CHRISTMAS VIDEO

3 from Shannon DeLeon on Vimeo.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Like years past we were consistent with some of our Holiday traditions.  Visiting Santa at Bass Pro, gingerbread house, cookies, and time with family and friends.  The girls were more excited this year than they have ever been.  They made some of the cutest ornaments at school and were easily persuaded to behave because Mr. C knows when your naughty or nice.  They made this Christmas the best yet for me personally. 

GINGERBREAD HOUSE

COOKIES

The day had arrived, one that so many look forward to.  Shawn’s Parents annual Christmas Eve party.  Seemed to be smaller attendance this year but still such a great time.  We got to meet the newest member to the family, Scarlett.  We also played some games and received gag gifts from Santa.

Shawn and I were surprised to see that Santa and his reindeer Abby ate All of the cookies and carrots. 

CHRISTMAS DAY

Of course the girls were beyond spoiled.  Here’s a photo after Santa arrived.

Tons and tons of Frozen stuff

Before the girls started their Christmas break from school we gave them some money to buy presents from school.  Adisyn picked out this deer statue for Shawn.  So cute! I got a few rings and a marker and we both got handmade ornaments. 

Christmas morning we enjoyed Sleepin in omelets with side of bacon and then headed my Parents’ house.   

The girls were lucky enough to get these doll houses.  They LOVE IT!!!

Brock got this train set.

Then it was onto Stacy and Dylan’s house for dinner.

After dinner and more fun and presents we made our way to Shawn’s parents to open even more presents. 

The day after we spent some time cleaning up what looked like a small tornado that came through.  The girls played with their favorites Barbie's, doll house, frozen dolls, and their “pad” from Nana and Papa. 

SEEING IS BELIEVING

…But sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see.

We decided nearly one year ago to experience The Polar Express.  The girls have seen the movie before but don’t think they remembered.  To kick off the excitement we decided to have a movie night complete with popcorn and hot chocolate. 

We started the night with the story.

Of course the kids had to have matching pjs. 

Then it was movie time.  All the kids did surprisingly really well during the movie.  We all enjoyed it so much it may be an annual tradition.

The week dragged on forever in anticipation of going to the north pole!  The girls were beyond excited.  Finally the day came and we headed out.  We stopped for breakfast at Rock Springs Café known for their pies.  It was delicious!

 

Then it was back on road in route of Williams. 

As soon as we entered the downtown area the girls saw a zip line ride they just had to go on.  So we walked for a bit and then headed over to wait in line.  I wasn’t sure if the girls would chicken out but they didn’t and wanted to go again.  I think I was a little more freaked out than them.  At the peak its 110 feet.  A bit freaky but what a great view. 

Even Barbie came along.

After the ride we walked around the town to see what Williams has to offer. 

What a cute little town.  Shawn and I decided we would need to go back without the kids maybe for our anniversary. 

We stopped at The Grand Canyon Winery/ Historic Brewing Co.  for a quick flight.  We had some delivered pizza from next store and then made our way to see what the girls were up to.  The kids were having fun playing outside of the restaurant. 

Cookie monster.

After lunch we headed to our hotel to check in and freshen up before heading back out.

Train time, a first for both the girls and I.

On the train we enjoyed hot chocolate, cookies, singing, meeting the conductor, and of course meeting Mr. C.

We made it to The North Pole.

The kids got a bell from Santa which we plan to use as an ornament to remember our trip for years to come.  I wasn’t overly impressed with the experience but the kids had a great time and that’s the most important thing!  After the train we headed to dinner at Cruiser’s Route 66 Café.  I ordered a burger with jelly on it surprisingly really good.  Weird but it worked.  After dinner and sipping on some local brews we walked around downtown a bit to see all the lights and the tree. 

Then it was time to hit the sack.  We were all exhausted and slept really well.

The girls were surprised to wake and see that Elfy flew to the hotel to visit them.

After freshening up we headed to breakfast at Grand Canyon Coffee and Café.  It was apparent this was the place to eat for a lot of locals.  It was good.  After breakfast we walked around some more to soak in the fresh mountain air and get a few souvenirs for the girls.  Then it was time to head home.  I loved the drive, so beautiful. We made it home just in time to watch the Cardinals get a W.

Williams, AZ we loved you!