We had a big opening weekend for Christmas traditions and festivities. Several of the activities on our holiday bucket list all landed at about the same time. We didn't want to miss anything so we decided to pack it all in.
A few years ago we went to the Festival of the Trees on a whim. It was my first time but I was immediately hooked. It is amazing to see what people can create and we love seeing the trees, the wreaths, and especially - the gingerbread houses.
The festival is actually a giant fundraiser for Primary Children's Hospital so they have a "kids korner" with games and activities to earn additional money. Luke and Ruby love this part so we decided to start out with a little fun.
The kids always ask....and I always say "no" to face painting. I think we were all a little surprised when I quickly agreed that it would be fun and told them to get in line. We had to wait quite awhile but they were both thrilled with how they looked.
Still loves Jack Skellington
Cutest reindeer ever.
We dressed and decorated stuffed animals and
This year were able to bring them home.
After a little bit of fun, we finally made it to see the trees - there are so many and all so very different. I especially love reading the tributes to so many individuals who have passed on and seeing how they have been honored. Tim tends to like the trees that are classic beauties, and the kids are thrilled with any tree that has toys or depicts a character.
This was my favorite - take me to the beach.
On Friday the kids were super excited for the grandkid's Christmas party with my parents. They have done this for several years and it is the best traditions. The format varies a little, but this year they all met at the mall and started with a party at Build a Bear. Of course, that was the highlight and I know Luke and Ruby had been talking for weeks about what new "pet" they were going to choose. After finishing their bears, the whole crew went to see Santa, had dinner, and ended up at an indoor play yard. I love that grandpa and grandpa do this and know they are creating the best memories with these little ones. As we were getting ready to go, I mentioned that we would be dropping the kids off and would see them after the party. Luke got a little concerned and wondered if grandpa and grandma would be okay with so many kids...I assured him that they could handle a crows. Since the kids are getting older, I think the logistics are now a little easier, but they are still pretty brave to shepherd them all around the mall on their own. Luke and Ruby have loved their new creations and have spent the entire month being excited about these new friends.
They live for a silly picture
Since last Christmas I have heard about a family that puts on a living nativity in Alpine. Tickets are required so I paid attention to make sure I knew when they went on sale. There were a few hiccups with the ticketing, but we got tickets and I was excited for a new adventure. When we first arrived there was a long line to get started, but the kids were happy to play in the snow. The overall production was pretty impressive...they had camels, donkey, sheep and horses being ridden by Roman soldiers. We spent time in "Bethlehem" where the kids learned how life was lived at the time Jesus was born. They were especially interested in the booths where they were making pottery and the one where they showed how they turned the sheep's wool into yarn and clothing.
After we left Bethlehem, we met the wisemen and then listened to an angel choir. The final stop was a small barn where we saw the baby Jesus with Mary and Joseph. I didn't expect to be so impacted, but it was really a special experience for all of us. The kids were so quiet and seemed completely in awe of the situation. Both agreed that seeing the baby Jesus was their favorite part of the night. Tim and I were so glad that we had made the effort to be there. Hopefully it is a memory that will stick with Luke and Ruby for a very long time.
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