Sunday, November 27, 2016

Thanksgiving Celebrations

Thanksgiving started a week early at the girls schools. First Alexa had her feast. This was the party I was responsible for organizing. All of the students choose which food item they wanted to bring. It was a unique variety including the traditional fixings as well as the kids favorites. We set up the room to look as festive as we could to include a turkey, traditional plate settings and a photo booth for some fun. Alexa was so excited that both Justin and I were there. We enjoyed the food and took plenty of silly pictures being dressed as turkeys. The next celebration was at Addison's preschool. She enjoyed a soup that all the students contributed to as well as pumpkin pie. This was the first time Addison tried pumpkin. She was instantly hooked.

The week of Thanksgiving we flew to Chicago. We had to borrow some winter gear from our friends. When we arrived, the 30* air shocked our bodies. The girls were very excited to see Grandpa & Grandma. We ended up staying up late the first night just to catch up. The next day we were up early to get the best Eggo's around. We spent the day doing puzzles, coloring and reading some books. That afternoon we saw Uncle John, Aunt Kelly & Christopher. The girls enjoyed some early Christmas gifts and playing with their dog, Stitch. It's always great to see them.

The next day Justin and Grandpa went shopping for some new clothes. Grandpa ended up with several new outfits and a suit that fits. It was a big success. That afternoon I went with Grandpa to his dermatologist. It was so great to see how much he loved by even his doctors. The next day we went and saw our distant cousins, Erin, Herb, Ethan & Henry. We were able to watch Ethan practice soccer before going to their house for a pizza party that included cousin Ann. The kids had such a wonderful time play with someone their own ages. We had a dance party and ate lots of good food.

On Wednesday we went to see the movie Trolls. The girls laughed and ate popcorn and drank ices. The movie was adorable. That evening we spent time with Grandma & Grandpa. On Thanksgiving Grammy stopped by to say hello. We also talked to lots of family on the phone. Justin helped prepare a wonderful meal and Addison was able to have more pumpkin pie.

The next day we had to head to the airport early to get home. We were all very sad to leave. Once we landed in San Diego we were quickly reminded why we love our new city. The 70* temperature was just what we needed. It was a wonderful week and I am glad we were able to go visit Chicago.

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Happy Halloween

Halloween weekend started with Addison and I attending the Y's carnival. Addison got a butterfly painted on her face, she played lots of games and had a great time. She was excited to finally wear her Pinky Pie costume for the first time. Alexa and Justin were camping with Indian Princesses, so they were not with us.

On Halloween morning we all went to Alexa's school. We watched as Alexa walked with her class and the rest of the school on a parade around the campus. She was the cutest Rainbow Dash there. Her hair was 100% covered in the six colors of the rainbow. Next we had Alexa's class party. We played games, ate food, decorated pumpkins and took lots of pictures.

After school, Alexa had gymnastics. She had to wear a snow hat to cover her rainbow hair while in class. We didn't want to turn the mats a new color.

When we got home we had to race to get the girls ready for trick or treating. We made it out on time and had a wonderful time. Addison was really great about saying Trick or Treat as well as thank you (most of the time). She did get a little brave and started asking for extra candy and being selective of her choices. But hey, what 3 year old is not? At one point I emptied her bucket so it was lighter for her. The very next house felt bad for her, so they gave her extra candy. Addison found another Pinkie Pie who was also named Addison! Of course we took a picture. Both Alexa and Addison ended up with more then we could go through. We donated about half of our stash to the school.

It was a wonderful Halloween.