Merry Christmas

We had to wait all day on Sunday for Maya to arrive. She did not get in until after 8pm.  C was so excited when it was time to finally go get her.

Maya's plane was delayed just a bit and the airport was very busy and C just could not stay awake to greet her.

But she was very excited to see her when she woke up in the morning. We spent Christmas Eve day eating out, playing and getting last minute items for Christmas dinner. We had wanted to go to church but just ran out of time.

On Christmas Eve we hosted a appetizer open house. It was so fun!

We had 3 families and their kids come over from 6pm--until about 8:30. There was plenty of appetizers and desserts. Jeremy lit the fire pit and the kids roasted marshmallows. Everyone had such a wonderful time.  I was glad that my mom got to meet some of my sweet friends.

After everyone left it was time to get ready for Santa. C sprinkled her reindeer dust on the front lawn and in the cul de sac.

Then she wrote a quick note to Santa.

C and Maya.

We decided to leave an apple and bowl of ice water for the reindeer.

Then it was time to say goodbye to Jingles.

As tradition Jingles spent the last night in C's room.

And he left her a present and note when he left.  She busted into our room at 5am to tell us that Jingles was gone but he left her the coolest toy. We let her climb in bed with us and she slept in until 7:30am.

Looks like everyone was good this year.

Santa came!! He brought C the 2 things she asked for. She was overjoyed.

My beauty on Christmas morning.

We got some cool, personalized team glasses from my dad.  Everyone had plenty of fun gifts to open. 

Around lunch time Maya and I took Jake for a walk. Jeremy was making fun of us because we were so bundled up. I think the high was in the low 50's. But hey we are both Miami girls!

C and daddy stayed behind and played soccer with C's new pink ball.

After a delicious dinner compliments of Jeremy, Maya and I took C to the pool. We had the whole thing to ourselves.

The pool was warm but the car sure was not.

After baths Maya helped C apply her first shimmer tattoo.  

It looked really good and was simple to put on. It lasted for over a week!

She got into bed by 9pm and fell right asleep.

But not before tucking all her friends into their assorted beds.

Good thing Sparky and Pops got C a bunk bed for her babies.

The day after Christmas Maya and I headed to the movies to see Life of Pi. It was a great movie. Then that evening Jeremy treated us to a circus. I am not talking one with animals and clowns. I am talking a real family owned circus. It was small and intimate and wonderful.  

It was a great ending to a perfect Christmas. Maya left the this morning. But the fun isn't over yet. Next up, the Grand Canyon!

Before Christmas

The last day of school before Christmas break was only a half day. The kids were allowed to wear pajamas to school. Of course we had to break out our Christmas ones. 

Two of her best friends in class, Ellie and Emari.

After school we invited some friends over to play in their pajamas.  Sierra (on the left) moved in a few weeks ago and lives just 3 houses down for us. And we all adore Emari.

Funny faces.

On our 1st full day of break we met our friends Amber/Ron and their daughter Sofia at the zoo. It is called zoo lights and there are over 1 million lights. 

Being the last weekend before Christmas it was packed!! We got there right when it opened and it was still crowded.

They had fake snow and a sledding hill. The girls did it twice and even the moms and dads got a turn. We looked at lights and rode the carousel.

The girls and their daddy's.

My family. It wasn't too cold and was the perfect holiday activity. Christmas is almost here and Maya comes later tonight!!

School Christmas Activities

C had some fun activities at school this last week. They had a reindeer day. Of course she had to sport her new reindeer sweatshirt.

Dropped this cutie off in the morning.

And got to pick this cutie up in the afternoon.

Her school also hosted a Jingle Jog. This kids bought bells to tie to their shoelaces. Then they got to run laps around the field while they jingled.

Parents were invited to attend and participate. I tried keeping up with my girl, but she took off and never looked back. I had to cut across the middle of the field just to get close to her.

Along the field there were stations with other physical activities they had to do. She attempted to jump rope. She hasn't really mastered that one yet.

But the hula station. She had that one down pat. She kept hula hooping. I finally had to mess her up on purpose just so she would stop.  I am so thankful that she wants me at these school events right now. I know the time will come and soon when she won't want me there. So I am trying to enjoy them all!

I made my friend Krysta's famous Captain Crunchies for C's class aide's.

And also some for her Girl Scout leaders.

I also made some peppermint chocolate popcorn for her class party.  

I portioned them into snack bags and then my girl helped me decorate them with stickers.

Such a big helper and a big kid now.

Ready to go!

I also made reindeer marshmallow pops for her class. I have made them before but they did not turn out as well. But I was told the kids all adored them anyhow.

Also ready to go!

And lastly I had my friend Sarah make this for Mrs. Wienke!  It is a reusable snack bag. Sarah is extremely talented and can make almost anything.  Mrs. W said it was such a unique gift and she can't wait to use it. 

C's last day of school was today. She is now off for 17 days. Let the vacation begin!!