extremely fun hours leading up to it!

The older I get, the sappier I am about my friendships.  I truly believe that the friendships that I have formed are some of the best on the planet.  

This is Karrie.  She was my very first friend.  {Please excuse the blurry phone pic! Grrr}    

Karrie was my first friend, and this is her first baby, Jackson.

Karrie and I were friends while we were still in the womb.  Our moms lived next door to each other and went to church together, so it was only natural for us to become close.  Growing up, we spent most of our waking hours together. :)  Even though she moved away after getting married, we've continued to stay in touch.

Jackson is two months old and when I found out they were coming home for Thanksgiving, we made plans to meet up.  The second I held Jax, I fell in love instantly.  

He is beautiful.  Perfect.  And, it was so amazing to see K as a momma!  She has a gorgeous glow and just fits into the role perfectly.  Can't wait to visit with them again.  :)

As if seeing Karrie and Jackson wasn't enough to make me happy on Thanksgiving Eve, I had plans with these beauties: 

For the last two years, Gretchen, Jami, Jaime and I have gotten together on Thanksgiving Eve to go see the new Twilight movie.  Since Twilight is no more, we had to continue our tradition and find something fun to do.  

Paint??  What the what?

Jaime Mac had the brilliant idea for us to go to one of those artsy places where you make your own painting.  I was game, even though I have ZERO artistic ability.  

I wasn't too worried.  I had my Starbucks and some wine.  It was a win-win situation.

Jaime also invited her friend, Shawna and she fit in to our little clan perfectly!  

The instructor started and we all followed suit.  I didn't want to make anyone else feel inadequate, but I DID win an art contest in third grade.    

photobombers!

First little break.  My owls kind of looked like a super hero gone bad...

 At times, it was a little stressful, but we didn't let that stop us from selfies or whimsical poses. ;)

Finally, they were finished!  Our cute little Christmas Owls: 

I was pretty proud of myself!  Not too bad for a first timer --

Me thinks this shall definitely be a new tradition!

^^ Notice that Shawna was such a pro at this that she defied the rules and gave her owls bows instead of the little hats like the instructor showed.  Amazing!  When I grow up, I want to paint like Shawna...

Such a fun night out!  I'm so grateful for these little gals and their friendships.

Thankful.

Just thankful.