Cruise

We are trying to decide what to do about our house.  We want a bigger house and ideally build an addition so Brian has been working with companies about that.  We have also explored some open houses.  Nothing has caught our eye yet. 

Over President’s day weekend we took a short cruise to the Bahamas.  Melissa and family came to join us.  We flew down to Orlando on Thursday night.  We were actually the first flight on Allegiant to Orlando Stanford.  We got Christen upon landing which was cool.  We then drove to a hotel and had dinner at Waffle House.  We told the kids it was a fancy dinner since we had a waiter. 

On Friday morning we took a quick trip to Walmart to pick up kid toothpaste and a shower curtain for the beach (so Brian could make them a pool).  The kids saw boogie boards and they were on sale so they got them too.  They were super excited. 

Brian heard there was a rocket laughing from Kennedy Space Center on Saturday so we drove over there to see what we could see.  We didn’t see the rocket but paid for parking to get a closer look at the facility.  We didn’t have time to stay long. 

We drove to the cruise terminal.  I booked the rental car from the wrong company (it was farther from the cruise port) but Brian figured it out okay.  He dropped us off first and then returned the car.  We got on the ship without any issues.  We went to our stateroom which was the first inside cabin with the kids.  It was small but it worked for 3 days. Austin and Sydney loved the bunk beds. 

We had lunch, muster drive, and then went swimming in the pool.  We were disappointed in the water park on board for that fact Sydney (who is 4) had nowhere to play.  She was too big for the baby area but too small for kid area.  We found that ridiculous!  Sydney was sad. 

The kids were great at dinner every night.  Camden and Graham had iPad however Austin and Sydney knew they did not.  They colored and talked with us.  We had one formal night which is always fun getting dressed up.

On Saturday we were in Nassau.  We walked to the beach near the port.  We played in the water and sand for several hours.  Austin and Sydney played with their boards in the waves.  Sydney really loved it!  Austin enjoyed playing in the sand.  Then we walked to the splash pad. They played there for a few minutes.  Then it was off to the straw market.  It is kind of sad since they have so much stuff already from that place.  They have went to the Bahamas every year now!  Sydney picked out a dress that she loves! And Austin got a guitar.  He played it at first however has lost interest in it. 

On Sunday, we were at the private island.  We were so excited that we finally made it there. It seems like we never stop at that port.  We had to take a tender to shore.  We got a clam shell so we had some shade.  There was a huge area that you could walk out like a quarter of mile into the ocean that was shallow.  We did that first.  Another family found a crab and Austin took a picture with his underwater camera. 

On Monday, we arrived back in Orlando and flew home.  It was a perfect little trip for our days off school.  

Austin has been into Pokémon.  He got cards for his birthday and he plays at after school care.  I don’t understand the game at all.  The library offers a program so we went to that.  He had fun with his kids there.  Unfortunately I still don’t understand the game. But Austin does and loves it!

Austin has also started indoor soccer.  He really likes it.  And he is good at it.  He has scored a goal in every game so far.  It is fun to watch too!

Valentine's Day

Austin’s friends’ birthday party was the weekend after his birthday.  That just worked better for us.  He had about 20 children come.  It was at Playground World.  That place is awesome for birthday parties at this year.  The kids got to play on the playgrounds and trampolines.  There was small basketball court too.  Every played for a while then we ate pizza and had cake. 

Austin wanted a Cavs themed party this year.  I decided to order this cake at Walmart.  I wanted cupcakes because it is easier for the kids.  Austin wanted a special cake with Cavs backboard on it.  I caved and let him get both.  When I picked up the cake, I didn’t really notice it. But when I got home, Austin noticed right away the cake was wrong.  He was sad. We went back to Walmart and fortunately they were able to make it right for him.  However we were there for a long time!  It turned out nicely though. 

After we had cake, the kids played until the party was over.  Everyone had such a great time.  It was nice meeting new friends too.  Austin got some cool gifts like arts and crafts that he loves, Cleveland Indians stuff, and even Pokemon.  We are learning about Pokemon now too. 

Austin’s first project in kindergarten was to make a Valentine’s box with valentines. For the valentines he had to write each kids name.  Austin is crafty and he wanted to make his own valentines. I took him to Hobby Lobby and let him pick out the supplies he wanted.  He was excited to do it.  However it was a bit painful getting him to complete them all. He lost interested in doing it after a while.  We had several weeks to do it. 

