341. Another first

We got up early today to rush to school to set up for the Winter Festival held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  It was a fantastic event but with most people in shorts and tank tops, it didn't feel very wintery.

After we cleaned up and got most things back in their rightful places, Julia and I came home for a short rest before heading out to the local Christmas parade.

It was Julia's first time ever seeing a parade and she was thrilled with it.  Even when the rain started pouring down, her enthusiasm never abated.

340. Anticipation

Julia went home with a friend and the man was working -- so I worked late helping to set up stuff for the Winter Festival on Saturday.  When I finally got home, I cleaned the house, did laundry, and wrapped gifts.

We are getting excited about watching her open those gifts!  But we can't put them under the tree.  Clementine is in a chewing up everything phase.

339. The little things

My mother taught me to never turn down a gift from a child. Today, while on bus duty, I received a leaf, a rock, and a camellia bloom.

It was a great way to start the day.

338. From where I sit

Cozy.
Happy.
Ready to read to Julia.
And then ready for bed.

337. Lighting the menorah

The girl has been so excited about celebrating Hanukkah this year.  We make merry for Christmas, too, so she is loving all the celebratory events.

In her mind now, you light candles and that prepares you for a gift.  She has been excited about all the little gifts she has gotten since Thanksgiving (the start of Hanukkah).

Tonight, she got the movie Matilda from my oldest step-daughter.  She jumped up and down with excitement and then we watched it while we ate dinner.  We don't usually watch movies while we eat but it just seemed right to make an exception tonight.

336. Chilling out

There will be no hot chocolate by the fire for the next few days.  The temperatures have warmed making it feel like lovely springtime weather.

It may not feel very Christmas-y -- but I don't mind!  I love middle of the road weather.

335. Let it snow

There are rare moments when snow has flurried in south Georgia -- and this was not one  of those moments.  Julia and I decided to pretend today.  She can be quite an actress.

Last night, Julia said to me, "I love you more than anything."

Then she said, "And tell Jeff that I love him more than anything."

There was a slight hesitation before she said, "Well, I love him more than anything except for you."

Aha!  A pecking order has been established.  She makes us laugh.