Ring Bear

Friday was the big day, Ring Bearer day. Or, according to FFM, 'Ring Bear.' The week leading up to my cousin Sarah's wedding was filled with errands, luncheons, and lots of fun time with our Kansas family.
The wedding ceremony ran like clockwork thanks to Sarah's careful planning. Here she is taking a break between photos before the ceremony. The kiddos were all playing in the nursery and it was quite the contrast, the serene bride amidst the bustling kids who paid her no attention whatsoever.
My handsome cousins, Dan and James, with FFM right before the ceremony. I think FFM is showing off his shiny wedding shoes.
FFM and the new love of his life, Olivia the flower girl. They were a bit inseparable after they met at the rehearsal on Thursday. She's an older woman, 5 to his 3. Note the tightly interlocked gripped hands.
My brother Q and my Mom tearing it up at the reception. Early. Before they could use too many drinks as an excuse for their spastic dancing.
FFM and Olivia hitting the dance floor. They tore it up all night long until they couldn't keep their eyes open any more. Yes, he asked her to dance, and she did say yes :)

Olivia lives in Chicago and FFM was dismayed to learn she was leaving and that he wasn't going to get to see her anymore. He asked early on Saturday morning, "Is it my fault? Doesn't she want to be my girlfriend anymore?" I suddenly felt like the parent of a 13 year old instead of a 3 year old!

Wedding QOTD

At cousin Sarah's wedding tonight FFM was the ringbearer and was quite enamored with the flower girl, Olivia. They were thick as thieves all evening, aided and abetted by cousin Dan. Taking a break from horsing around with Olivia at the reception, F told me he wanted to dance with Olivia. I explained that the bride and groom would have several dances before everyone else got to dance.

T: "F, when you want to dance with a girl, it's polite to ask her first. You can say 'Hi, would you like to dance with me?'"

F (looking concerned): "But she'll say nnooo!"

Epilogue - she must have said yes, because F and Olivia danced and danced until F was nearly falling over in exhaustion. I think he was asleep in about 15 seconds tonight.

Candy Cane Festival

Saturday was the 10th Annual Candy Cane Festival at Hammond's Candy Factory here in Denver. Hammond's is famous for their handmade lollipops, ribbon, and hard candies that look like this:


We had a brisk but sunny day for Candy festivities. Upon arrival we were immediately waylaid by the Christmas Train.
While the boys were riding the train I investigated the craft tent. It looked pretty good so I bought tickets. Turned out the tickets were good for two crafts, what a bargain! So first we decorated cookies, with Hammond's candies of course.

Then FFM got his much anticipated lollipop AND got to craft it into a Santa. The icing on the cake was making a Rudolph candy cane, too. For those interested, the candy cane is Hibiscus Ginger flavor. Will let you know how it tastes...

We skipped the free tour of the factory, it was just too crowded. Since they're offered all year we'll go back someday when it's not as busy. FFM worked the crowd a bit, made some friends, hugged the costumed Frosty, Rudolph, and Gingerbread Man that were wandering through the crowd, and 'drove' the fire engine that was stationed there for the day. Even Santa and Mrs. Claus were there!

We wrapped up our day with a 'sleigh' ride around the block and caroling, lucky for us we sang the two carols that FFM knows the words to, Jingle Bells and Rudolph. Can you tell Rudolph is a favorite around here this season?

Instant Christmas

Saturday my Aunt Melinda and I converged on my Grandpa Moore's house with our families to create instant Christmas. Grandpa Moore didn't really want to do the whole Christmas tree, decorating, and lights on his own this year but Melinda and I couldn't imagine his house without just a little holiday. We set the guys to work doing the heavy lifting, the kids to trimming the new artificial-pre-lit tree, and we put out all the fragile items. In no time things were merry and bright and Grandpa was thrilled with the results.

Rudolph

Today when I picked FFM up from his "Holiday Cookies" activity I was greeted by a stomping, clomping, reindeer. I guess even in cookie decorating class you do some arts and crafts.

Many, many, many rounds of Rudolph were sung on the way home.