For his Valentine’s box, Austin made a basketball themed one.  He painted the shoe box orange twice.  He used a paper towel roll to make a backboard.  He clipped the backboard from his birthday cake onto it. He even made a shot clock.  Then he decided he needed his picture taken and cut it out and put himself on the backboard.  He used black tape to make lines on the box to look like basketball court.  It turned out really nice!  He was proud of it. 

He also celebrated the 100^th day of school at school before Valentine ’s Day.  He needed to bring in 100 of something.  Austin being creative decided he wanted to bring in 100 pizzas.  We used my Cricut machine and made them.  We cut out dough, cheese, and pepperoni.   Then we made them all and counted them to make sure we had 100.  Austin wanted a pizza box to bring them in.  Brian helped him make a box.  Brian and Austin found pictures online. Austin glued pictures to the box.  It turned out very cute.  We later found out that no other child brought in anything crafty.  Austin said everyone else’s was the teacher’s suggestions.  Austin came up with this on his own.  We all had fun with these projects. 

Sydney wrote out her Valentine’s for her friends too.  She got Frozen Valentine’s and wrote each child’s name and her own name.  She loved doing it. 

Austin's 6th birthday

Austin’s birthday week was a lot of fun!  It’s amazing how much fun kids have with their birthdays and we made it special for him.  It started the Thursday night before his birthday.  Brian took Austin to a Cavs game.  They had a lot of fun together!

Nana came in town for Austin’s birthday. She was in town for Sydney’s and Austin made sure she did not forget that.  Luckily the weather worked out and they were able to come up for his birthday.  They arrived late Thursday night.  On Friday morning, Austin woke up early and was so excited to see Nana.  They played his favorite fish game.  Then they made breakfast together. 

I worked around the house and went through the kids clothes and got hand me downs out of the closet into their drawers.  We get a lot of clothes from the neighbors especially for Austin.  It’s really nice.   Nana took the kids to the store and to get Austin’s haircut. 

Then they came home and baked some cookies.  I scheduled a field trip to Chuck E Cheese Friday night. Austin loves that place but I didn’t want his party there.  So we went as a group Friday night.  It was fun. Austin was really tired at the end and started making sad choices.  It was time to go home and get some sleep. 

On Saturday morning, Austin had basketball.  Brian is the coach so his mom got to see Austin play and Brian coach.  At the end, they even got to play a game which made Austin very happy.  He even scored a basket. 

After basketball, Brian came home and installed my new dishwasher.  Ours broke two weeks ago, he ordered a part.  Fixed the dishwasher.  The dishwasher worked for 1 ½ washes then broke again.  Then we decided just to buy a new one.  We went out last week shopping for one.  We finally got one at Lowes.  I have to say the service was quick and we were able to get home before bedtime for the kids.  While installing the dishwasher, we found out our sink was leaking and I pipe on the other side broke.  It was an all afternoon project.  Brian finally fixed everything just in time for Austin’s family party.

My parents came over for the party and Nana and grandpa came up.  Austin requested Pizza Hut pizza for dinner.  That is his favorite.   Austin made his own birthday cake with Nana.  He even wrote his name on it. Austin loves to cook and decorate things.  We had pizza for dinner.  Then Austin opened his gifts which were circuits, stepping stones for garden, finger soccer game, and a huge ninja turtle from Auntie Melissa. 

Then we had cake.  Austin insisted the turtle be in the pictures this year with him and his cake.  Usually it’s just Austin and Sydney.  We agreed to keep him happy.  Austin had a great family birthday party. 

On Sunday, it was his actual birthday.  Nana and grandpa left at 3am.  Austin was really sad about that.  Once Austin woke up (at 6am) he watched his kindle for a bit.  Then worked on a birthday crown.  Once Brian got up we got ready to go to Heinen’s for a kid’s food tasting program.   Heinen’s came into Austin’s school and told them about it.  So he was excited to do it.  It’s cool because they will try different foods because of it.   Then we stopped at Mally’s per his request and got him some chocolates for his birthday.  They each got a bag of slips and they were happy. 

Once we got home, we gave him his birthday present from us which was a big bike.  Brian and him put it together.  Then we went outside to ride it.  Austin was nervous as it was big.  Actually it was too big but I think it will grow into it fast.  After a lot of encouragement he was able to ride it well.  He still needs help starting since he can’t touch the ground well but he did well.  I hope by spring he it will fit him just right. 

