Happy holidays and all that festive stuff.

I know I haven't posted any pictures lately. I've kind of taken a small vacation from the camera. But we've been keeping busy and having fun.

One of the best things for me this year is that I have been done with Christmas shopping for awhile. I don't know what got into me this year to actually plan early. The benefit has been awesome though. I have really been enjoying everything about this season. I haven't had that stress of feeling like I have to be out in the midst of it all. Which sometimes I do enjoy too, don't get me wrong. I'm always up for shopping. But, it feels good for a planner person to have it all done.

Last night was Trevor's Christmas program at school. We went out to dinner before the concert, and had a good night. Mike was able to be home for it too, which was a pleasant surprise. He got in at midnight the night before.

Tonight we went to the zoo for Zoolights. I haven't been to it in years. Infact the last time we went Trevor was an infant and I remember freaking out hoping that he was warm enough. It doesn't seem like that long ago.

Tonight was a lot of fun. The lights there are so pretty, and it feels so good to be bundled up in winter coats and hats while you are walking around listening to Christmas music. The kids had a great time. This year they had a huge giraffe that looked real, but it was talking. It would ask the kids their names and tell jokes. My favorite part of the whole night was listening to Matthew laughing at the jokes. He had huge belly laughs. I don't think he was convinced that this giraffe wasn't real.

We also drove down Mill Avenue on our way home. I always love the bridge that goes over the 'lake' but somehow it is prettier at Christmas time. Mill Avenue was busy, and the lights on the trees were pretty. Megan and I even saw a horse when we were stopped at a stop light. Bonus for us horse lovers. ;)

After we got home I took Piper out for another walk tonight. We've had a few nights in a row of going out for walks. It feels so good to be out and be able to enjoy the neighborhood with all of the Christmas. I also admit that I like to look inside the houses that have their Christmas trees in the front window. It just feels festive.

Unfortunately we are heading out for the airport right now. That is the only bummer about today. :( This was a pretty quick trip home for Mike. He's heading back out to go play in the ice storms back east. Believe it or not there used to be a time when I was paranoid about driving through the airport because of all of the lanes and people darting everywhere. Now it's old hat.