It feels like we went through all the life stages on Saturday. We started with the pregnancy/newborn stage during our tour of the fabulous hospital. I still can’t get over how NICE it is!

After the tour, we entered the childhood years. Our little town had a Christmas parade down one of the main streets. We had the chance to act like kids again with little M.

This year blew last year’s parade out of the water. There were so many floats! From snowmen to the Grinch to Santa to holiday angels to birthday cakes for Jesus. I like seeing that. It always makes me smile when a little reminder pops up.

Makenzie started off pretty tired since she had to miss her nap for the parade…

…but she quickly got into it when she saw people passing out lollipops and Chick Fil A cows riding by. The kid loves dressed up characters. I hope that bodes well for when Santa visits her kiddie holiday party in a couple weeks.

All in all we had a great time. I sometimes think I have more fun than her!

We decided to grow up a bit for Saturday night. We had a special party to attend – our friend’s surprise 40th birthday party!

His birthday is not until the very end of the year, so he had no clue. I loved the shock on his face! And his reaction was priceless. I know I would have felt the same way seeing a group of loved ones all in one place. But I’ll share a nicer picture of him with some of the ladies instead. 😉

Over the course of the evening I had so much fun sipping my water while eyeing my friend Cory’s famous sangria. Have I mentioned I miss wine? Oh, yea. I have. I did get to munch on a few snacks…

…plus more fruit and some cake. I wish my friend Angie and I had gotten a picture of the cake’s aftereffects. Black icing = attractive teeth. And without a doubt, I spent a large chunk of the night laughing and chatting. It never fails that a gathering with our group of friends makes for a fabulous night. Even when I have to check out early at 10 with some body aches. I had fun though and that’s all that matters.

• How was your weekend? Any nice acts for others in the mix?
• Would you ever want a surprise party? I would LOVE a surprise party, but I know Peter could never manage putting one together. He admits it.

Thank you all so much for your supportive comments in regards to my announcement last night. I know it will be a mental struggle, but with your support things will be so much better! Thank you!

Yesterday was filled with fun activities for Makenzie. Which inevitably means fun for me. I don’t think anything sweeter exists than the pure excitement of a child. Except maybe her cute little “Good Morning Mommy” I hear in the most innocent of voices every morning. Although, that’s really only purely sweet after 7 am.

As I was saying, yesterday we had a busy and fun day. It all started with a mom’s group activity – taking a tour of the Publix grocery store. Since the tour was geared towards young children, it was not some super informative and behind the scenes tour. It was cute as all get out, though.

We looked at cakes, watched how they slice fresh baked bread, and all the kiddies ate their free cookie.

We checked out the deli section and heard about food safety…and the importance of hair nets. Then, followed that up with a tour around the produce section. Such a pretty produce section. I know you all understand.

In the meat/seafood section the children got quite the surprise. The chance to see and touch a real, live lobster. Oooohhhhhh.

The tour quickly ended after that. Only heading to our next stop (play time) would have a chance to hold their attention like that lobster.

After our play time, I tried to relax a good bit during M’s nap because I knew we had a fun night ahead of us. Every year, the children’s program at our church hosts an event called “Meet Us at the Manger”. It’s a night including a meal together, crafts, live nativity scene (with petting animals), games, and more.

The night started with a basic pasta, salad, and roll dinner. Meh.

The fun of the evening made up for any lackluster dinner. We hit up the nativity scene first for some animals and to see baby Jesus, who had disappeared from the scene apparently.

We then made crafts – a thumbprint Christmas tress tile – and decorated cupcakes. A cookie and a cupcake? M’s lucky day!

I went for the hot chocolate. I have been craving it after seeing some on Jess’ blog.

Shortly after all of that we decided to head on home. My body was wearing down fast and most of the other activities suited older kids anyways. We still had fun watching little M enjoy herself so much. Time for yet another busy day ahead of me. I hope you have a good one too. 🙂

• What child-like activities do you really enjoy? I adore Disneyworld and theme parks in general. I’m like an excited little kid any time I go.
• What is your favorite holiday drink? Hot chocolate for me!