Decorating for Christmas

" I like hanging things on this tree but why is it in the house?!"

"I'm not so sure about this angel though."

"This is my favorite spot ~ right in front of Santa."

Life after Christmas

The Christmas season is winding down, much to my dismay. This morning, before I knew it, all the outside Christmas decorations were down and ready to be put away (you know~the boys can't mow the lawn with decorations in the way!).  Oh well, might as well pack them up for the year. We didn't get the ornaments on the tree until 2 days before Christmas so we'll leave it up for another week or so, at least until the Epiphany. Besides, I like looking at the tree all lit up at night.   

Gram has left the island and it sure seems strange without her. Drew even commented that it seems wrong to not have the extra chair at the table for dinner. We all had a nice visit ~thanks for coming out to see us Gram! We really kept her hopping with all of our daily commitments and trying to squeeze in as many sightseeing spots on Guam that we could fit in. I think she had a good time, even though she missed the cold winter weather Ohio has to offer during the holiday season. Now, I wonder who will visit us next???  Anybody? Anybody?

Have a Happy, Healthy, and Safe New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Santa made his way to the island of Guam and the boys were excited to see the results. Drew did have one package arrive late (it missed the first sleigh delivery). Everyone enjoyed their presents; the boys are feverishly learning how to play their two new Wii games, The Bigs and Playground. Drew is honing his piloting skills by learning to fly his Air Hogs plane in the 20 mph Guam wind. Nate is busy reading or playing anyone that will challenge him in chess.
We all had dinner with our friends across the street and really enjoyed the day. The weather was, of course, beautiful and sunny, 87 degrees as usual. We missed most of our family, but had Gram here for the Holiday. We hope you all had a great Christmas and have an exceptional New Year!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

Tomorrow is December 1st and I can't believe it! It just amazes me how quickly the holiday season creeps up on you when you live in a warm climate. I can't seem to get my fall decorations out in a timely manner since the weather is so nice all year long. Before I know it Halloween is here and the kids are ready to trick-or-treat. It seems I barely get the costumes put away and Thanksgiving has arrived. Now that the fall decorations are down and ready to be put away I notice that all of my neighbors have their Christmas trees up and decorated. Colorful bright lights are glowing up and down the street and those oversized inflatable snow globes are popping up like mushrooms. I even tried to get a jump start on holiday decorating this year by getting the Christmas tree boxes out of the storage shed two days after Thanksgiving but I have yet to move those boxes from the entryway of the house.

Tonight Scott, Drew, and I went to "downtown" Tumon. (Nate was busy with his scout troop~XBOX game night!) We went with the intention of watching the Hyatt's Christmas tree lighting. The tree lighting was very nice and Drew was able to talk to Santa and get that wishlist into the ear of the Big Man himself. Drew asked Santa if his beard was real. Santa said it was. Drew wanted to pull on it and double check but then decided that he better not.

After the tree lighting and listening to a few groups singing Christmas carols we decided to walk over to eat at our local Hard Rock Cafe. After dinner we enjoyed a wonderful evening of Dance Fest 2007. We watched some Japanese drumming and local groups dancing their cultural dances. We even watched the DFS Galleria unveil their Christmas window displays. If there was a little snow was on the ground and a chill in the air I might have imagined that I was in NYC. (Imagine is the key word there. I've never been to NYC). On our way back to the car we snapped a few photos of the downtown Christmas decorations.

Hopefully you are having better luck than I am at getting your holiday decorations put up. You can guess what is on my list for this weekend. Keep your fingers crossed that we are successful. If I don't hurry up Christmas will be over. I keep reminding myself that the reason for the season is not about the decorations. There...I feel better already.