We started the season with a community Christmas party. Allison could not wait to tell Santa what she wanted (dollhouse and princesses). As we were leaving the party, She leaned over and said "Mom you forgot to pickup my dollhouse". Apparently, she thought that the elves would have it ready on our way out- no such luck.
After the party we drove down one of our favorite streets to see Christmas lights. As we drove off, Allison whispered "That is the most lights I have seen in my WHOLE life". Must have been a lot of lights, since she is 3 years old:).
Evan had no interest in seeing Santa, Frosty, or anyone else this season- 19 months old means he still prefers mom and dad which we treasure.
Next stop for Christmas was our yearly trip back to Oklahoma. We went before Christmas this year due to work commitments. My sister, Nicole, and her husband, Mike, drove up from Texas to meet us. They got the kids some cute gifts - even got a Danica Patrick big wheel. Unfortunately, Evan spent most of the day throwing up, but he is a trooper and the party went on. We ended the evening with a boat ride down the river canal in OKC. The kids were super excited about it especially since there were lots of ducks.
A quick stop at Marianna's house (great-godmother) and we were off to Tulsa. We saw the nephews, Sam, Matt, and Jonathon. They are getting so big. The oldest 2 are now teenagers and Jonathon will be 6 soon. Makes me feel old, since Sam was 4 when I first met them.
The kids were spoiled as usual. We stayed at Nana and Papa Filby's house for several days. Evan holds his own with the kids which makes for a much more relaxed time for mom. They made gingerbread houses together and we ate lots of good food. We ended the trip with a trip to see Christmas lights (our kids fave) in Muscogee. The best part was Braum's ice cream afterwards or maybe it was the drive through the garden of lights. The kids went to sleep leaving mom and dad with a few moments of silence. Ah, we wouldn't trade a minute of it for anything though.
Back at home, we had a couple days of work and daycare. The daycare had a temporary staff for the week. This meant, Evan, was super sad. Allison made my Christmas season when I found her in Evan's room helping him. She told me "he quit crying when I was with him so I stayed". She is a very good big sister, and Evan wants to do ANYTHING she is willing to let him.
The next night was Christmas Eve. We picked up Nana and Papa Lawson and went to mass. It was packed, so Allison sat with Nana and Papa. Allison was so good that Nana and Papa said everyone was asking if she was always an angel. Of course, to Nana and Papa she is. :) We went back to the Lawson's house and ate dinner. We opened our pajamas (a Christmas tradition from my childhood), and then went home to wait for Santa.
My parents came over the next morning to watch the kids open presents and have crepes for breakfast. Santa brought Allison a princess castle and Evan a grill.
Last but not least, the Magical Forest on Christmas Night. The kids LOVED the train and carousel and lights. It was truly wonderful. Evan had as much fun as Allie and they both wanted to take tons of pictures; especially, with the fire truck. I was so glad we went and may consider it a new tradition.
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| "Mom, Why does the Christmas tree have leg?" |
WHEW, what a December! It just made me thankful for our little family. Kyle is the best if you all don't know it, and Evan is his little mini me. He stands just like him, with his hands in his pocket. And sticking his tongue out, helps him put things together EVEN better. Allison is our special little girl mainly cause she is just a doll and acts so pretty most of the time.
Our ninth wedding anniversary is in 2 days, and I feel pretty lucky these days. Kyle sets such a great example for the kids, and as you can tell, hauls all of us across the country with little to no complaints. Here is hoping that this year is even better than the last.
Blessings to all- Erica
