Lighting of the Old Oak Tree

Just when I couldn't love where I live anymore, I find yet another reason why my town is adorable- the 34 year old tradition of the Lighting of the Old Oak Tree followed by an evening of performances and shopping downtown... along with free goodies and hot cocoa and cider.

The Snow Angel and Father Christmas light the tree and bring on the Christmas season. There was also a town Christmas sing along and several of the high school choir groups performed. Andrew loved listening to the music. It was fun to have the Smith and Caffee families join us for such a great town tradition.

We actually missed the official tree lighting because we were too distracted by all the other darling events around town. Although it was cold, we managed to have a lot of fun... just had to keep moving to stay warm!

The hot cocoa kept me happy and the

cookies, brownies, and other treats kept the kids in a good mood

Twinners with the crazy kids

Maddie eyeing Andrew's brownie ("cake")

Andrew gobbled his brownie down quickly (so he wouldn't have to share)...

and then Grandma loaded the kids up with more treats

Happy girl with her "cake"

Hanging out with dad and Grandpa while the girls window shopped and checked out the new chocolate shop downtown.

Eating caramel covered popcorn with Uncle Dan

The performers all around town were top notch... I especially loved it when these ladies started dancing with large candy canes.

There was even a police car with a big screen TV in the trunk showing holiday movies.

Andrew & Maddie loved their ride on the Christmas train.

Cute Caffee family

Andrew was being a goofball while we ate peppermint jojos (thanks to the Trader Joes booth) and listened to the missionaries from our Zone perform Christmas carols.

Such a good looking crew of missionaries!!

We ended the night with a stop by the Museum of SR Valley to check out one of their fabulous Christmas trees. Andrew didn't want to say goodbye to the tree... he loved it so much!

I have a feeling he is going to LOVE decorating for Christmas at our house tomorrow!

Time to bring on the Christmas fun! I am so excited now that Thanksgiving is officially over so that I can start decorating and enjoying all the great festivities that come with Christmas!!