Ethan and Ehlana:
Happy 23rd Birthday, Garrett!
We didn’t have any involvement in Garrett’s special day other than wishing him a happy birthday; and only mention it because we saw him at the Maple Valley Christmas parade and festival this morning. Before we get to the news from our adventures today; let’s back up to the rest of the story from yesterday.
The biking and park play time didn’t end up being all that long, but we enjoyed the warm weather; the trails are still decent for riding; and we’ll be grateful for every bonus day we get for that kind of outdoor fun before we get into winter – whenever that gets around to arriving. Naomi and Aiden came home with us – as planned – as it was getting dark out; Mom put us to work in the kitchen until our cousins and some younger friends began arriving; and then we were on kid control in the lounge while the parents had a bit of a social hour while the rest of our meal was cooked. The kids were in the sunroom for dinner; we’ll skip the scary moments with Zack and Eli; and then we were on the clean-up crew – work that kept us busy until the start of our Christmas movie pick. Even Zack and Eli were willing to sit through the first Home Alone movie with the rest of us; we still find it funny and entertaining; and then our family-and-friends’ night wrapped up because most of us were planning on the trip to Maple Valley today – except for the parents that needed to stay home for work or other activities. We should have gone to sleep soon after that, but didn’t; and watched the second Home Alone movie while winding down to our co-ed sofa sleepover with the quality cuddle time with our favorite cuddle buddies.
After such a warm day on Friday, the morning near-freezing temperature wasn’t much fun, but we went outside for Tai Chi by the river anyway; followed that up with a hot country breakfast; and then we bundled up for the outing to Maple Valley. Mom and Dad didn’t set up a caravan for that trip, but we were with a handful of vehicles leaving town at the same time; and we met up with the rest of our gang in time for the parade. The turnout for the show was probably a bit bigger than pre-pandemic, so that was awesome; and the parade was a bit bigger too. We loved all of the floats, bands, and the rest of the entertainment, and while it didn’t warm up very much today; that just helped to make it feel Christmassy without being too-cold to be fun. We stayed for a round of all of the festival offerings after the parade – including a visit with Santa; had lunch there too; and then headed home again by around two o’clock.
Dad has his week in the city coming up, so he wanted to work in the office after that and only took a break for dinner. While he was busy, we helped Mom with a few chores; moved on to guys or girls visits to the bakery or salon; and then our best friends moved on to spend the rest of the day with their own families when it was time for us to come home for the night. We helped Mom with making dinner; had that meal with Mom and Dad; and then our evening fun has included some music play time; a Magi lesson; and the third Home Alone movie.
We’re overdue for a Cassie and Michael update, but they’re studying for final exams, Cassie is doing a lot of tutoring for the football team and cheer squad for her T.A. duties; and Michael and Tim have extra workouts with the team to get ready for their bowl game next weekend. Compared to all of that, we’re having a blast; and will simply be grateful that we get to have such an awesome holiday while so many of our favorite people are busy with work, school, or other not-so-Christmassy fun.
That is enough for this update, though, so here are our Christmas video picks of the day; and then we’re out of here and off to dreamland! ;^)
I Do Believe in Christmas – The Search for Santa Paws
This is Ethan and Ehlana Proctor; live from the hidden home of the Magi of the Light – and May the Magi Force be with you!
