so much, so little time

holidays with the smith and hines crew is, i'm quite sure, something that could be made into a mini-series. we do so much in such a short amount of time. sometimes i'm amazed we don't all pass out from lack of breathing. but it's all wonderful and full of memories that i don't mind. besides, i'm used to it. it's always been this way.
so i'd say our holiday weekend actually started weds night. we finished putting our lights up and i put just a couple more decorations up to seal the deal. thursday morn rich got up bright and early to get in some hunting. around 1pm we headed to rich's grandparents for a late lunch, full of good food and good company. then afterwards, his parents, jen, rob, and the kids in tow, all headed to our house. we mostly just chatted and tried to watch a movie. we eventually ate dinner. black friday i had plans of getting out to shop EARLY, but due to numerous coughing attacks throughout the night and a hour and 45 minute "break from sleeping" with my son, i opted to sleep in. we ended up heading out around 10am. we picked up the all the cousins' gifts at target. they are all getting the same thing, thanks to my hubby. he actually had something specific in mind to get all of them and it just happened to be about 35% off. it's a great idea for them and i'm glad he pushed me to do it :O) they'll love it. we stopped off at costplus and then picked up a burger to head home for a late lunch.
friday evening my parents had planned a really special night for they grandkids. they had scheduled with santa for a quick stop on his way back to the north pole. he came in with a big red bag of presents. each of the kids took their turn sitting on santa's lap telling him what they wanted for christmas. then he gave them each a gift and some goodies as a little taste of what was to come christmas morning :O)
they were precious. here are a few photos. as you can see, two of the kiddos just weren't too sure about the whole thing. that is of course until santa gave them their gifts :O) (one of our wonderful friends who's an amazing photographer came over to take pics so i will post those when i get them. till then, these will have to do)






saturday rich got a little more hunting in and i got to meet up with my sister in law and an old friend who was in town. we had coffee, talked, and then went shopping at a great little store on chinden. never would've known that place was there. that evening we had rich's cousin and his wife over for a long & overdue dinner. we had sooo much fun with them. i swear that guy makes me laugh till i split. we just love hanging out with them and it seems like it happens too rarely.
today...well, this is about it. church, naps, browse the web, work on my advent calendar and enjoy a true "rest day."
so, as bing crosby so beautifully sings in the movie "holiday inn,"... "i've got plenty to be thankful for!" no, i won't make another list but i AM gonna mention one. i'm SOOOOOOO thankful for the drop in gas prices. aren't you?? with as much driving as rich has to do w/his job, we are saving about 200.00/month now. praise god! now that IS something to be thankful for.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! AND THANK YOU GOD FOR THIS WONDERFUL, FREE COUNTRY WE LIVE IN!