Saturday's events in State College, Tampa, DC, and Ft. Indiantown Gap

Saturday was a happening day in our family.  I first of all had a most precious time with my dear friends at our monthly women's prayer breakfast.  I've been a part of this group for a year now, and their love,  friendship, and support mean so much to me. 

I left there at ten to pick up Austin.  Dear little guy - he got a stomach bug Friday evening and was not feeling up to his normal rambunctious self.  For a while we just sat next to the Christmas tree and admired the twinkling lights and balls and ornaments.

 He did ask for balloons, however.  So I obliged and blew up several balloons for him to bat around.  

One got stuck on the Christmas arrangement on top of the entertainment center.

That bright green adds a festive touch, don't you think?

There was so much static electricity in the air, that one stuck to the ceiling.  He was upset about that, but I told him Grandpa will get it down when he gets home.  When Grandpa threw a pillow at the balloon to get it down, Austin thought that was the coolest thing. 

He took a good nap, and when he woke up he was so sweet and docile, (and obviously not feeling well), he just sat next to Grandpa for a long time.  

I made popcorn, and just like last week, we ate it under the "bridge" (coffee table).  

And he spent a long time rearranging the stones on this centerpiece.  I never tire of just looking at that handsome face of his.

Meanwhile, in Florida, Sophie outdid herself in something called the Patriot Run.  Check this out.  First she's just ahead of the rest....

....getting further ahead.....

.....and she leaves the rest of the pack in the dust!  I love that little self-satisfied smirk on her face!  

During the afternoon I got a text message from my friend Tracey.  

But I have to give a little back story first.  Tracey and I met in blogland five or six years ago.  She lived in Alabama at that time.  A few years later she moved to Florida, less than an hour from Lisa.  Of course we all thought that, being that close, Lisa and Tracey would soon meet each other.  But life always gets in the way of such things.  In the summer of 2010, when I was at Lisa's to care for Sophie while they were in Costa Rico, Tracey and I did get to meet in person at a restaurant one evening, and we felt like old friends.  But Lisa and Tracey just never did get to meet each other.  

Until....yesterday.  Without planning it!   I got a text message from Tracey asking for Lisa's phone number.  She was at A Christmas Story, the Musical in Tampa, and was sure she had just seen Sophie.  And sure enough, she had!  Here's the picture Lisa posted on FB later!  I LOVE it!!!

Meanwhile, in DC, Jeremy's fun neighborhood had an ugly Christmas sweater contest.  These are some of their homemade creations!!!

I love those reindeer flying through the sky on the back of Jeremy's sweater!

Meanwhile, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Sam, Sammy, and Jenn were attending her Christmas party.  Sam said he took this picture just before Sammy fell asleep.

He even got to meet Santa for the first time!  I love that argyle sweater!

And I leave you with his charming smile!