Christmas 2008

Grace was sick on Christmas morning so we won't show the pictures we have of her and her bucket but the other two were ready and raring to go. They were as patient as they could be.

Christmas afternoon was a lot better. We got better pictures of Grace at Grandie's. We still didn't want to eat but at least we were up to opening presents. The "Soph-dog" joined at Grandie's along with Aunt Niecy and Uncle Rob. The day turned out to be a pretty good day after all.

The Sunday School Christmas Program

Grace and Luke were in the Sunday School Christmas Program. Grace played Mary, Abigail, and played the handbells. Luke was a Shepherd and Harry, part of the cleaning crew. They both had parts in the singing also. The not-so-funny thing was that Luke was sick that morning and still "went on with the show" and Paige didn't get to participate at all. She was home on the couch with the flu. Paige did get to make up her part at the Christmas Eve service. They did a great job!

Ice Skating

This is our annual ice skating event with the teens. The kids love and look forward to it all year long. Us "old folks" endure the task and enjoy watching the kids have fun.

Grace's Swim Meet

We are so proud of our baby. She was in her first "swim meet". She was very nervous and even had tears but after she swam that first lap she started to have fun! She is so gracefull in the water and the breaststroke is her favorite stroke. We may have a lifeguard in the making. The last picture is with her swim coach.

The Santa Party

Every year Aunt Nina and Uncle Rex put on a Santa Party for our children. They look forward to going to this party all year long. Paige is especially excited about Santa and this year she took Santa a plate of cookies minus the milk. Paige was all smiles. After the party, we went with the family to Edinburg for a carriage ride down mainstreet. This picture is of the girls standing in front of a popcorn shop. They have yummy popcorn!!!

Christmas Cookie Exchange

Paige is a party planner. We have been planning a Christmas cookie exchange for months, literally! It all started with a Strawberry Shortcake recipe/party idea book. What fun we had. We had 9 guests and several mothers to help with the fun. I told Paige that we would have to put all party planning on hold until her birthday in May. I am planning that party. It's a surprise!

Early Christmas Present

This is our new Christmas puppy!!! Her name is Sophie.

Circle of Lights Celebration

Thanksgiving is over and the celebration of Christmas has begun. We have tried every year to make the celebration of "Circle of Lights" downtown Indianapolis. Our family bundles up in all of the things that keep us warm and we fight our way through the crowds to get an up close view of the Christmas tree lighting. We come home afterwards for some hot chocolate or whatever is fun to munch on and think of all the fun things that are wrapped and placed under our tree. Oh yes! Our Christmas tree is up and all of the decorations are hung. Donnie gets all of the boxes out and while I am out of the house on errands, etc., he puts all of the Christmas decorations in place. What a wonderful husband. Our home is busy with the hustle and bustle of the season.

Life at the Parks

This is the first posting that I have ever made on a blog. I am trying to venture out in this new world of technology and start blogging our family's adventures. Our family is excited about Christmas season and cannot wait to see what is under the tree. We are preparing for Thanksgiving dinner and spending time with friends and family. As I write this, the kids are helping Donnie get the Christmas tree up and decorated and excitement is in the air. We hope that you have a very blessed Thanksgiving season.