For his birthday dinner, he wanted McDonalds. So we took the kids there for that.  They even got a happy meal.  They were happy!  After dinner, we came home and had an ice cream cake.  We got pictures without the turtle this time.  Austin had a great 6^th birthday!

New Years and Dallas

This year for New Year’s I was hoping to go to First Night.  However we didn’t make it.  With all the holiday activities, I think we were all wore out.  We went to the grocery store as a family and got snacks for dinners.  That is a holiday tradition for Brian and I.  We got cheese and crackers, pretzels, corn dogs, and shrimp.  Austin and Sydney went to bed at regular time.  However Austin made Brian promise he would wake him up at midnight to see the ball drop.  And sure enough Brian woke up both kids and brought them downstairs.  However Sydney remained sleeping though it all. 

We went to a Cavs game as a family after New Year’s.  It was fun.  With all the holiday activities we haven’t went to many Cavs games. 

My nephew got married in Dallas.  It was a difficult decision for us to decide on what to do.  However we decided to go.  Austin went back to school for one day then he was out for a day to go to Dallas.  We had a late flight Thursday night from Detroit.  The airfare was cheaper and it was a direct flight.  We stopped and got Wendy’s to eat at the airport.  I was nervous we were going to be late since it was all new to us.  The flight was delayed so we had plenty of time. 

The kids were really good on the plane.  There were lots of kids on the plane.  However most were not so good.  The stewardess even gave Austin and Sydney M+M’s for being so good.  They did fall asleep too since it was so late.  Once we arrived to Dallas, it took forever to get our luggage.  Finally Brian and Austin went to the rental car place to get that done.  I met them there. By the time Sydney and I got there they already had the car which was nice.  We drove to the hotel and went to sleep. 

On Friday we let the kids swim in the pool after breakfast.  They loved that.  Then we went over to Dean’s.  My parents were there.  They were hungry so we went to Chick Fil A so the kids could play somewhere.  Austin and Sydney loved it!  It was freezing in the playroom but they did not care.  It was actually snowing in Dallas.  Karen was excited to see it.  We were not. 

Friday night was the rehearsal dinner.  The entire family was there for dinner so we went too.  It was nice seeing everyone.  Because Austin and Sydney were on opposites sides of the table there was no issues with them either. 

On Saturday we took Austin and Sydney to the Perot Museum.  Austin remembers the children’s play area with the blocks.  He wanted to do that again.  He played there for like two hours.  He took it very seriously moving the blocks all around.  They also played at the art area and grocery store area.  We went on a trip to Mars as well.  They played in the sports arena for a bit. We were there for about 4 hours and didn’t leave the ground floor.  We then needed to leave so the kids could rest before the wedding. 

Austin and Sydney took a brief nap.  They were hungry so Brian stopped at McDonalds for them for some pancakes.  It was a good thing since they did not care for the food at the wedding.  Austin was a bit difficult at the wedding but we made it through without issues.  Austin enjoyed taking pictures at the reception.  Sydney had fun dances with all the princesses (bride and bridesmaids).  She would even dance by herself and pretend she was dancing with a princess.  We could not believe how much she danced.  She didn’t care that she did not know them either. 

On Sunday, Austin and Sydney swam again after breakfast.  Then we had to check out of our hotel.  That was very traumatic for Austin.  He was so sad we were leaving.  It did not help he was tired.  We then went to grocery store for some food to bring to Cheri’s and snacks for airport.  We decided on apples and cantaloupe.  Sydney still loves cantaloupe.  Austin like apples especially with caramel sauce.    Then we went to Donnie and Cheri’s for the afternoon.  We hung out inside for a bit.  Then Austin convince Uncle Dean to go to the playground with us.  We played outside for a bit.  Once back inside we had dinner and then it was off to the airport.  Austin and Sydney easily fell asleep in the car. 

Once we returned the rental car, we took bus back to the terminal and checked in.  There was no line for check in.  It was great.  However once we got to our gate, we realized our flight was delayed at least an hour.  We already were not getting in until midnight.  We tried to get the kids to sleep at the airport but that did not work.  Austin basically went to sleep right as we needed him to get on the plane.  Then he was up for a while.  Finally he fell asleep. 

Once we got to Detroit we had to wake them up again.  We had to get our luggage and wait for a shuttle bus back to our car.  Then it was a 3 hour drive back home.  Brian and I both stayed awake.  We talked to keep each other awake.  We were home and in bed around 4:30am.  I woke up at 7am to get Austin to school.  He was not very happy but he needed to go.  Then I came back home and slept until about 10am.  We had a great short trip to Dallas. 

