Annual Christmas Lights Extravaganza

Last year was the first year I had the truck during Christmas time.  So, I figured it would be a great idea to invite some friends over and all load up in the truck and go look at Christmas lights.  So that’s just what we did!

Last year it was just the Crawfords, the Aylors, and myself.  We met at my house, ate pizza, and the kids opened their Christmas gifts from me.  Then we made hot chocolate and headed out to this amazing neighborhood in West Plano to look at their lights.  That year it was absolutely FREEZING outside!!  Steve drove and Andrew rode up front with him while Kathryn, Jodi, the boys, and I all rode in the back.  The kids loved it and I loved being with all my friends.

Since last year was such a hit we tried it again this year and extended the invitation to a few more friends.  This year the Aylors, Crawfords, Cummings, and Butlers all came over and joined Cobb and I.  All in all we had 10 adults, 3 teenagers, and 5 little kids.  We ate pizza, taught the kids how to shoot marshmallows out of my new marshmallow shooter, and then the kids opened their Christmas books from me…which turned out to be a much bigger hit than I had anticipated.  Usually they’re hoping for a really cool toy or something and are sometimes disappointed with a book…however I will not be swayed in my gift giving!  This year they loved the books and actually sat around the table looking through their books for awhile.

Then it was time to head out!  Luckily this year it wasn’t near as cold outside.  We all drove and met at a church across the parking lot and then loaded up in the truck.  All the men rode in the cab and the ladies and kids piled into the bed of the truck.  We were really packed in there.  The Butler kids even serenaded us this year with tons of Christmas songs.

I absolutely LOVE this tradition!  I love having all my favorite people together.  I love giving Christmas books to some of my favorite kids.  I love getting to use my dad’s truck for something like this.  I love a good tradition and this is just one of them!