25 Days of Christmas continues!

On the night of the 6th day, Garrett's company put on their Christmas party at a hotel down in PB, lots of fun!

The next day we had some friends over to watch the Chargers vs Patriots game and this was the only picture I took.  There was lots of dress up and craziness to be had! 



Day 8 brought Tatum's brownie troop joining an older troop and singing Christmas songs at a retirement home.  The girls loved it! 

And I think the residence loved it too.  There was quite a turn out and the girls all did a wonderful job!



Day 9 brought making and decorating a gingerbread train with Shauna.  Lots of fun and messiness!

After a Christmas craft, watching some Christmas movies, and wrapping friend's gifts, Day 13 we headed with Ellie and Tamara to Breakfast in Bethlehem.  So fun!  It's a breakfast put on by RBCPC, a Presbyterian church in Rancho Bernardo.  I use to attend MOPs here with the kids a few years back.  As we walked in, they seated us at a large table where each seat had a bag of goodies as well as fun crafts.  The kids got right to work!

Then we enjoyed a delicious breakfast!

Then they put on an interactive play about the night Jesus was born.

Each step of the story, there was something the audience needed to do.  Whether it be to put on their hallo when the angels came, or crowns when the kings came, or point their flashlight up at the star, or wave their sheep that they'd decorated with cotton balls.  The kids had so much fun!

After it was all over, we walked around and took some pictures like these on the stage...

and these by the beautiful trees.

 

That night we had hoped to go to the Nevens' place for dinner and to watch the boat parade in front of their house.  But Erica found out it didn't go by them and they weren't going to stand out in the cold to watch it.  Just as good for us since I was feeling a bit over whelmed.  Garrett had left that morning for a week at the Borax mine so staying close to home was find by me.  Instead, we picked mom up and went to the Bernardo Winery!  We love this every year and enjoyed the train model...

the horse drawn carriage that we take every year,...

Turns out this beautiful horse had an aneurism the next day and died.  So sad, I'm sure his owner is beyond distraught and heart broken.

Then we waited in line to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The kids always look forward to this part.

 

 

A new thing this year was writing Santa a letter.  He wanted you to put down 5 of your wishes and he would email 5 different kids from the weekend and grant them one of their wishes.  Unfortunately we didn't get an email but so happy for those kids that received wishes this year!

Day 14 was a fun celebration at Erica's new house for her birthday!  We enjoyed some food, wine and lots of laughs!

 

And then we continued the fun at the Del! 

Day 15 Grandma came for dinner and then we went to Christmas card lane.  We love this one!  So many big wooden cut outs in front of all the houses. 

Everyone always has their favorites, this this one for Tatum...

and the bears of course!

I love this!  The kids went up and were praying next to Santa, too cute!

And someone already had Big Hero 6!

Another house does a huge model train display and sells popcorn and hot cocoa. 

And another puts out this perfect picture opportunity!

Now here's one of my favorites!

Day 17 was the last day of religion class and the kids put on a play about the day Jesus was born.  Look at these sweet angels!

All the kids just read from the script but did an excellent job!

So cute!

Day 18 brought a beautiful sunrise while out walking with Jacquie!

It also brought finishing up our teacher gifts.  They both decorated a cup for each teacher, very thoughtful.

And here's a random picture of Ty's bibi.  His blanket was slowly falling apart, so Grandma suggested he protect it in this bag she made.  Obviously it doesn't feel like bibi anymore so he said bibi wanted to sleep up on the shelf. :)  I guess this means he's growing up.  I asked Tatum if her mimi was ready to sleep on the shelf and she said no, never!  She'll be taking that thing to the college dorms with her! :)

Day 19 was class party day!  Ty's class had a reindeer theme and here is their craft!

Here's the whole class, so sweet.  Mrs. Otto does a wonderful job with all 25 students!

Crazy faces!

They played a game outside and then made a reindeer face out of graham crackers, pretzels and nutella.  Yum!

Tatum's class made gingerbread houses!  These were all hand made by Trilina, hot glue gunned with chimneys and smoke!

The class LOVED this activity and after they were done,...

they put their house under the tree to dry.  So beautiful!  They enjoyed a pizza lunch with fruit and then went outside for the last activity.

Eating wreaths!  Tatum sat this out since she doesn't care for donuts, but the kids had a blast and got nice and messy!

Some parents demonstrated first.  Hilarious!  Both parties were a hit and as sad as it was to say goodbye to friends, it was the beginning of 2 weeks off!