SeaWorld at Christmas Time

We have wanted to go to Sea World all week. Unfortunately, it has been raining like crazy. We’ve spent too much time in the house and were really relieved that the forecast called for a better day, perfect for Sea World.

Santa at the YMCA

Santa made a special visit to the YMCA. I am pretty sure this wasn't the real one though. He looked like he was about 20 years old and wasn't too comfortable with kids. Since we brought the camera in, we decided to take pictures with a few of Lexi and Jordan's favorite playcare teachers. Below, you'll see Miss Raven and Miss Mendi.

Santa at Grandma's Work

Grandma invited us to visit her at work today. They were having a special charity event. Kids that were 3 - 5 years old were being bused in from a local homeless shelter. The residents & workers had gathered money and bought presents for each of the kids. They fed the kids lunch, had a presentation with Mickey, and then Santa and his elf gave big bags to each kid. We had explained to Lexi and Jordan that there would not be any gifts for them. This was a special day for the kids and we were just there to have fun. They both seemed to understand perfectly.

As it was wrapping up, we decided to check out the HUGE nativity collection that one of the residents had on display. It is the entire town of Bethlehem, which was very neat.




Nativity Set

Christmas Music at the Mormon Battalion

Last night, we went to the Mormon Battalion in Old Town to watch Papa Malcolm's band perform. The kids enjoyed the music. I even taped them dancing to one song, Mary's Boy Child. Even though the kids got a bit out-of-hand during this song, they definitely had a good time.

My Team Won!

Last night, we went to Dave & Busters for Papa Malcolm's birthday. It happens to be right next to Qualcomm Stadium where the Chargers were playing the 49ers. We could even see fireworks as we were parking. There were lots of people watching the game at Dave & Busters. Last year, Lexi decided that she was a Chargers fan. We never watch, but it is "her team." She was thrilled to be surrounded by fellow fans. Every time people cheered, Lexi threw her arms up and yelled, "My team won!" She was so excited about it. She wore her Chargers t-shirt today and made the announcement several times.

JibJab Elf Yourself 2010

Church Christmas Party 2010

We went to the church Chistmas party last night. The kids were excited to see Santa and Lexi was excited about her performance.

Despite this anticipation or maybe because of it, getting ready to go was drama filled. They were both moody, but Lexi was quite the diva. Right after I put a red shirt on her, she told me that they were supposed to wear white to be angels. Fortunately, this holiday one was in the dryer. I got it out and put it on her, but she decided that she wanted to wear the red one. Of course I couldn't let her so there was a tantrum. Then, I asked her to take the bandaid off of her forehead, which had been covering a scratch that Jordan had given her. For some strange reason, she decided that she would rather look for a new bandaid and ended up touching my hot curling iron. Jordan was kind enough to get her an ice pack, which she didn't really use. The screaming, crying, fit-throwing, etc. was almost enough for me to decide to stay home. However, we went and had a nice time. Getting out of the house can be difficult, but worth it. You would think that all that moodiness would follow us, but it never does. The show must go on, right?

The kids enjoyed getting their picture with Santa. The turkey dinner was delicious. It was fun laughing and joking with Grandma & Aunt Paige. Then, we all clapped for Lexi and the other kids during their performance.

Unfortunately, Lexi's burn on her finger ended up blistering. She spent most of the evening soaking it in her ice water.







Santa

Performance



Soaking the Finger

Manatee Book Report

I thought it would be kind of interesting/a good experience for Lexi and Jordan to start doing book reports. We read lots of books anyway. This was our first attempt. I had them pick a book that we got from Sea World. They drew a picture and then told us (Grandma Margie & me) about the book. I didn't give Lexi any instructions other than to announce her name and that she was doing a book report. It is interesting that she was most fascinated by the possible extinction of the manatee. You can watch her video below.

Christmas Skirt

This year, I really wanted Lexi to have a special Christmas outfit. It is no secret that I love holiday t-shirts, but I wanted a step above. I searched ebay and etsy, without any luck. Sure there are plenty of amazing outfits, but none in my price range. My only hope was to convince my mom to make one. I found a cute skirt and she agreed to make a similar one. I bought the materials and patiently waited. I asked her to make it a little big so that Lexi can wear it for the next year and possibly two more Christmases. Lexi wore it to church for the first time yesterday. I think it turned out great.

Holidays start at Sea World

Last night, we attended Sea World's Christmas Celebration. It is sort of a dress rehearsal for their holiday shows and only annual pass holders are invited. I guess they know we'll come back even if mistakes are made. We went last year for Jordan's birthday and wanted to go again. This year, Paige had to work and Papa had just left for a business trip to Denmark. We had a great time though.

We walked around and looked at their holiday decorations. We sent to the Clyde and Seymour show, where we ate our deli sandwiches that we had brought with us. We also saw the Shamu Holiday Show. On our way out, we stopped to listen to the street performers. Lexi and Jordan started dancing right away.