Here comes Santa Claus!

The Wednesday photos were from our visit to the regional park a couple of weeks ago. Businesses in the community sponsor the light displays, and the park charges $5 a vehicle for entrance. We were at the park early enough that there were very few vehicles and were able to stop and view the displays at our leisure. We're planning to do another drive this weekend just to see the homes that are lighted up. This year, we haven't seen the decorated truck that is usually out that plays Christmas music as it tours the town. Fingers crossed!

It was a busy week, though I think the week prior to a holiday is always a busy week. We started off on Monday, after dropping Eli at school, with D and I travelling to a nearby town so she could get a new debit card at the local credit union that is tied to the one in the city that has her account. She's set up accounts at the one in our community, as the two institutions are expected to merge in the next year.

The following day, D and I went to the bigger community nearby where we shopped at Walmart, Dollarama, and Staples. No card table was located, but we got treats for Christmas, groceries, and a new laptop for D. She's been doing a lot of crafting on the Cricuit and my really old laptop wasn't cutting it any more.

Wednesday evening was special, as we attended the elementary school's Christmas concert. Eli did not go up on stage with his class, but participated in his seat, singing along with his friends. His principal and teachers, his mother and I, were very proud as he stayed engaged throughout the entire concert. (He did have a device but acknowledged each group as they finished their performances.) It was a little bittersweet for me, as it highlights his differences and I have to accept that he may never participate as the others do. (Photo taken pre-concert as the school advised that posting photos without permission was not allowed.)

We had more snow overnight, about 10 cms. (4 inches). D went out about 6:30 in the morning and did the shovelling, while I slept through until 7:30 a.m. I did drive her and Eli to school, as she had a meeting with the principal, Eli's teacher, and a counsellor. They were meeting to make a plan for his return in January. 

I stayed home, did some housework, and finished my mitts. My mini-gloves have sprung a hole, and I needed the warmer mittens for clearing the car of snow! When I picked up D, we did a little more shopping, a few groceries, and the gift cards for my niece and nephew. Back at the house, I did more wrapping, D made more cards and put together small gift bags for Eli's classmates. 

I tried (and failed) to make mini-cheesecakes. I meant to halve the recipe but mixed up the amounts the various ingredients. Thankfully, I realized before I put them in the oven, and limited the test bake to two. They tasted fine, but the cheesecake did not set and the graham wafer crust was chewy. When D went to pick up Eli at school, I had her stop at grocery store for more cream cheese so I could try again this weekend.

That evening, I had a little over an hour to myself as Eli and D went to the Baptist church for their Christmas program. Rather than putting the gnome together, I binge watched the latest FBI episodes and started the Survivor finale. I also chatted with my brother - he and his family are off to Alberta for a couple of days this weekend to spend time with family and for my nephew to do a little snowboarding.

D was scurrying about on Friday morning writing notes for the Christmas cards for Eli's teachers. We had packaged up the Christmas baking the day before, and D had picked up gift cards for each of them as well. The gingerbread ornaments were also included in the package. She had also made up cards and little bags for each of his classmates (11 of them), and Eli delivered the gifts just before lunchtime with the help of his teacher. 

Meanwhile I finally sewed the gnome together - it turned out better than I had thought. I may have to make a few more. :) Nope, I have other projects swirling around in my mind. I'll take a few small projects with me when I go south - cotton for dishcloths and a cross stitch Christmas stocking project I started last year. Maybe I'll finish it by next Christmas.

Eli and his mom went skating with his class in the afternoon. I took the opportunity to catch up on some paperwork, and maybe I watched the inside of my eyelids for a little while. 

I'm anticipating that the weekend will be much more quiet than the week that was. We're expecting warmer temperatures so D and Eli may go sledding. Other than that, we'll be waiting for Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve. I do have a couple of small presents (from Santa) that will be wrapped and put under the tree when the boy and his mom are snug in their beds. 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. Enjoy the holidays however you choose to celebrate (or not).