Christmas in DC

One of our favorite traditions is going to the National Christmas concert and then to see the National Christmas tree.  We met up with lots of friends at the concert; the music was great and then we walked over to the White House to see the tree.  When we tried to walk onto the White House lawn we were turned away by a bunch of security; we have never had this happen before.  The police were not very nice and they would not give us any reason why everything was barricaded off.  We waited around for awhile talking with our friends and then we start to hear the helicopters.  The three presidential helicopters flew right over us and we finally understood why the front lawn was closed.  Once the Presidents Helicopter left, they opened the lawns and we were able to go by the tree.  It turned out to be kind of a cool experience.   

Christmas Prep

 Christmas Prep started the day after Thanksgiving at Grandma's House.  All the kids were excited to help set up Grandma's tree.  They did a great job. 

It was so nice to have a good week between Thanksgiving and the start of December.  I need that time to get things planned for all the December fun.  It was especially good this year because I have had such a full plate, that the extra prep time helped me keep my sanity.  I love Christmas time. I love all the planning and activities and events, but it is nice to not feel rushed to have everything ready right after Thanksgiving.

The girls could not wait for December, so we set up our tree early too.  It looks fantastic and we all had fun getting out the ornaments and remembering all the fun adventures we have taken over the past few years.  We had lots of new ornaments to add from 2017.

I have not been great about taking pictures this December.  Part of it is good, I don't want to be one of the those parents that is always behind the camera.  They capture some good photos, but they miss the experience.  Other times, I am just forgetful and neglectful and just haven't taken a picture for not good reason at all.  

We did the craft fair and Santa again this year.   He is the best Santa; he really engages with the kids and makes them feel special.  Plus there are crafts and cookies and lots of fun things to see.  It just so happened that when we showed up, we ran into a couple of the girls friends and they got to do Santa and crafts with us.  

Sienna's Field Trip

I got to go with Sienna on a field trip a few weeks ago.  It was really fun hanging out with Sienna and her classmates.  Sienna is amazing, funny, a good friend and very curious about learning.  We went to a Science Center for kids.  She got to make a robot and magnetic slime, she learned about building and creating power.  It was awesome hanging out with Sienna...and riding the bus with her.  

Happy Thanksgiving

We had another lovely Thanksgiving this year.  We did lots of pie making and eating leading up to Thanksgiving, but I never get sick of eating pie.  Yummy.  We spent the day at Grandma and Grandpa's house.  We got in some games, watched the parade, ate lots of food and played in the leaves.  It was really cold, but that did not stop the five little munchkins...and Andy from jumping in the pile.  It was a really nice day with family.  

We stayed the night and did some late night movie watching and shopping!

All the kids had a slumber party in the basement with Grandma and Grandpa!  They were really excited about it and I think they slept okay.  Grandma and Grandpa are awesome for sleeping on the floor with them.  And grandma looked super cute in her minion pajamas.  Once the kids saw her, they stopped calling her grandma and referred to her as "the Minion" for the rest of the night.  

Cox Farms

Hector took the girls to Cox Farm last month.  It was a last minute decision.  We have taken the girls every year and they love it and look forward to it.  The last couple of years Hector's work has done a family day there so we have gone for free.  This year his work did it on a Sunday, so we didn't go.  The girls were understanding and it was a good opportunity to teach them about the Sabbath Day.  They had come to grips with not going this year, so they were excited to be able to go another day.  Hector picked them up early from school and met up with some friends. 

Hector is such a great dad and the girls love hanging out with him.  

Halloween

The girls love Halloween!  Me, not my favorite, but I love to see them have fun.  We had way to many candy collecting opportunities for the girls own good.  We had the ward chili cook off and trunk or treat.  Hector regreted being a chili judge, but the girls loved trunk or treating.   

Hector took the girls to the School Fall Festival.  Hector takes them every year.  It is another oportunity for the girls to dress up (which they love) and it is fun for them.  I always have volleyball that night.  

The did a Girl Scout trunk or treat and then actual Halloween.  Hector took the girls down to Grandma and Grandpa's house for trick or treating.  It sounds like they had a great time.  The girls all had their own ideas about costumes this year.  Estelle was Super Girl at all the Halloween activities and then a tiger on actual Halloween.  Sienna was Wolverine and then Captain America.  Natalia was a lady bug and then a Zombie for trick or treating.  She really wanted to be a Zombie.  I guess she is getting bigger, because there is no way she would have wanted to be a Zombie in the past.