Sunday, December 25, 2016

Christmas 2016

Alexa had the first Christmas party. Justin, Addison and I were all able to attend. We made gingerbread cookies, decorated houses, played games, and made ornaments. It was a fun time. Addison's school put on a show for Christmas. Addison practiced everyday leading up to her show. She picked out her favorite festive dress and wore her "dancing shoes." Addison's class had a bit of stage fright but still looked adorable. Addison really got into the group songs and sang loudly. I was sooo proud of Addison. She has come so far in the last few months.

The weekend before Christmas we did our annual trip to Williams, Arizona. We walked through the town for the first time. This year was the warmest by far over the last few years. We ate lunch at our favorite place before getting ready for the train ride. This year we wore Star Wars PJ, with matching hats and slippers. The girls loved all the extra attention that their PJ's attracted. Addison enjoyed the train circling the top of the restaurant. We even convinced Addison to smile for a picture with Santa. She wouldn't sit by him but she decided being in the row behind him with Dad was a good choice.

Once on the train we ate cookies, drank hot chocolate, sang lots of Christmas carols and saw Santa at the North Pole. Both girls had a great time. That night we all slept really well. Polar Express is always a high light of our year.

Back at home we made cookies with friends, had lots of play dates and enjoyed the warm break. On Christmas Eve, Papa & Ms. Barb joined us for church. The girls sang song and then entertained everyone sitting around us.

On Christmas morning the girls raced to the tree to open up their gifts. Santa left them both a new bike and Ms. Clause left donuts (Addison's favorite part). They opened toys, clothes, crafts for several hours. We truly feel blessed to be able to give our girls such a wonderful life. In the afternoon we went out to eat with Papa & then to the movies to see Sing. The family time was in abundance and our hearts could not be happier. It's probably been one of our best Christmases ever.





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.