Austin and Sydney continue to be in the same swim class together.  Sydney also does gymnastics and loves it!  Austin is doing basketball.  He doesn’t like they don’t play games but that should be coming soon.  Brian is the coach for Austin’s team and he likes that. 

We have really started focusing on reading with Austin.  He has a hard time with combination sounds.  Brian even made him flashcards.  We still go to the library once a week and get about 40 books a week.  Sydney enjoys reading more and is able to sound out words better.  Austin is better at math and he likes that.  We are waiting for Austin next report card.  That will come out around his birthday.  

Christmas

This year Christmas Eve was on a Saturday.  The past few years I had to work Christmas Eve but not this year.  We started of the day at our friend’s house allowing the kids to exchange gifts.  That was fun.  Then we came home and the kids decorated the cut out cookies they made the night before.  Austin and Sydney did all the icing of the cookies.  Austin even used a baggie and wrote “ Austin been good” on one of them.  He also used the writing icing to decorate Christmas tress cookies.  He did a good job. 

Then we got ready for church.  We all got dressed up.  Brian took a picture of us in front of the Christmas tree.  Austin fell asleep during church.  Sydney did not behave at all.  I was not happy.  She was laying on the floor.  Finally she started behaving. 

For the third year in a row, we went to McDonalds on Christmas Eve for dinner.  It’s become our tradition.  The kids play in the playroom.  They get chicken nuggets. Brian and I enjoy our pop.  We play with the kids.  I enjoyed playing air hockey with Austin this year.  Brian played the video game with Sydney this year.  Then everyone played some basketball.  

When we got home, the kids sprinkled the reindeer food in the backyard.  They talked to the North Pole.  We read some Christmas books and got ready for bed.  The kids were so excited.  I was really tried.  But we had lots of wrapping to do after they went to bed.  It was fun setting everything up under the tree.  It looked beautiful. 

Austin woke up at 3am very excited.  I convinced him to go back to bed.  He slept in our bed.  That usually never happens.  But I figured it was Christmas it was okay.  Then he got up at 6am.  We waiting for my parents to get there.  Austin was being a little loud and that woke up Sydney.  Then they both went downstairs.  They were very happy kids. 

Austin got his camera he asked for.  Another big hit was a BB8 stuffed animal from Star Wars.  He liked his cleaning set and connect 4 game.   Sydney loved her Anna and Elsa princess sleeping bag, flat penguin sled, Ariel doll, and hair clips and brushes. 

Austin got Brian and #1 Mom cup from Santa’s workshop.  I got a cup with a straw.  Sydney got a princess crown.  And I got a Mom pen.  Austin and Sydney got Brian (with my help) a Cavs shirts, Cavs gloves, and chocolate covered cherries.  The kids got me a basketball hoop to put their clothes in so they won’t be on the floor.  It’s been less than a week and clothes still end up on their floor.  Sydney got Austin a balloon making kit.  They both loved that.  They decided they wanted to be balloon clowns when they grow up. 

My parents enjoyed watching them open gifts.  The kids made them crafts and we got them a grandkids snowman they can put pictures in. 

Then we had breakfast.  Soon after breakfast my parents went home to rest.  We all took a nap too (except Sydney).  She refused to nap. 

We went down to my parents for dinner and for the kids to open gifts there.  They got a lot of craft stuff.  Sydney rushed and opened everything quickly.  Austin took his time.  They had fun!  We had a good dinner.  Austin and Sydney made a ice cream cake for dessert that they picked out a cookbook from the library. 

Then we went home and watched the Cavs game!  It was a great night!

Brian is usually off a lot during Christmas break.  He has taken them to Chuck E Cheese and the Science center.  We took down our Christmas on Monday since the pine needles kept falling off. It was nice to get our living room back.  We had a very nice Christmas!

More December Fun

Austin started a new basketball league and Brian agreed to be the coach.  It was cool watching Brian coach the kids.  Austin and Brian really enjoy basketball.  Austin has a few more weeks of the other basketball.  So on Saturday s, he has two basketballs for 3 weeks. 

