Our house, Christmas style for 2008

This year, we opted for a new, more traditional theme for our yard decor.  We gave the Peanuts gang to Jimmy for his kids to enjoy up in Apple Valley, and embarked on creating all new characters that we want Olivia to be into in her early years of understanding a little of what Christmas is all about (I know, we should put up a Jesus, right?!).  We made two elves, Rudolph, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and their house...but this is just the humble beginnings of this new look.  Somebody's creative juices are already flowing with visions of next year's scene dancing, or shall I say twinkling, in his head!

Anybody home?

December 5, 2008: Making smores in the cul-de-sac!

We had a "mock" block party on this Friday night, and one little girl had a ball!  She was running everywhere, playing soccer and skateboarding with her friend "Buddha" and his big kid friends, and indulging in her first ever gooey, chocolately, graham cracker confection!

Don't blink or you'll miss her, as she's off again!  I think she's a track star in the making (just like mama, right?!  LOL!)

Hanging out (under Daddy's watchful eye) around the bonfire with her favorite neighbor, Matt!

She just couldn't believe the fire!

My two most favorite people...

Me, taking a time out to smile with my girl!

Now will our house win again this year?  We'll have to wait and see.  Last year we placed second in the "character" category, falling behind the LeBeres.  Matt and Lisa's Disney Wonderland is pretty darn good, so losing to them is not quite as painful as salt in a wound.  Besides, they're the best neighbors ever, and they have no idea what's in store for next year when it's really on, ha ha!  I guess this year we'll let them relish in one more victory before we claim the top spot!