Olde Fashioned Christmas at the Mill

This morning, we bundled up and took my parents to a community event I'd been looking forward to for weeks--Olde Fashioned Christmas at the (Lanternman's) Mill.

 

The city had dressed up the local historic Mill in Christmas finery for the event:

The Mill and surrounding area is beautiful any time of year, but it looked especially charming in the snow.

When we walked inside we were greeted by artisans with their beautiful crafts. There were homemade soaps and Christmas ornaments, painted rocks and pictures, professional photographs of the Mill and surrounding area, and goods made out of beeswax (like the little snowman ornament we took home), pine cones, and wood.  This man was carving the cherry wood spoons seen in the next picture:

 

 

This woman showed us how she spun yarn on her little spindle for her woolen yarns and crafts.

There were also musicians playing cheery Christmas music...

 

Travis and the girls listening to the band:

...and lovely harp arrangements floating through the air.

 

 

 

After touring a couple floors of the Mill, we headed outside to walk around for a bit.

Dad and I had our first taste of roasted chestnuts, which were surprisingly yummy, and tasted like candied mashed potatoes! Now we understand why these treats are a Christmas tradition.

 

Then we meandered over to the covered bridge to watch the river:

 

And back over by the Mill to get a closer peek of the falls:

 

 

Aren't these icicles so neat?!

 

 On the way back to the Mill, Bethany spotted this bench and excitedly pointed it out to Travis. "Do you want to sit on it?" he asked. "Yea!" she replied. "Do you want me to sit by you?" "Yea!"

It was pretty darn sweet to see these two all cozied up together.

 We headed back inside to get warm and see if we could find Santa (who hadn't been on the upper two floors we'd toured).
We found him downstairs!

And got a candy cane from Mrs. Claus.

 We perused the crafters stands set up on that floor, then headed down to the belly of the Mill to see the water wheel.
This is where the water comes in, and then flows over the wheel.

  

 It was a fun morning at the Mill!

Santa Claus is coming to town!

On November 19, our local grocery store hosted a holiday event featuring food tasting and a visit from the big guy (aka Santa). Grace LOVES Santa (and we love free food), so we knew this was something we needed to attend!

Santa and Mrs. Claus rolled up in style, in a shiny red fire engine!

 

The girls were excited to see them arrive!

Then we headed inside for a visit and picture with Santa. Both of the girls were a little unsure at first, but Grace quickly warmed up to the Claus'.

Bethany however, did not (poor thing). By the end of the night, she was waving bye to Santa though, so it's all good. ;)

 

After getting some candy from Mrs. Claus, and getting some ID's for the kids from a booth set up by the Canfield Police Dept., we made our way around the store trying all the yummy samples. There was apple cider (which Bethany loved), holiday meats and side dishes, fruits, cheese and crackers, and more.

I thought it was a brilliant idea on the stores part (a great way to get people in the store and interested in the catering and special foods they offer) and a fun evening out!

Thanksgiving

 

Thanksgiving 2013

 

This picture was actually taken on Thanksgiving Eve, but I don't get a lot of pictures of me and the girls so I'm throwing it in here. :)

 Thanksgiving this year was just what a holiday should be--relaxed and full of family and friends!

 

We spent the morning making brown sugar muffins, cuddling, and playing in the snow.

 

Round and round the backyard we went!

 

The girls couldn't get enough! 

Bethany kept saying "Wee!" It was SO cute! And it melted my heart how she held onto Grace. (Grace loved it too "Mom! Bethany's holding me!" she told me when I came outside.)

 

And when they'd worn Travis and I out, Grace and Bethany pulled the sleds around the yard by themselves. :)

 

It was SO nice to be outside playing together! Such sweet family time.

 

 After we finished playing in the snow, we came back in for a small lunch, and a rest for the girls while Trav and I finished Thanksgiving dinner preparations.

 

Then we headed to the Church for Thanksgiving dinner with my parents and friends (the Bauers, Kizzars, and Berry's--friends and fellow residents at Travis' program and at Church).

 

Dinner was great! All the adults had fun chatting and the kids had a blast playing around in the gym.

 

We took a quick break before dinner for a few family photos (our last formal family pic as a family of 4!).

Then we came home, put the kiddos to bed, and had seconds of pie and jell-o while we watched the Texas rivalry game.

 

It's been a great day and we're so grateful we were able to spend it with our loved ones!

First Big Snow

This is officially the snowiest November ever! Seriously, over the last two days we've gotten 8-10 inches of snow, providing us with a VERY white Thanksgiving today!

 

 

 

Yesterday morning, Grammy and Poppy came over to play with us in the snow, and the girls had a blast!

 

Bethany LOVED to tromp around in the snow....

 

even though it came up to her knees!

 

Poppy pulled out the slide for a minute...

...and then out came the sled!

 

 

 

 Bethany was having a hard time staying on the sled, so Grammy jumped on too to keep her steady. They had SO much fun--laughter and smiles all around!

 We were so glad Grammy and Poppy came over to play!