A Norman Rockwell Day

Today we ventured out in the cold to watch the Hamburg Village Holiday Parade. We found a great viewing spot on the curb close to the action. We saw Girl Scout Troops, Boy Scout Troops, Mounted Police and Karate Students, some of which were just 3 years old. And, of course, my favorite, the Marching Band! There is just something about those banging drums that make me want to get up and dance. Leah loved the music, too...and, of course, loved the candy throwers. Although, it does seem sort of cruel watching all these little kids trying to pick up candy with mitten hands!


After the parade, we returned home and decorated the house for Christmas. We hung the stockings, laid out the nativity (which my father made when he was 13!), hung the lights, listened to Christmas music and drank steaming mugs of Holiday Spice tea.

Ryan and I were both surprised at all the Christmas things we have that we had completely forgotten about! Leah was enthralled with the Christmas ornaments and set about placing most of them in about a 1 square foot space on the bottom of the tree. She also enjoyed "decorating" the rest of the house. On the handle of the drawer in the end table, she hung a bright blue star. From the wrought-iron rays of a sun shaped candle holder hung one of her baby's first christmas ornaments. Upstairs on the door knob of the linen closet was a blue tin ornament that was once filled with chocolate. She even decided that the vacuum could use some holiday cheer! Here she is, hanging one from a tiny shelf on the wall behind the couch.

And now here we are, sitting back and soaking in the holiday cheer and warmth of the lights. A perfect scene for a Norman Rockwell painting!