Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! It's Collin's first Christmas and I must say I'm sad it's over. I always am. Christmas is so much more than one day, it's a whole month of fun events and happy memories. Collin has experienced so many fun activities this year and I hope he grows up to love these traditions as much as I do. From Santa visits, cookie decorating, getting the tree, decorating the tree, decorating the house, hanging lights, viewing lights, Santa's village, Christmas shows, listening to Christmas music, Christmas train, finding the elf, Christmas count down, Christmas stories, Christmas cards, gift giving etc., I hope the magic of Christmas always brings joy to my children. This year Christmas fell on a Monday which meant work and school went late. We left for Bishop on Saturday morning taking two cars due to presents, three kids, luggage and a dog. The trip took 6 hours per usual, but actually went fairly smoothly. The kids had a blast in Bishop. They love being with their cousins and running around having fun. We decorated cookies, made tamales, had many dance parties, visited Laws Railroad/the farm/ and fed the ducks at the park. The kids of course played in the playhouse and enjoyed all the dogs that were there. We went to church 3 times in 2 days (Jesus is the reason for the season) and the kids got to participate in the Grace Lutheran Christmas pageant. Hannah was an angel and Jack was a cow. On Christmas Eve Hannah lost a tooth and about 10 minutes later Weston pulled out his that was very wiggly. I have never heard of the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus coming on the same night, but somehow it happened and was a very exciting moment for the house. The kids left cookies for Santa and many notes. They are always so shocked when they see their elf traveled to Bishop. It was a great Christmas morning. Hannah and Jack got plasma cars and Collin got a tickle me Elmo. The kids have been loving the Plasma Cars. Some of Hannah's favorites from us were her Echo dot, camera and purse. Jack got baseball stuff which he's yet to use so not sure he likes it, but he was all over the Oreos found in his stocking. Jack has such joy and a happy heart. He has really enjoyed this season and everyone enjoys the sweet comments he makes along the way such as "I'm sorry to say Benjamin this is your last present," "I would very much like to go to bed" and "Alexa, what does Heaven look like." Collin enjoyed tearing paper and crawling into boxes. Nana and Gramps had many gifts for all and great food. The next day was spent playing games and with new toys. The kids did not want to leave, but we had to be back to celebrate our 9 year anniversary! And as Jack now frequently asks "Alexa, How many days until Christmas?"

Brea Lights

We have been walking the Eagle Hills neighborhood in Brea since before we had kids. We started going with the Nelsons when Zane was a baby and every year it just seems to become more of a spectacle. It really is unlike any other neighborhood. Street after street of amazing lights. Police are there directing traffic it's so crazy. The kids all enjoy eating at McDonalds and then we travel to Starbucks for Hot Chocolate and Coffee. The kids absolutely love seeing all the different decorations and having fun together.

Granny Christmas

Tyler and Jenny left for France this week and our family is heading to Bishop for Christmas which meant early Christmas for my side of the family or "Granny Christmas" as the kids called it. It was such a fun day and ends up being really nice because the kids can enjoy these toys before moving on to the next haul. We had a cookie decorating contest. Hannah made the most beautiful and Jack won most unique which he calls 'New York." He kept saying "I won New York" When I finally asked him what that meant he said 'It means your cookie is different from everyone else's cookies' and I realized he meant unique, but he heard New York. Well Jack, it's safe to say Your cookies are totally New York. We celebrated with a delicious dinner, tons of gifts and fun English tradition of party poppers filled with crowns and Christmas jokes. Hannah got her 4th American Girl doll Julie which she has desperately been wanting because she has really long hair so Hannah can practice hair styles. Jack's favorite was Teddy Ruxbin which brought back memories for Tyler, Jamie and I. It's amazing how technology has progressed. It reads Jack stories and sings songs. Jack loves it and sleeps with it at night. Collin actually loves it too. Collin enjoyed playing in boxes. He also got a really fun dancing robot. Hannah and Jack both got Hatchimals which was a big hit. We couldn't leave the party until they got them to hatch because even the adults were excited to see them open. My family means the world to me and I love every second I get to spend with them. I'm glad we got to have Granny Christmas.