Oh what a day!

For the past 30 or so years, Santa has parachuted into our city. This year was no exception. The children waited with anticipation for him and his elves to arrive. The air was chilly, but the sun was strong. It was a wonderful day!

Friday's Favorites

Thank god it's Friday! I thought I would change up my Friday's Favorites this week. Rather than list a whole bunch of random favorites, I think I'll highlight one thing. Here goes.....

Seeing that the Christmas season is upon us, one of my favorite things to do is picking a Christmas tree. Since 1999, we have stayed true to our family tradition of selecting and cutting down our own Christmas tree. I just love the smell of a freshly cut tree. Some times it takes us a few hours walking around the farm, to find the right one for us. Usually I have to talk John into getting something that will actually fit into our house. I don't know why it is about "big" trees but is always attracted to them!

Most years we go here, in Vermont. It's about a four hour drive but well worth it. Generally, John and I make the trek and stay over for a night or two. The first time we ever went, we stayed for three nights here and it was truly spectacular. There was no snow when we arrived and by the next morning it was like a winter wonderland. We have stayed at a few other places too like here and here. All of them have are unique and I always enjoy our stay.

Last year we were unable to get away overnight. We took the boys on a day trip to a Christmas tree farm about an hour away. The name of it escapes me. It wasn't the same because there wasn't any snow and it was about 60 degrees out but, being with the boys, it was fun just the same.

This year we plan to go overnight again, if everything works out. I can't wait. For me, there's something magical about having my Christmas tree up and decorated. I just love it.

I'll leave you with a picture from a previous Christmas Tree journey! If you want to be included in Friday's Favorites. Shoot me an email and I'll link you up. Enjoy your weekend!

John at Paine's Christmas Tree Farm

Boo!

Had so much fun this afternoon with the kids, shopping for some fun stuff to go "ghosting" tonight.

For those of you who may not know what this means, I will explain. Someone ghosts you by leaving a bag of Halloween "treats" at your door step. The bag of "treats" includes a note explaining everything. In addition, the bag contains a picture of a ghost, which the recipient of the bag tapes in a visible place on the front of his/her house. When you leave the bag, make sure you don't get caught. Knock loud and run!!! Here is an example of the note that we left:

The Phantom Ghost has come to town,
To leave you some goodies, I see you have found.
If you do not wish a curse to fall,
Continue this greeting, this Phantom's call.
First, post this Phantom where it can be seen,
And leave it there until Halloween.
This will scare other Phantoms who may visit.
Be sure to participate, you don't want to miss it!
Second, make two treats & two copies of this Ghost with a grin
Deliver them to two neighbors where this Phantom hasn't been
Don't let them see you, be sneaky, no doubt …
And make sure they put their Phantom Ghost out!
Next, you have only one day to act, so be quick!
Leave it at doors where the Phantom hasn't hit.
Deliver at dark when there isn't much light...
Ring the doorbell and run, and stay out of sight!!
And last, but not least, come join in the season.
Don't worry, be happy, you need no good reason.
This is all in good fun and we are just trying to say...
HAPPY HALLOWEEN AND HAVE A GREAT DAY!

My kids just think this is the best thing. It's kind of nice too because they are giving to others. Of course, they pick out stuff that they would like candy, little party favor toys, etc. Then they have to give them away. For the little one's this can be a little hard but a good lesson to learn!