Daisy Scouts

Alex had her Daisy Scout meeting today after school. They decorated gingerbread cookies. Alex's was quite spectacular - and full of candies. She learned her Girl Scout Promise and had a super time. Now I just need to sew on those patches!

Happy Birthday, Nolan!

We went to Nolan Harp's 7th birthday today. It was at Chuck E Cheese. You have to love a place where there are games and food, and you can actually relax and and eat pizza. It was a fun party and Alex and Ben love the games. Ben just enjoys walking around, looking for tickets and tokens on the ground. He found 12 tickets and 4 tokens.

Here's Santa

We went to see Santa Claus today and tell him all of our Christmas wishes. He was a terrific Santa and Alex and Ben talked about him for the rest of the day. When we got home we wrote our letters to Santa and put them in the mailbox. I went out to get them after they were in bed- and there is only Ben's letter. I am not too sure where Alex put hers. They are so adorable and cute, I hope I find it.

The Nutcracker!

Alex, Ben, and I went down to Balboa Park to see the Nutcracker ballet at the Casa del Prado. It was so much fun. Alex absolutely loved the Sugar Plum Fairy and twisted and twirled the entire way back to the car. Ben favorite part was the Russian dancers, just like me. He also thought the sword fight between the Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse King was the coolest thing ever. When we left, he said it was the best thing he had ever seen. I was so glad they enjoyed it and had fun. Afterwards, we walked over to the outdoor theater and took our picture in front of San Diego's largest Christmas tree. It was BIG!

Vista Parade

Alex and Ben participated in the Vista Christmas parade on the Awana's float. The heme this year was "Recycled through Christ." Of course Alex wore her hot pink boa and was quite the fashion statement. It was so much fun and neat to see their faces light up when they saw someone they knew on the route. Afterwards, we had delicious snow cones - yummy! It was an awesome day!

Journey to Bethlehem

We went with the Nelsons to the Journey to Bethlehem in Manhattan Beach. It was an interactive, hands on opportunity for Alex and Ben to walk through the city of Bethlehem during the time of Christ's birth. There were hundreds of people dressed up as everything Bethlehem would have from carpenters, brick makers, beggars, bakers, artists, iron smiths, perfume makers, Roman soldiers to arrest you- everything. There were live animals (including a camel-so cool), music, dancing, baskets to help weave, bricks to mix, pour, mold, and make, tin to pound out, wood to plane, grain to grind, pottery to make, Mary and Joseph riding a donkey looking for room at the inn, and angels proclaiming Jesus birth. They even gave us shekels to spend while were there on food and wares. It was amazing and beyond incredible! I was blown away! It was a wonderful and amazing night!

Grace

Alex and Ben's friend Grace came over to play today. They had such a good time - they even helped Mr. Dibble with the leaves.