holiday weekend, continued

Which holiday are we celebrating anyway? Opinions differ! Me, I have to say Christmas kicked Thanksgiving to the past pretty quickly this year. Honestly, I think it's because the bitter cold hit us with such force so early. And I mean bitter cold! A high of -6c (21F) again.

A quick walk to feed the animals. 

 

A quick breakfast with Ed.

And then I join up with the two young families at our local cinema to watch the newly released Moana 2. (I brought ear plugs with me because I find the theaters to be amazingly loud. But here's a hint for all you sensitive types -- Moana 2 doesn't need noise cancelers!) It's the first show on a big screen for the almost three year old (Juniper), and the totally three year old (Sandpiper), but of course, they've watched movies on their home not-so-small TV screens, so they have no problem adapting to the cinema experience.

The kids absolutely love this movie outing! And why shouldn't they -- the screen is entirely visible, the seats are booked in advance, the chairs are plush and they stretch out into remarkable positions that you could only wish for on an overnight flight, for example.

(the five cousins)

Candy, popcorn, parents, cousins. And a flashy and thrilling story that is as predictable as they come and yet, the ending never fails to bring kids joy.

From there, they go for lunch at Culvers (call it above average fast food) and I retreat to Barriques (our local coffee shop chain) for a quiet senior moment over a cup of coffee. I find these little pauses to be essential in days of chaos, even when the chaos is one of pure happiness.

It's back to Clasen's after that! The youngest family hasn't been there yet this year!

(and now they are five...)

From there, we move the whole gang to my older daughter's home for tree trimming. She has this down pat: a wonderful tray of cheeses and meats, including the most special one, only on the market for a month -- Rush Creek Reserve, beloved by all...

 

 

 

The tree up and ready, the kids also of an age where they are a help rather than a hindrance.

Each and everyone of us does her or his share.

Done!

Singing and dancing ensue.

(group shot of the wild bunch!)

And tradition has it that we all watch the Muppets Christmas Carol together. Over pizza. 

Do you see why I think of this as a pre-Christmas weekend rather than a post-Thanksgiving one? And why I find it to be so beautiful, down to the last crumb?

(with my two once-little ones)

 

 

At home, my own tree waits for its share of color. The lights arrived, I do put them up. The rest? Tomorrow. There's no rush. The tree will "don its apparel" December 1st. That's pefect. Maybe I'll put on some Christmas music. Ed wont mind. He has exercised his veto power over scented candles. The rest? The truth of the matter is that the holiday season is very short. It will all pass all too soon. For now -- happy winter holiday season to all!  That sort of captures the spirit of all these festive days, no?

with so much love...