The jungle tree down the street was chopped down to a stump. A little sad but sure did change our view in that direction. Then it came. The last day of school before winter break Cienna got to wear Pajamas and both girls pretty much partied the day away toward vacation. The weekend before Christmas was filled with making final gifts, dance parties, Go Noodle, making cookies, bike rides, and Mommy got to go to a Y Christmas staff party.
Christmas morning was incredible as the girls came down stairs to cuddle in our bed and watch a show before slowly making our way to the living room and making a big breakfast to enjoy as we exchanged gifts with one another and were just thankful to be together. We then spent the afternoon spending time with and getting spoiled as always by Auntie Kimmie and Uncle Keith. That evening we made our way to the Ferrario's who always treat us as part of their family. It's amazing to have such wonderful friends.
Through the next week before leaving town, we slowly cleaned up the Holiday decorations, played Pie Face (a gift from Kaylee to Daddy), had play dates, and even got to feed the whole Ferrario zoo while they were away. Then we were off to Big Bear to bring in the 2018. We first dropped off Porter at Greg's cabin before heading to the Sklenicka's place. It was a totally different scene than last year as there was absolutely no snow to be seen. We made the most of it, enjoying walks around the neighborhood, playing games inside and outside, and enjoying each others company. The girls loved playing with Jackson and making sure he was entertained. They also got to stay up for East Coast New Years, and the rest of us barely made it to midnight before hitting the sack.
After the New Year came we said goodbye to the Sklenicka's and made our way to Greg's cabin to spend the rest of the week together. Since the snow was missing in action we got a chance to switch up our activities from sledding and snowmen to going to the Big Bear Alpine Rehabilitation Zoo, and Discovery Center. We all agree that the zoo was one of our favorites! All the animals were so active, even the Grizzly's! We still went on plenty of walks through the beautiful neighborhood, played many game of Skip Bo, and the girls were very happy that they got to continue their video game of Ratatouille from last year. We all lasted a very smile filled full day on the mountain of man made snow. It was a fantastic day of snowboarding none the less. Each girl improved even more and there was no complaining, only good times. And no one got run over by a ski instructor this year.
It was then time to head home. As always the road trip was as pleasant as a car ride can be. When we got home, Cienna pretty much re packed her bag and headed to her first sleep over just down the street for Alexis's 10 Birthday party. She was quite exhausted the following day! While she was away Kaylee was overjoyed to have both Mommy and Daddy to herself. We jumped on the tramp together in the dark while Daddy made a strobe light with his phone, had a great dinner while watching a movie and she got to stay up late. The next evening Cienna finally lost her tooth, of which the adult tooth had pretty much already come all the way in. The girls were happy to spend a couple of nights in their own beds before heading back to school.
Mommy and Daddy then realized that they had a 10th Birthday party to plan. Evite went out a little late, but think it's going to be a fun time. Back to the routine for the week, but a three day weekend was coming up. The girls had their first meet of their first season as Level 3 gymnasts. It happened to be in Palm Springs, so we made a small trip out of it and stayed near Downtown where we could walk down the street and pick out a dinner place before going back to the motel and getting some good sleep before the meet the next morning. The Natal's had come to Southern California and it worked out so that they could come and route on the girls as they did their routines. Everyone was excited. The girls both had a fantastic time and did really well. We all went back to Long Beach to have dinner and playtime together before sending them on their way to Disneyland for a few days.
We prepared for a short week of school and had a couple of girl scout activities to finish off this last month. Cienna's troop made signs in preparation for planting trees in the neighborhood, and Kaylee's troop had their first of two lessons learning how to crochet.
The next time this is written, we will have a 10 year old. Time is passing so quick, but we are enjoying each moment and are very proud of our amazing little girls.
Check out the story in picture form below:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/DaDQKglJe902Bn6z2
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