Despite being super busy around here, we did manage to get out to the Santa Clause Parade on November 15th.  We haven’t missed one in a few years.  Whether or not we get to the one in Barrhaven or not is a different story.  Sometimes we go to Kanata, sometimes elsewhere, the point is we try to go.

When J was two the Barrhaven parade was small and during the day and lacking in some oomph.  The next year they moved it to an evening and to the main street (Strandherd) and it immediately drew more attendees.  Each year is seems to be getting bigger and bigger.  This year saw a record crowd of 20,000.  Not bad at all.  Thankfully it was a warm evening because with that record crowd came the most floats we have ever seen.  We even managed to get the teenager out to the event (don’t mind the beard, it’s Novembeard at school so the guys aren’t shaving… he doesn’t like it but we are supporting his school spirit).  J was right up at the gate and Apple was eager to be beside him once she realized that they were handing out candy.

Well done Barrhaven BIA, looking forward to next year already!!

 A couple of months ago when tickets for Star Wars in Concert were released, Hubby and I were disappointed we were going to be in California and might miss out on getting tickets.  Then Hubby got an email at work that indicated we could get less expensive tickets at a group rate.  We were right in there with four tickets for the family.  Apple didn’t come as it would have been too late for her, but J and A made it out and we had a wonderful time.

The music was so well done (the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) you almost forgot they were playing live.  They kept up with the displays on the screen (clips from the movies) and the laser shows.  J was conducting along with the Maestro and A was amazed at the sound.  All in all a wonderful family event, oh yes, and as an added bonus we were moved down from the 300 level to the 100 level, such a treat.  The only thing that would have made me happier is if I could have brought in my good camera.  A couple of people snuck in their SLR’s but I was told not to bring it by security when I called so I just had my little pocket cam.

Andrea set out another challenge.  The 25 Days of Christmas.

We have been very busy here Chez BeachMama, but hopefully we can count down to Christmas and find a few new traditions to add to the mix.

Using one of Secret Agent Josephine’s December calenders (You can purchase 2010 calenders at her Etsy Shop for only $1.00) and sketched out the month of December.  Putting in some fun things and things that we must get done.  But, all of them are Christmas related and hopefully will make celebrating Christmas in our house, last for a whole month.

1. Give the Kids their December 1st box. (Inside: Christmas PJ’s, movies, music, books and an advent calendar).

2.Watch a Christmas Movie before bed. (Made for TV)

3.Write a letter to Santa and Mail it.

4. Pick up the Christmas Tree.

5. Decorate the Tree and House.

6. Buy a Gift for Toy Mountain at school.

7. Make Christmas Cards for Cousins.

8. Bake Christmas Cookies for Cousins.

9. Decorate Gingerbread House.

10. Make Paper Snowflakes and Popcorn Garland for the Kids Trees.

11. Ship Parcel to Regina for Christmas.

12. Visit Santa at the Mall.

13. Go Tobogganing. Weather and Snow Permitting.

14. Take an After Dinner Stroll through the Neighbourhood to see the Lights.

15. Watch a Christmas movie before Bed. (made for TV).

16. Sing Carols at the Piano with Hot Chocolate and Egg Nog.

17. Make Special Treat Bags for Friends at Classmates.

18. Bring Food to the Food Basket at School in support of a Local Family in Need.

19. Wrap Christmas Presents with Christmas Music. (Kids presents for others).

20. Bake Santa’s Cookies.

21. Enjoy a Special Chocolate Treat for the Solstice.

22. Read the Christmas Story from the Bible before Bedtime.

23. Celebrate Daddy’s (Hubby’s) Birthday!

24. Put our Cookies and Milk for Santa.  Hang out as a Family.

25. Celebrate Christmas with Family and Loved Ones.