Christmas Eve & Morning 2015

On Christmas Eve, Justin and Alexa went to see Star Wars in the theater. Alexa was pretty excited but really didn't know what to expect. She said it was super awesome and she had cool hair to match. The story from Justin is that she enjoyed the first half and then got bored. It is a bit mature and long for a five year old.

Once Alexa got home we had to hurry and get ready for church. Alexa had one more rehearsal on stage and then two performances during the evening services. If Alexa had any nerves she didn't show it. She sang her little heart out. After the kids sang the first four songs they sat with their parents for the service. Both girls did some coloring and behaved as well as expected. After the message the kids went back on stage. Addison was very upset that she was not going up as well. Gena, the music director asked us if we thought she would stand there. We shrugged our shoulders and off they went. Addison ended up doing a great job. We were all pleasantly surprised.  We were then able to visit with Addison's preschool teacher (Ms. L), Julia who sat with us and the Partello's. The church had snow, cookies, coffee and festive decorations outside the sanctuary. We all had a good time having some fellowship.

Alexa and I stayed for the second service so she could once again perform. This time she was even more comfortable and started watching the drummer behind her. I was impressed at how well she did being that it was after her bed time. We made it home and Alexa asked to open one present (a common tradition among her friends). We picked one for her to open and then she went to bed.

The next morning the girls were very excited to go downstairs. They open stockings full of personal care items including new My Little Pony toothbrushes. Next was Santa gifts. Alexa was very happy to get the zebra she asked for. Addison has excited about her new DVD's for the car. We then Skyped with Grandma June, Grandpa & Papa. The rest of the day was spent opening gifts, video chatting and playing endless games. It was a wonderful day. Probably my favorite family Christmases. It reaffirmed our decision to not travel on the big holidays anymore. Although we missed our extended family we do not miss the hustle and bustle of running around.

Polar Express

We decided to head back to Williams, Arizona for the second year to visit the Polar Express. Last year we went on Christmas Eve an it was magical. This year because of the now 7 hour drive we decided we would go a few days before Christmas. That way we are able to be home all day on Christmas. We started our drive on Saturday just after lunch. We were all super pumped up and no one was dreading the long ride. We made it 3 1/2 hours before we stopped in the middle of NO WHERE. Seriously! It was the first building we saw in over an hour. It had a tiny gas station, a little convenient store and bathrooms that they charged you a dollar to use if you were not a paying costumer. We of course decided to stock up on snacks so we did not have to pay to relieve ourselves. However there was no way were going to pay $4 a gallon for gas. Thanks but no thanks expensive tiny gas station. After a 10 minute stop we were back on the road. Our next stop for the day was in Kingsman, Arizona. We were greeted by $1.99 gas prices and a warm hotel. After picking up dinner we went to our room to make our ginger bread house. This was the first year I bought one that was not reassembled. What a mistake that was. The girls enjoyed decorating it but we were unsuccessful on getting it to stay standing.

The next morning we continued our drive to Williams. It was only a 90 minute drive through the mountains. We saw lots of snow on the ground and animals in the fields. Once we arrived to Williams we checked in and then played in the snow. The girls were so excited. Addison was not a fan of being cold (totally my girl). They made a small snow man, went sledding and had a snow ball fight. It was wonderful! We had lunch in town and saw a little bit of Williams. While Addison napped, Alexa and I went swimming in their very warm pool.

That night we had dinner and then got on our festive Christmas PJ's. We opted for the late train ride this year. We met Ms. Clause and Alexa asked her what she has been up to since last year. Our train car was letter "J". Alexa kept saying J is for Jesus. I loved that she still brought something true of Christmas into our very commercialized event. Addison was sooo excited to see the train. We were the first ones on ours and immediately found our seats. For the second year in a row we were in the back of our car. I prefer some of my own space so this made me happy.

During the first half of the train ride we danced and sang. We had our tickets punched just like in the movie. We then had hot chocolate and cookies while looking for the North Pole. Once at the North Pole we saw Santa and his Elf. On the way back Santa got on the train and told Alexa she was on the nice list. Addison was hesitant but was happy with the bell she received. On the way back we sang Christmas carols that included a contest between the girls and boys. It was such a wonderful and magical time. After our train ride we took our Christmas photo on Santa's sleigh. On our way back to the hotel we watched the light show (Mom's favorite part). Both girls were exhausted and went right to sleep.

The next morning we had breakfast at the hotel restaurant and made friends with the table next to us. Then we started our LONG drive home. We stopped 3 times and were all ready to get out of the car. It was a quick weekend but a fun one. We look forward to do it again next year and hopefully including some Grandparents too.

Christmas Celebrations Part 1

We are officially on Christmas Vacation. This break was soooo needed. I over committed us in December and it was taking a toll on us. Friday evening was spent at Petco Park (Padre's Stadium) with our best friends (Kristen, Wayne, Julia & Emily). The winter fest was something we did last year but this year we had special treatment since Wayne is the guy in charge. It was nice to have close parking and to be able to walk through the "tunnel" instead of waiting in the giant line around the corner. The first thing we did was see Buddy the elf. Alexa was really excited since we just watched the movie. Then we rode the Ferris wheel. The kids decided it would be the Dad's and kids in one cart. The Momma's were OK with this decision. The next activity was tubing down the hill. I was pleasantly surprised at how excited the girls were. Julia & Alexa rode together both times. Addison rode on my lap and kept saying "again." So Daddy took her back up for another ride. I think the Cox family would have stayed at the hill all evening if we were alone.  Next we did the carousel and then the bounce house. The girls rolled down (and up) the grass hills and saw all the festive decorations. There were princesses, men on stilts, candy people and just about every other Christmas character you could think of there. It was a wonderful evening. The last thing we did was say hello to the reindeer and Santa. Alexa and Julia were the brave girls. Emily and Addison wanted nothing to do with him.

The next morning we had our church Christmas party. The girls made ornaments and played with all their friends. This is a great group for us. They are all Sunday school teachers and parents of youngerish kids. We just all seem to understand each other. Alexa participated in her first white elephant gift exchange. She was very excited about the fake snow balls that she brought. The kids next to us ended up picked them and loved them. Unfortunately they were stolen away and the original family as well as Alexa were upset. In the end, Alexa ended up unwrapping the last gift. She didn't end up with a toy or really anything useful for her, but she learned a good lesson. We were proud of her for not showing her disappointment. After the girls at lunch we were on the road to head to Williams.

Uncle Jeffy Jeff

We started out our Christmas celebrations by going up to LA to see Uncle Jeff, Marie, GB & Sam. We started the weekend by going to Home Depot so the girls could do something familiar. Addison really enjoys being able to participate like her sister. They both did a great job making stack-able blocks.

  After Home Depot we went to the race track. Alexa was most excited about seeing Marie. The girls spent the day coloring with chalk, blowing bubbles and getting lots of cuddles. That evening we went to Benihana. Alexa enjoys eating an apple with chopsticks and Addison turned her chopsticks into drumsticks while watching the show. That evening we opened gifts with GB and Sam. The next day we went back to the race track and watched Uncle Jeff win another race. It was a fun weekend. We are super excited for the rest of the Christmas celebrations.