Tired of being tired?

The Christmas Ladybug

As I was setting up Christmas decorations this year, I had a little visitor on the small lit Christmas trees that sit on our front stoop.  I was straightening the branches and happened upon a small ladybug hunkered down in the branches.  He was so lovely with his red against the green contrast  I just had to snap a few photos.






Seemed so Christmas-y to me.


Eco-Tip:  Always find a way to recycled, metals (aluminum), glass, and plastics whenever you can.  Recycling helps keep virgin materials from being overused to make new products, so do you part and recycle every possible chance you get.  For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me Go Green.

A visit to the Macy's Santa; Yes Skylar there is a Santa Claus!

Every year, well for the past 4 years, we have taken a trip up to Portland to visit the Macy's Santa Claus.  It has become such a great tradition for us and even though Skylar is nine years old, he still believes.  I don't know if next will bring the same love for Santa, but for right now, it warms my heart to know that my son still holds onto the Magic of Christmas.





I loved this musical duo that was playing Christmas carols in front of Macy's.  I loved standing and listening to them, but unfortunately as I was videoing them playing, a guy set up his 5-gallon bucket drums across the street, everyone in Portland decided to congregate around us and the rain began to come down heavier.  I wish I could have gotten more of their wonderful music though, it was perfect for the season.




A replica of the actual train that would circle the top of Macy's.  2005 was the final year.  Read more about it HERE.




  

This picture is my favorite!


Instead of candy, Macy's gives small coloring books and crayons.


Skylar in the snowman and the actual car from the monorail that used to run in the old Meier and Frank.



The train display is always a big hit with us.  

Rudolph.

  

And the rest of the reindeer.

There's, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder (Donner), and Blitzen (Blitzem)



Skylar leaving his magic letter to Santa.  The best part about this letter to Santa is, for every stamped and addressed letter to Santa Macy's receives they make a donation to the Make-a-Wish foundation.



  
Yes Virgina there is a Santa Claus!  And Skylar believes!


The Christmas tree in Pioneer Courthouse Square (Portland's Living Room) look lovely this year.  I just wish it was a living tree that was a permanent fixture instead of a cut one every year.  :-(

KGW (Studio on the Square) with all three of us standing in front.

After leaving Portland's Living Room we headed over to Potbelly Sandwich Shop in the Square.  About 10 minutes before we hit the sandwich shop Skylar started feeling really crummy.  We still aren't sure exactly what he had, but it has lingered for at least a week now.  He is slowly feeling better, but man it hit him pretty hard.  We still had a great time in Portland that day, and soon after we ate, we headed back to the park garage and headed home.




A super fun day for sure!  We love going up to Portland during the Christmas holiday.  There is so much to take in and so much to do!  I am anxiously waiting, with fingers crossed, that Macy's will come to Little Rock, Arkansas or even Fayetteville.  I would settle for just about any town in the state of Arkansas actually.  Such a fantastic store and it's always been my favorite place to get all of my Christmas shopping done.  Of course, to me, Christmas is year-around if I get to do my shopping at Macy's.  :-)  *wink-wink*


Eco-Tip:  Add "go eco-conscious" to your New Year's Resolutions this year and no better way to start than right now with your showers.  Try taking shorter showers by using a shower timer and a low-flow shower head   Try to think of other ways throughout your home to conserve water too.  For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me Go Green.