Pink Pig 2008

Our family has an annual tradition with the Staples family. Every December, we plan an evening to take the kids to ride the Pink Pig and eat a fancy dinner at the Varsity. This year was our fourth year making this trip.

The Pink Pig is a ride that has been around since our parents were children. Years ago, you climbed into this pig and rode around on the rooftop of the Rich's building downtown and then the ride would take you into the store and you would ride around the ceiling of the store looking down over the toy department. This ride is a Christmas only event.

Now, things have changed a little bit and you ride on a train under a huge tent on the top of the parking deck at Lenox Mall right outside the Macy's entrance. The ride is sized so adults can ride as well. The proceeds of the ride go to a local children's hospital, so you are helping others while having fun at the same time.

We were able to take lots of good pictures of the kids. We're including more than a usual post because April's camera was on the outs Friday evening, so some of these are for her as well. Oh, and yes Mark, you've been blogged.

Thanks for a great evening out. We love this tradition and we love our friendship with you guys. It has been a blast watching our kids enjoy these special evenings over the years. Looking forward to many more...

Buford Christmas Parade

This afternoon, after Zachary's gingerbread construction project (see below), we went to the annual Buford Christmas Parade. Buford is a town that is quickly becoming known for their parades. This was the third parade this year that we have been able to attend. Every one is fun and we always come home with tons of candy. Today was no exception.

The parade began with the Buford Marshal blowing his siren to signal the beginning of the parade and ended with Santa's grand entrance. We took pictures of some of our favorite entries today. Here's a few.

A Future Construction Worker's Dream Come True

For several years, Zachary has made no secret of his desire to become a construction worker when he grows up. Anything and everything having to do with construction amazes him. He will sit at any jobsite and be perfectly entertained for hours. He sits in the living room and "builds" hottubs, houses, barns and other things on a nightly basis. Every toy becomes some sort of a tool. The microphone on his piano was a screwdriver just yesterday.

So...

Today was a dream come true for him. His best adult bud, Crappy, invited him to go with her to go build a gingerbread house. They left bright and early this morning to head up to Habersham County to visit with some of her friends and build their first house. Never in our wildest dreams would we have imagined that he would have had this much fun. The house made it back in one piece and is proudly displayed on our kitchen table. His first real construction project.

We think the house looks awesome. Here are a few pictures from their morning together. Thanks, Crappy, for showing Zachary such a great time.

Friendship Cookie

A week or so ago, Zachary brought home from Sunday School this bag with a cookie enclosed. Their lesson in church was about friends and giving to others. Each child got to choose a friend to give their cookie to. Zachary chose his buddy Andrew. Unfortunately the cookie didn't survive long enough to give to Andrew, but the thought and intent was there. We'll get you a Frosted Orange at the Varsity this week instead. Deal?