Getting Into the Christmas Spirit

Its funny that just 12 days ago we were finishing up our turkey and stuffing and now we are all about angels, Santas, and baby Jesus. We started getting into the holiday spirit the day after Thanksgiving. And no, it wasn't because Jeremy actually went out on Black Friday (actually I guess it was black Thursday because he left at 9) and got some great deals on some stuff for the kids. Our spirit was kicked into gear with our annual tradition of going to the Ft. Worth Parade of Lights, which is the Christmas parade that is held at night so the floats are all lit up. This year we had the best weather that we have had in the last few years. It was so nice that we didn't even need our jackets. I think last year we were bundled up and freezing watching the parade, so it was a nice change.We were so blessed that Daddy was actually off Thanksgiving and the day after this year, so we were able to do it with the entire family.

One of the beautifully lit up floats in the parade.

Here we are watching the parade with Mamaw and Papaw (he was sitting right behind my mom so you can't see him.)

The kids loved the gingerbread men.

Kailey got really good at waving at all the floats.

Of course we loved all the fire trucks, except Kailey thought they were a little too loud.

Got to have some time enjoying the parade with Daddy.

A photo with my parents with the tree lit up.

It was a week later just this past Saturday when we went to our second Christmas parade, so I'd say we are definitely in the holiday spirit now. Jadon's Cub Scout troop had a float in the parade, so even though it was raining off and on all day, we didn't want to miss it. Actually it turned out great because once the parade actually started it was only sprinkling a little. It had been pouring down about an hour before the parade, so we were pretty worried.

His Pack's float was a Cowboy Christmas, so Jadon decorated his bike to go with the theme. I think he did a pretty good job (of course he did have help from his Mom and Dad.). He rode his bike in the parade because he was too big of a scout to get to ride on the float this year. 

I just had to include this funny photo Jeremy took of our dog Bandit while we were all getting ready for the parade.

Here he is before the parade is about to start with his best buddy Ethan. They are ready to hit the road.

And here is entire pack before the parade started.

Daddy and Jadon just before the parade. Daddy walked in the parade with him.

Kailey and Reece enjoy watching the parade. As you can see she especially enjoyed the chocolate candy they were handing out.

We were in such Christmas spirit after the parade that we came home and got out our Christmas stuff and started decorating the house for Christmas. The funny thing is the box the tree comes in is still one of the kids' favorite part of putting up the tree.

Since last Christmas Kailey was not walking yet, she got to experience more of the fun this year,  including putting the ornaments on the tree. She did really good and never tried to throw any of them like I remember her brothers doing in the past.

Kailey helps Mommy put on her first ornament.

The boys were excited to put ornaments on the tree also and it was fun because Jadon is finally old enough to start remembering some of the ornaments. After they helped decorate our tree, they moved on to putting up their tree in their room. 

Kailey was enjoying supervising the boys with their tree. 

Of course we ended our fun evening with the annual tradition of putting the angel on the tree. This year was Jadon's turn to do the honors, while Reece got to put the star on their little tree. I guess next year Kailey will get her turn at it.