AND THEN IT WAS OVER...

What a great weekend! The last two days of the Holly Dicken's Festival wrapped up this weekend and it was just tons of fun. I met so many people - from as far away as Australia! My two oldest grandchildren spent most of the two days at the shop getting involved in the town's activities - memories they will have for a lifetime. Tiny Tim didn't snow up again, so Abbey was able to play the role of Tiny Tina in "The Christmas Carol" for several performances. She got right into the part and loved every minute of it!

Eddie and Betsy from The Tin Penny Band played dulcimer and drum in the shop for the first part of Saturday afternoon. Very beautiful and relaxing.

Then our newest neighbor in town, Gary, played and sang Christmas carols all evening for Saturday and all Sunday afternoon. He was such a big hit and had such a great voice!

Gannon and Abbey had waited all year for their annual carriage ride, provided by Ken McKaye from McKaye's Hardware.

They thought they were pretty big to be able to go by themselves. (And Steve the horse was a big hit!)

The village was alive with singers, dancers, actors... So festive!

Gannon was our resident "junior" Santa for the second year in a row. Grandpa had to tell him what he wanted for Christmas.

Now it was my turn to sit on his lap - for a change!

Abbey had been waiting for The Sugar Plum Fairy to paint her face.

All the children had to pick something that had to do with Christmas!

Neighbor Zanie Janie and our Gannon after she did a dance in the street.

Even our two babies got in the action. Cousins Caroline and Lucy were pretty curious about each other.

Sisters Amanda and Ashley with the girls.

Our little Ellie a/k/a Peanut loved it all!

Papa and Baby Lucy waiting for the parade.

Abbey with all her winnings - she won Schrek at the cooking eating contest.

Ashley, Tony and Lucy waiting for the parade too.

And then here it came. Each member of the band was lit with Christmas lights.

The firetruck had a lightup snow globe on the top.

Then the starf the show - Santa - was leaving town to return to the North Pole. He still has lots of work to get done in the next couple weeks. See you soon Santa!

Our Gannon won a $50 savings bond in the costume contest and good times were had by all.

I was ready to come home, put on my jammies and now I'm going to go relax! I wouldn't trade these times for anything. This festival is starting to play a huge part of our Christmas tradition list, especially for those oldest grandchildren. I'm so thankful to live in such a safe little village where the kids can explore and get involved in so many activities. They both want to work in the shop when they get older and, who knows, maybe they will take it over and I'll actually retire someday!

Hope your weekend was as much fun wherever you are.

Until next time...