In early December we are always so busy.  We took the kids to a local police station to have their picture taken with Santa.  We went last year for the first time.  The set up was so cool so we wanted to go back this year.  Then we went to gingerbread tea.  The kids had juice and cake before the show.  We watch a cute short play.  The kids went on stage and sang a Christmas song.  It was fun.  Austin remembered it from last year.  He wanted to make sure we went back.  That evening we had a extended family Christmas party.  It’s always so much fun.  There is Santa and lots of good food.  We all had a great time.  The kids saw Santa three times in one day! 

One of our favorite activities is Breakfast at Lake Farm Park.  Before breakfast, Austin and Sydney played in the playroom.  We ate a good breakfast.  That is the kid’s favorite meal of the day.   Santa comes around and gives the kids a little gift.  We take pictures.  Then go visit him in the theater.  Austin told him he would like a camera.  Sydney would like an Anna and Elsa princess sleeping bad and a flat sled.  After our visit with Santa, we go to the workshop were the kids build a wooden toy.  Austin built a Mine craft guy. Sydney made Olaf.  They painted and put lots of glitter on them.  We played for a little longer before coming home. 

Santa came to our house on a fire truck on evening.  That is very exciting for Austin and Sydney.  Last year it was warm out.  This year it was cold. Brian and kids played outside for a bit but I stayed inside.  However the fire truck came by the top of our street 3 times.  Each time we would run out there to see if he was coming down our street.  Each time he did not.  Finally he arrived.  It was fun for them.  We came inside and they opened their gift.  They were star wars and princess boxes they could put stuff in. 

Also in December we had our first experience with a snow day.  First they delayed school start for 2 hours.  That is so hard for working parents.  It was decided I was going to work.  The roads were horrible. I knew they were going to call of school.  Luckily our daycare never closes.  Brian took the kids there.  It happened to be Sydney’s Christmas party at day care that day.   It was weird thinking Austin wasn’t going to be there for it.  But has it turned out he was.  Sydney made a bell ornament.  Austin was a little bored there.  It’s crazy to notice that he has outgrown it there.  He likes is regular school better. 

Another one of our favorite activities was the Polar Express.  It’s  fun having the kids wear their pajamas for it.  We read How the Grinch Stole Christmas while waiting for it.  It’s better to have them to an activity instead of getting bored and then they fight.  Sydney was very involved in everything.  She wanted turn signing songs in the microphone.  She would go up the aisle and do whatever they asked.  Austin knew it was not the North Pole.  It made me sad to hear that but he still had fun.  They enjoyed their hot chocolate and cookie and listening to the story. 
They enjoyed signing the songs.  Santa came on board at the North Pole. We got to visit with him for a minute while the kids told him what they wanted.  The things always stayed the same.  Towards the end of the ride, Austin was really tired and almost falling asleep.  It was definitely a fun night. 

We tried something new this year at the Akron Zoo Wild Lights.  The weather wasn’t the best for the day we had tickets.  It was like a freezing rain.  Part of us really didn’t want to go but since we had tickets we went.  Brian had an umbrella so his camera didn’t get wet.  I had the kids in snow pants just because it was so wet.  We enjoyed looking at all the lights.  The kids had fun playing on the playground.  And because they had snow pants on they could.  After we went around the zoo, we saw Santa.  The kids wrote him a letter and mailed it to him there.  Then for a special treat we even let the kids get s’mores for $8.  Brian had me pack hot chocolate in the care so we had that too after we left.  We were glad we went but not sure we will do it again next year. 

We ended the week before Christmas with conferences at Sydney’s school.  We have also been stressed about the decision of when to send Sydney to Kindergarten.  With Austin it’s obvious.  With Sydney not so much.  If she was public she would wait a year but our private school allows her to go.  Many years ago, we thought we would just wait.  No need to rush her.  But she has always done so well in school. And does almost everything Austin does.  So we had conferences with her teacher, it was confirmed she believes Sydney is ready for kindergarten.  This wasn’t a surprise to us.  Just a little sad for she will be starting school soon!  Sydney was so excited that she will be starting kindergarten.  She thought she was going to start tomorrow. LOL. 

Austin had polar express day at school.  He got to wear his pajamas to school.  They even had yellow tickets and he made so art projects.  It was a fun day for him.  That night we went shopping with Meemaw and Papa for Christmas.  The kids had fun with that!  We even went out to dinner.  The kids even got a milkshake.  Special treat from Meemaw. Austin knew that would never happen with us.  

