Pre Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa McKenney’s

Ellie and I spent the weekend with my parents. Our main objective was to visit with Grandma and Grandpa and the Cousins. I also wanted my Mom’s back up for a Christmas project I’m working on for Ellie.

We made plans to go to the American West Heritage Center in Cache Valley where they had different events such as tea parties, train rides, pony rides, Father Christmas, and a live nativity. On Friday afternoon we had a little tea party with just us girls. It was fun and we had a little lesson about manners and learned a little bit about life at the turn of the century.

On Saturday we went back with the boys and Uncle Jon to enjoy the train and pony rides. Ellie surprised me by getting right on the pony with out any hesitation. In the past she has been extremely reluctant to do such a thing but this time in the company of her cousins she was fearless. They also had a live nativity with a donkey and a goat. Unfortunately the donkey and goat were resting when we went on day two but we still dressed up the kids and got the picture…

Ellie also really got into helping Grandma with some of her Christmas treats. She was very focused on unwrapping some chocolate kisses for her

I didn’t complete my Christmas project unfortunately but I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I did without my Mom’s help. It will just have to be a New Years Present instead…

It’s Begining to Look a lot Like Christmas

We had a week full of fun Christmas activities including a train ride on the “Polar Express“, Gingerbread Houses, and getting our Christmas tree. It was a busy but very fun week.

First up the Heber Valley Railroad provides a nice little Polar Express ride during the holidays. We enjoyed Hot Chocolate and cookies, a reading of the Polar Express story, a beautiful moon light view, Christmas Carols, and Santa of course. Our neighbors joined us for the adventure. I’m really glad we did this Ellie and Zak were in awe. It was a good first interaction with Santa for Ellie. He was kind enough not to scare her too much and offered her a jingle bell. When he had to leave she kept saying “bye bye Santa”.

Next up we teamed up with our friends Jen and Zak to make Gingerbread Houses for the Midway Cottages for the Children Fundraiser. They came over Wednesday evening and we built our little gingerbread neighborhood. Zak and Ellie helped for a little while but then decided playing and running around was more interesting. So it became a Mom project. It turned out pretty good. The next morning Ellie checked it out for a while with big eyes naming all the gingerbread animals we scattered around the cottages.

Finally, on Thursday we picked up our Christmas tree. We were particularly excited because it is our first little family Christmas Tree. Getting a tree and decorating it was one of the little events I was really looking forward to this year. I did missed decorating the tree Marcoccia style late into the night with the scratchy old record player. I was worried we wouldn’t have enough ornaments or lights for it but it turned out just right thanks to what we have collected over the years from family and friends. Ellie got right into it hanging up bells and ornament, enjoying hot chocolate, and dancing to the Christmas music. It was a good night in our wee little home.

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Knitting, Rutabagas, and Pretty Dresses

I took a knitting class in Ithaca yesterday, at a great little shop called Knitting Etc. My instructor was very kind and patient. She taught me the basics of casting on, knitting, and pearling; and we started a scarf. I thought I had it down no problem so I took it out again on the drive home to see if I could do it on my own and of course I messed it all up. Dropped a stitch or two, and missed a stitch or two a long the way. 🙂 So now I’m trying to figure out my mistakes, yikes!! Just look at my concentration…

After the knitting class we stopped in at the Ithaca Farmers Market. Where they were having a Rutabaga Curling Contest. Oh my what a funny sight! As we walked into the market three Rutabagas rolled across the board walk right to our feet. Then we looked up to see the participants and realized we were in the middle of a classic and unique Ithaca event. Not sure what all the rules were, but it looked like fun.

Finally, Linda and I had a good time this morning trying to get the right picture of Ellie in another Marcoccia vintage, circa 1973 compliments of Aunt Danielle. I love this dress! She looks so beautiful don’t you think? The photo session didn’t go so well for us amateur photogs, but you get the idea. She’s a little Christmas Angel and her parent’s hearts are soaring.