Redneck Trucker Parade

During the first part of December, we traveled to Roseburg to visit Holly and Brad so they could show us a good time, Douglas County-style. ;-) Every year, there is a parade (called the Timber Truckers Light Parade) that runs through several small towns south of Roseburg and since Lucas, Poppy and I were visiting at the time, we made the trip (along with my parents) to witness this excitement first-hand!  But first, we went to Roseburg's tiny mall to see Santa.  And what an experience THAT was! ;-) This picture really doesn't require any introduction... 

It was AMAZING.  They were both very excited when we walked into the mall, then they started to act a little nervous as we waited in line.  Once it was their turn to see Santa, the hysterics began.  Lucas started yelling "I've been naughty!  I've been naughty!" and Poppy just screamed.  Poppy sat in Santa's lap (although she was completely scared stiff and didn't move at all), but I had to hold Lucas in front of Santa so he would be in the picture.  It was fabulous.  Best picture with Santa EVER!

After what will forever be known as The Great Santa Experience of 2011, we headed south to see the Light Parade.  We found our spot on the side of the highway and waited for the trucks and all of the sparkling lights to show up. 

While we waited, the trauma of seeing Santa and no nap caught up with Poppy and she passed out.  Oh, and since we were in Douglas County, we had to bust out some camo.  It's what all the cool kids do. ;-)

There's Holly, looking excited!

And then, the parade finally started! 

We weren't expecting the trucks to honk, but they did.  A lot.  Lucas cried and plugged his ears.  Poppy just cried.

She was scared, but she couldn't look away.  I think she liked the lights.

It was a good time, despite the cold, the honking, and the trucks driving so fast we only got to see each one for a split second.  Thank you, Brad and Holly, for inviting us to share this special Douglas County experience with you both!

Poppy's 2nd Birthday (a very late Part 2)!

My blog has been neglected lately.  Sorry, Blog.  It comes from only having 24 hours in a day.  And being lazy. 

It has been almost a month since Poppy's 2nd birthday and all of the festivities that came along with it.  Here is a photo rundown of the day's events, picking up where my previous post left off!

Poppy's new birthday apron that Grandma made for her.  She liked it!

Craft time with the cousins.

The birthday girl decorating her gingerbread man.

Brad was extremely proud of his gingerbread man.  Go, Brad!

Glitter girl!

Poppy with her mountain of presents.

She got to open one present before she took a nap.  She needed a little help unwrapping it.

What could it be?

Look at that excitement!

"AH!  Bicycle!" was really was she said when she saw into the box.

Taking the little pink Radio Flyer on it's maiden voyage (while holding onto some of the wrapping paper).

Wee!  I think it's safe to say she loved it!

She got a little help from her big brother when she needed it.  Poppy can't pedal, but Lucas didn't let that stop her from enjoying her first trike ride!

After her nap, it was time for the birthday girl to open more presents...and talk to Daddy on Skype!  She had fun showing off all of her new treasures.

Cake time!  Poppy the Birthday Princess could not hide her enthusiasm over her birthday cake.

We all sang "Happy Birthday" to her.  Well, all except for Lucas.  He refused to participate, covered his ears, and screamed "I don't like your singing, MOMMY!" the entire time.

She handled blowing out her two candles like a pro!

And then she got comfy and put her feet (or just foot, since it was only one) up while she dove into her cupcake.

Oh, yes.  My girl is a fan of dessert.

And I do believe this is her "nobody comes between me and my cupcake" face.  Scary!

Next up for the blog, I may tackle Christmas!  Hey, I'm still within a month of that particular holiday.  That's not nearly as bad as my Halloween  write-up! ;-)

*Special thanks to my brother-in-law Brad for being the photographer so I could enjoy Poppy's birthday!

30

I found this delightful image via a Google search and I'm pretty sure I'm allowed to use it as long as I say where it came from and fully disclose that I did not create it!  I got it HERE.

Today, I am 30.  WOW.  I can't say that 30 feels much different than 29 (or hell, even 25) at this point.  It was a nice day, probably one of my better birthdays in recent memory.  Sunshine, pizza, cake, family, and wine.  Really, what more could I ask for during this milestone birthday?

My only complaint is that I didn't get carded when I bought the wine.  That was a little offensive. ;-) Happy birthday to me!