Christmas, Part 2

On the evening of the 23th we headed to the National Zoo to see the zoolights...it sounded like a good idea at the time! As we were driving to the zoo we started to realize that we might not have planned this out very well. We were going to go look at the lights and then go out to dinner but as we got closer to the zoo the traffic got worse and worse. At the zoo all the parking lots were full and street parking was impossible. After driving around a bit we finally decided to have dinner first and then try again to see the lights. The restaurant we found was actually right by a metro stop so instead of driving back to the zoo we took the metro, perfect idea!

 

Once we finally got to the lights they were of course fun to see but, we didn't last very long...it had already been a long evening and it was quite chilly outside.

On Christmas eve we had a lazy but productive day at home.

Our townhouse doesn't have a fireplace so, Pepe decided to make one...

We made snow globes...

decorated cookies...

we even had a dusting of snow...

Making cookies for Santa also fell in line with our tradition of making cookies on the first snow fall of the year...nice timing!

and of course, we had our traditional Chinese dinner while we watched the Christmas Story...

After dinner the girls got to open one present...nightgowns from my Uncle Fred and Aunt Mary.

Then, it was time for a Night Before Christmas...

The last task before heading up to bed was to leave treats for Santa and Rudolph...

While the girls were sleeping Santa was hard at work delivering toys to all the good girls and boys!

Santa was so happy with his treats that he even left the girls a note...

I can't wait to see the girls excited faces!!

Christmas, Part 1

My parents arrived into town on December 18th which started the Christmas holidays into full swing. They got into town late on the 18th so, the girls didn't see them until the morning of the 19th.

We started their visit with a visit to the Port Discovery Children's Museum. We all had a great time. Burrs, the girl's, and I especially had a good time climbing through the 2 story jungle gym/rope climb & a model of the Trojan horse. I have no idea how Burrs and I were able to get through some of the openings.

After a nice lunch at a local pizza place we walked around the harbor for a bit. We also went into the from lobby of the aquarium, which is where we captured this photo...

Wednesday ended with sometime at our neighborhood playground and making a holiday snack for the birds (and squirrels).

On Thursday Abby had school in the morning so, my parents took care of Kera while I got some needed shopping done.

On Thursday evening Abby had a holiday party with her dance class. Abby had a great time! They got to play with some of the props from the Nutcracker. I got this great video of her...too bad it is sideways.

On Friday we had a more low key day. The only real event of the day is that Abby had her last sports class...she decided to take dance instead.

On Saturday morning we went to a local fire station that had a fantastic model train display.

After the trains we took the girl's home and then Jim and I went out for a bit more shopping and to see the Hobbit! Jim has been anticipating this movie for a LONG time and I am happy to say that he enjoyed it.

Fun With Play Dough!

I made homemade play dough at the beginning of last summer and it is still a fun rainy day activity for the girls...especially when you can add jewels! December 17th was the perfect rainy day to bring it out.

This play dough is amazing it is still as fresh and moist as the first day we made it.

Santa

Turning 36 is not all that exciting so, instead on focusing on my birthday this year we went to see Santa. Abby has been saying for a while that she was ready to see Santa. She said that she was not going to be afraid and she was going to sit on his lap and tell him what she wanted for Christmas. I was hopeful that this year Jim and I would not have to be in the picture.

We decided to visit the Santa at Bass Pro Shop. We had heard good things about him and had also hear that they had activities set up for the kids to do while they were waiting. Also at Bass Pro Shop they have HUGE fish tanks so, it nothing else, the girls could watch the fish while they were waiting.

Not surprising, there was a huge line but, as promised there were a few activities. Here are some of the waiting pictures...

Letters to Santa...

Finally it was our turn to visit Santa. How did the girls do? Well, see for yourself...

Maybe Jim and I can be out of the picture next year. Good thing I was there because otherwise Santa would never know what Abby wanted for Christmas...a Barbie and a Barbie car.

School Picture

Abby had her very first school picture and, it is a good one!

Our little girl is so grown up and she is only 3...almost 4.

Me Me Chee

Kera can't quite say Christmas Tree so she calls it a Me Me Chee...

Our little Kera is so very cute!

Busy Holiday Weekend

On Friday, December 7th we had Abby's holiday concert at school, on Saturday we had 2 parties (a birthday party for one of Abby's friends & a holiday party at Jim's co-workers), and Sunday we got our Christmas tree!

To get our tree we went to Gaver Farm (the same place we went for our Halloween pumpkins)...what a GREAT farm.

The girls were very excited!

This is such a great farm that it was hard to find our perfect tree.

The girls like this one but...it was a bit too small.

We finally found it...perfection...at least for us.

Kera supervised the cutting down of the tree...

...and we carted it back to the car.

We got it home and put on the lights.

Next, it was time for the popcorn string and the aluminum star.

Then, homemade ornaments...combined with a few store bought...

 

We have a GREAT tree this year!