Santa's Village

Since finding out about Santa's Village last year, we knew we had to visit it again this Christmas season.
On-line it said that Santa would be there everynight through Christmas, however we discovered he is only seeing kids on the weekends (so if you go, be forewarned). However, we did catch of glimpse of him while getting hot chocolate. Sadie yelled and pointed, "DO YOU THINK THAT'S SANTA!". And it was. He just happened to be wearing his casual clothing (jeans and a flannel shirt). But the white beard gave him away.

Now for numerous cardboard cut-out pictures:

Sadie is the perfect age for Santa. She was convinced we were visiting his actual house.

I also took one of the kids sitting in Santa's sleigh:

And visiting with the polar bear:

After seeing the nativity scene as we were leaving, Sadie remarked, "Jesus really needs a bed". I agree. He didn't look very comfortable laying on the ground.

It's a fun little activity, and it's free! But make sure you bring $1 for hot chocolate, and $2 if you want to ride the train. The address is: 3016 Judson Avenue in North Las Vegas.

Wordless Wednesday-Ho Ho Ho Edition

12 X 12 - December 2010

My 12 X 12 this month took place on the day we were leaving Arizona.

Jackson was in heaven the entire time we were there. He was surrounded by video games for 2 solid days, and spent the morning playing XBOX.

This is generally how I get ready in the mornings. While blow drying my hair I sit on the floor, and Sade's sits on my lap.

Jackson and Sadie also spent a good portion of the morning getting pushed around by Todd.

After a while we had to say our goodbyes. The kids tried hard to get Todd to come home with us, but sadly to no avail.

Eric packed the car up. Since a 5+ hour trip to Arizona would be very difficult in Eric's truck, our wonderful friends Tim & Bev loaned us their car. I am amazed how kind people are.

On our way out of town we stopped and had doughnuts for breakfast.

Megan and I waiting in the car during a bathroom stop.

The kids were quite good on the way home. Sadie slept for a while, and the DVD had a resurgence so they were able to watch a movie.

It was December 12th so we were able to start our 12 Days of Christmas Countdown.

Jackson battled with these Transformers for a good couple of hours. Incidentally these toys came from McDonalds, and I continue to be amazed at the superiority of McDonalds kids meal toys.

Sade and I cuddled on the couch before bed.

We also spent some time admiring the Christmas tree. 

It was a good, but tiring day. I was more than ready for bed that night, and finally got there around midnight. However, was awakened one hour later by Jackson who ended up with the stomach flu. So instead of a restful night of sleep, I witnessed multiple rounds of throwing up. Tis the life!

Temporarily Visiting Tempe

This past weekend we traveled to the Phoenix area. How come no one ever told me how great it is! I admit that it helped that the weather was 80 degrees, but even if if it hadn't been, I think I would have still been enamored by it.

The drive down was quite long. Although Tempe is only about 5 hours away, when you add in stopping for Eric to do a job in Needles, CA, an abnormally long stop for dinner at a Pizza Hut in Blythe, CA, a DVD player that would not work for the duration of the trip, and a child (Megan) who got car sick a few times:

 

You end up with ONE LONG HELL OF A TRIP!

 But it was all worth it, because we were traveling down for a very important occasion. Mallory, who is Eric's brothers girlfriend was getting baptized.

Todd & Mallory

Did you know that this man lives in Scottsdale, right next to Tempe!

I kept my eye out for him, but apparently he wasn't invited to the baptism so I didn't see him :(.

Todd & Mallory once again. Mallory somehow ended up with a jumpsuit much more fashion forward than the one I had to wear.

After the baptism, Eric had a site survey to do in Surprise, AZ (the mans work is never done!), and then we all headed out the Spaghetti Factory. MY FAVORITE! After eating we discovered that the Fire Department was giving kids rides in fire engines.

And this wasn't any low key ride. It involved sirens, and whipping around the mall parking lot at great speed.

Sade's the Seahawks fan.

That night we visited the birthplace of Rachael and Steves eternal journey: The Mesa Temple. It was gorgeous and all decorated for Christmas.

While Eric was taking this picture Sadie said, "Smile Jesus."

It was a whirlwind trip, but a great one.

On The Catwalk

Oh Sade's. I melt when I see you all dressed up in 80's fashions. The leg warmers alone just about do me in. I am almost positive I had these exact same boots when I was 11. You are such a little punk rocker. As I was taking pictures I asked her to walk the catwalk and model for me. Of course she knew exactly what I meant.

Breakfast With Santa

Well when it was time to see Santa, Jackson wasted no time telling him exactly what he wanted. There is really only one thing on his Christmas list and that item is Beyblades! He is obsessed. He has even gone so far as to inform me that I have to MAKE SURE that the present he opens on Christmas Eve is a Beyblade.

Megan, being 10, was a bit more of a smart aleck, and told Santa she wanted a candy cane (which they were giving out).  She then said, "And my wish came true."

Sadie finds Santa frightening would not even consider participating.