Start of Christmas Season

Austin had his first Christmas concert in early December.  It was on Thursday night so Sydney had gymnastics.  She has been extremely difficult and refuses to get ready.  She was actually late for it.  Brian took her.  My parents came over around 6pm and we went to school to drop Austin off in his classroom.  Then we got seats in the church.  Brian and Sydney arrived soon after that. 

Austin was so excited and had worked really hard to know all the songs.  The first song was “Go tell them on the Mountain”.  He practiced it so much that even Sydney knows parts of the song.  It’s a really good song.  Then he sang Santa Claus is coming to Town.  They did hand motions and everything.  Then his class left to go back to his classroom and watch a movie while the even grades did their songs.   The entire concert was great!  Then at the end everyone came back and sang together for one song.   After the concert, we came home and had a cookie cake that Austin picked out after school.  He had it say “Great job singing Austin”.  He was proud of it.  Then it was time for bed. 

Austin now goes to Mass with the school.  Sydney and I try to attend when I am off.  Austin likes that we are there.  I enjoy being there too.  Sydney got to sit next to Austin’s friend.  She didn’t do the best a paying attention but Austin did a great job. 

On Saturday Austin had first basketball with the new program.  Brian agreed to coach but he wasn’t there because the president of his company was in town.  It was a mess because I had Sydney with me so I couldn’t really coach Austin’s team.  And none of the other dad’s really wanted to coach either.  Finally a few dads came down to help.  Austin doesn’t like it as much because they don’t play games yet.  He even got hurt doing drills backwards and fell down and scraped his back in three places.  He was fine during practice but when we left he was sad.  He did a good job with it though.  Then he went to his second basketball that is finishing up.  Brian met us there so he stayed for that one. 

Once we got home, Austin and Sydney really wanted to get our Christmas tree.  We decided to go get it.  We walked around for a bit and then Austin found the perfect one.  I was not a big fan of it but it grew on me.  Brian liked the price.  Sydney likes whatever Austin likes.  So Brian let the kids start cutting it down.  They did a good job with the saw.  They even dragged it all the way to the paying station.  It was uphill so they had to work hard to do it.  We watched the shake and bundle up trees for a bit.  Then the kids got some hot chocolate.  And the workers even gave them a Christmas pumpkin.  They were so excited. 

That evening we had dinner with Santa.  My parents came up for that too.  It’s nice because we go with our friends.  We had pizza and salad.  The kids colored and did a few crafts.  Then Santa arrived in the fire truck.  They were standing outside waiting for him to arrive.  Then they got their picture with Santa.  They played a few games.  Then watched Santa leave on the fire truck too.  Afterwards my dad made me a cake for my birthday.  We enjoyed cake.  

On Sunday after church, we went back to the school to make gingerbread houses.  Austin and Sydney enjoyed it.  IT was nice they had all the supplies and they got to create their own gingerbread house.  We even won a few raffle prizes.  They were happy. 

This week we also enjoyed one of our favorite Christmas activities Mr. Kringles. It’s at Tower City.  We enjoy going during the week when it’s least crowded.  We also pay for the private experience so we can enjoy it together.  This year was my favorite year.  The characters were great and everyone had a good time.  Austin and Sydney got to make puppets, paint pictures on the wall, make snow, and build with foam.  Austin’s favorite part was building with foam by wetting it on a sponge and putting together to build something.  It was cool. 

While we were waiting for Mr. Kringle Austin and Sydney built a large tower out of foam blocks.  They even had it reach the ceiling.  One of the workers knocked it down and Austin was not happy.  He later forgave her.  In Mr. Kringles office, Austin told him that he wanted a camera.  He doesn’t want it too big but a real camera.  Sydney wants an Anna and Elsa sleeping bag and sled.  They even got to pick out a toy in Mr. Kringles office.  Austin picked out the foam things to build with water.  Sydney picked up a pink stuffed animal.  She really liked it. 

Once it was over the talking tree was awake.  It seems like every time we go he is sleeping.  Austin and Sydney were so excited to talk to the tree. They even sang Christmas carols with it.  Then we walked around public square.  There was ice skating that Austin really wanted to do but we were not dress for it. So they climbed on statues downtown and slid down them.  It was a lot of fun for them.  Then we walked to our car and went home.

December is our busiest month but I have to say it’s one of my favorites.  Especially since it’s so magical for him right now.  Even our elf Kristoff is so magical.  He moves every night.  He likes our Christmas tree, zip lining from it, falling down from zip line and needing lots of band aids, and riding sleigh with reindeers pulling him.  It’s so much fun!