My children only had a 1/2 day of school today.  I came home early and took the kids to the park to take pictures of them for Christmas cards.  After that, we went to my grandmothers house to rake leaves.  She has gone to a cousins wedding, so we wanted to surprise her.  I don't know how much you know about this area, but my grandmother has A LOT of pine trees in her back yard.  Most of what we raked up was pine needles.  We spent three hours raking pine needles!  I hope there is not a big wind before the city comes around next Tuesday to pick them up.  My husband is a Marine and we have the Marine Corps Ball this weekend.  I am looking forward to a night out with my husband and his fellow Marines.  He works for a training squadron for the Ospreys.  He hasn't been at this squadron long, so it will be nice to meet some of the spouses.  I hope everyone has a great weekend and a happy Veterans day to ALL the men and women who have served in the armed forces!