We kicked off the Christmas season with a trip to Skyline Church for their annual Christmas Festival. There was snow sledding, crafts, food, and of course, SANTA! Mom was grateful for Santa's visit with each of us. I am pretty sure she was most excited that this picture with Santa will allow her to avoid a trip to the mall this year.
Aunt Connie hosted her annual Christmas craft and decorating event at her home and all of us had a great time with the family.
We loved all the snacks, crafts, and beautiful decorations.
At home the Christmas tree was decorated with our less than traditional ornaments once again.
Mom did add some new flashy ornaments to the mix this year. Rhinestones, spikes, and yes, a homemade homage to the great super hero, Deadpool.
We were grateful that our eclectic Charlie Brown tree was displayed front and center in our main room where it showcased all of our ornaments we've collected over the years.
It was nice celebrating the holidays with our San Diego family.
December seemed to fly by at school, and before we knew it we only had one week left before Christmas break!!!
It was fun dressing up for the holidays, but Presley seemed to enjoy it the most!
Mom was thrilled when Macie agreed to let her add some sparkle a couple days that week.
Mom spent the week prepping for the holiday crafts she was doing in our classrooms. From ornaments to holiday gifts, each class got to make a few different items to take home to their families. She also made costumes to wear each day she presented another craft. Each of her costumes were a hit, but our favorites were the Grinch (Nixon was her dog Max) and a Who.
In 6th grade we don't celebrate holidays like we did we were young. Thankfully the parents rallied together and were able to set up a cookie decorating party at the end of our school week!
To celebrate the start of Christmas break we went to Sea World with the Garretts. Santa was there and we got to take more pictures with him!
Macie was thrilled that Mrs.Claus and her gang of elves were back again. They even remembered her name and that she was made an honorary elf last year.
Shortly after we woke up the following morning Uncle Will arrived in San Diego and we were so excited to see him.
Before we knew it Christmas Eve was here. While Mom was getting ready the rest of us spent some time goofing around with Uncle Will.
That night we went to Christmas Eve service at church with Grandma Judy and the Garretts.
After church mom tried to get a few nice pictures before the craziness of Christmas Eve began.
Mom was wondering why I was smiling in an awkward way
so I opened my mouth wide...
While we were driving home from church we ate lollipops in the car without asking Mom. Next time we will make sure to choose smarter colors.
Mom and Uncle Will worked hard to make dinner while we wrote letters to Santa and watched the Grinch.
When the turkey was finally done the family sat down to a feast.
Macie went full carnivore on the drumstick...
Dad was so excited that he had a drinking buddy this year. Both of them enjoyed some egg nog in Griswald reindeer mugs.
Before going to bed we placed our Santa letters by the fireplace.
Early the next morning we woke up eager to see if Santa came to visit.
Lucky for us he did!
Somehow Santa knew exactly what we wanted!
In the late morning we went down to Grandma Judy's house for brunch.
Back at home we spent the rest of the day enjoying our new gifts and hanging with the family.
For the rest of Christmas break we enjoyed trips around town with friends.
We made lots of trips to the ice rink,
the park,
and the bowling alley,
and the mall. I loved the mall! Mom is really in for it...
For Christmas Dad bought Vegas Golden Knights hockey tickets and Macie couldn't wait to go to a game. Mom made her a big fancy sign so that she would get noticed.
She had an awesome time, met some players, got signatures on her poster, and watched the Golden Knights get another W.
On Monday Mom and Grandma Judy took Macie and I to Mammoth for our first ski trip of the season. We were so excited to be back in the snow.
Day 1 was beautiful and sunny. Macie and I felt at home on our skis.
After a day on the slopes we played in the snow and built a snowman for Presley and Nixon as promised.
In the evening Mom took Macie and I to visit Patricia at the Red Lily. We LOVED her shop and all the fancy tchotchkes inside. I was admiring a floral hair piece she was wearing and she let me try it on and model it.
Day 2 on the slopes was snowy but still fun. The snow storm brought lots of powder.
The sun came back out for our last day on the slopes and we made sure to take advantage!
The following week we were back at school. Mom loved that fact that the winter was colder than usual, allowing us to wear fur, boots, scarves, etc.
It was hard adjusting to life at school after 3 weeks off of school. Thankfully Friday was character dress up day. We all enjoyed choosing our favorite characters and wearing costumes.
At the end of January Mom decided that Nixon was ready to begin preschool. Being the youngest of 4 he has been academically ready for a while. He can read most children's books and has already begun writing his name. Mom finally came to the realization that he needed his own friends and identity so she gave in. He was SO excited for his first day.
When she brought him to school he couldn't stop smiling. His first day was filled with fun and laughter, no tears!
The saying "the days are long, but the years are short" has never resonated more. We are hoping this new year will bring as much love and happiness as the ones before it.
