Rockin Around the Christmas Tree

The Caterpillars helped decorate the tree today, as our Family Christmas Events continue.  B10 and CW were in charge of putting the ornaments on the tree.

But GO tried to help.

 Then she realized (thanks to B10) that the toy we got her made noise.  I didn't want to open it yet, but she was determined to hear it play a song.

She was like the monkey/banana trap - once she got her hand inside (and around the angel) she didn't want to let go!

It was a nice hour together, as a family, and the tree now looks beautiful!

Now, if we can just get the star away from GO!

~Lone Butterfly  )i(

Family Advent Wreath

Tonight we made a family Advent Wreath.

First, we used green construction paper to cut our our handprints.

Even GO helped.

Then, we glued the handprints onto a cardboard circle (cut out of an old gift box).

Finally, we lit our little purple tealight as our first Advent Candle.

It was SO easy, and it's a small craft.  I put our names on each handprint, then the year on the back, so we can compare next year!

It's not to late to make your own Family Advent Wreath.

~Lone Butterfly  )i(

A Shrunken Christmas Carol

The Cub Scouts and the Daisy Girl Scouts came out to see "A Shrunken Christmas Carol".  CW wasn't in the show (he came with Cookie and Doc) - but they got to see B10 doing his extra role (Turkey Boy).

It was so much fun to have our friends out to see the show!

~Lone Butterfly  )i(

Thanksgiving Camping - Day 5

Our final morning was similar to the other three, we gathered around the campfire for one last breakfast.

 

Hubby and I let B10 and CW play, while we packed up the camper.

B10 found an awesome katydid!

GO slept for a while on the bed in the camper.

Then she hung on Hubby while he worked to clean up the outside of the campsite.

After we were loaded and hooked up, we all drove to the State Park Entrance and took family photos.

 

Then we let the kids go out onto the bridge and toss sticks over one side to let the "race" under the bridge and over the waterfall.

 

I used my new telephoto lens to get a great shot of them leaning out of the windows.

 

Hubby took each child, individually, out onto the rock dam wall to look at the cool mechanical things.

Then we were done!  Another Thanksgiving at Watson Mill Bridge State Park comes to a close.

 

We've already discussed going even further away next year!

~Lone Butterfly  )i(

Thanksgiving Camping - Day 4

Early to awaken this morning!  GO wore her sleep sack again, and we all sat by the fire for our breakfast.  This is one of my favorite things about camping!  Sharing breakfast with friends and sitting by a warm fire.

We took an early hike today, it was our longest yet - over 2.5 miles!  All the boys collected dried lichen to use as tender for their fires.

The views were amazing.

And none of the Caterpillars complained at all!  We were so proud of them.

Hubby had gotten a nifty Ergo Carrier from some of our friends to borrow, and GO loved riding on her daddy.

She was "helping" him hike part of the time.

 

And sleeping soundly the other part.

After our long hike, we had a picnic lunch by the South Forks River.  More beautiful views and a nice sheltered area, so the wind wasn't bad.

Then, Hubby and King helped all the boys build another fire.  This is such an important part of preparing them for Boy Scouts - we were glad to have the opportunity to work with them in a smaller group (rather than ALL our Scouts on a Sunday).

Sad to believe we leave tomorrow!

~Lone Butterfly  )i(

Thanksgiving Camping - Day 3

Happy Thanksgiving!

We woke up early today, and left GO in her sleep sack over her jammies while we went out to the morning campfire.

The Caterpillars were already awake and dressed quickly to sit with the Royal Family.  Prince had his camera out and was enjoying taking photos of CW and GO.

B10 was simply enjoying eating.

We decided to have a morning around the campsite today, in preparation for our big feast.  King worked with B10 and Hubby on knot-tying.  (Always a handy thing for a Cub Scout or Cub Scout Leader to know!)

CW and Prince spent their morning climbing trees.

Queen prepared a Pumpkin Pie in the Dutch Oven (and an Apple/Sweet Potato Crisp, plus I made rolls).

It was delightful!  GO worked on her standing and walking with Hubby.

We gathered at our campsite for the Thanksgiving Lunch - very "traditional" with turkey, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, rolls, green bean casserole and the Apple/Sweet Potato Crisp.  For our special meal, we even had Ginger Ale for everyone to drink.

B10 and Prince worked with King and Hubby to build a fire.  It's part of their Cub Scout requirements and they did a great job!

After lunch, GO and I laid down, just long enough for GO to get some lovely bedhead!

Then we headed out (everyone except King) for a short 1 mile hike.

The Caterpillars did awesome and GO loved the nature as much as her brothers do!

It was such a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I am so glad that we have created a tradition for our family that is special and also different.  Plus, it helps us remember so much of what Thanksgiving should be about: friends, food and the wonderful world that God has given us.

Happy Thanksgiving!

~Lone Butterfly  )i(