On the road again... We excitedly headed up for much anticipated family time! Both puppies started in the cab of the truck, but both of them being over 50 lbs. It was a little much. They were way more comfortable being in the back by themselves. Headed to Grammy's first off. Had a great dinner and then big breakfast complete with unicorn marshmallow hot chocolate. The girls then went shopping with Grammy and they got Mommy a hot sauce advent calendar. Afterward, Mommy headed for a beautiful hike with Courtney... meanwhile, Daddy and the girls were helping Grammy with some plumbing issues and finding the cleanout underneath her back deck. And then there was a small alert of Roaklee possibly getting into some rat poison in the side yard. All of it was accounted for and we continued on with our ever eventful holiday week.
We headed to Poppa's that night in preparation for moving gravel, and fixing the game table in the morning. The Marty's also came over to help and play before Kaylee, Trevor, and Daddy went in the "heated" pool. The next morning we went back to Grammy's. Daddy went with Grammy and the girls to volunteer and help the Rainbow girls clean the lodge and Mommy got to spend a great lunch with Darcie. After they came back from volunteering, the girls got to get a gymnastics practice/ fun time in at SRGC with their optional team. We had a very musically educational and fun evening before heading back to Poppa's for our first Thanksgiving.
We were able to make the most out of the amazing Cabana space as well as the rest of the property. Playing volleyball, playing games on the big screen, and enjoying each others company! We got to use the outdoor space to do up a delicious tri-tip, and Dana had all the appetizers and sides ready to go! We had Christmas morning in the cabana with the sun out. It was great to be joined by Auntie Sheryl and Uncle Jerry! We were all spoiled by the family, mostly by the time we got to spend with them. Poppa also got all the girls thoughtful matching bracelets with a knot that "ties us all together". We had leftovers and a movie night in the Cabana to finish off a great first Christmas for the year.
The next Thanksgiving was at Grammy's. We started first off with some food preparations for and early dinner and did some more jam sessions. Monica joined us in a very family fun day. The kids did their best on the ginger bread houses, and had a blast doing it. Then we all enjoyed the turkey from the McFarlands, and all the sides made from the rest. There was an impromptu soccer game at the nearby elementary school. Some talented kids.. and adults : ). I'm pretty sure it was a tie. We had fun with a sawdust pile, and then a snowball fight inside of Grammy's house !!!
Auntie Carrie and Anthony came over to play, and the cousins made an extremely creative fort creation as a sleepover in Grammy's living room in anticipation of Christmas present exchange the next morning. The girls appreciated all of their gifts, and more time with family. That afternoon we headed back toward home.
We stopped by the gym to say goodbye to Darcie and thank her for all she does, and then were on our way to Harris Ranch. We didn't quite get a room there, but did find one a 1/4 mile away that was pretty nice, and the Baja Fresh Dinner was WAY cheaper and pretty darn good for what we all felt like having! The final trip home was easy and a fun family car ride.
Back at home we were ready to start some decorations... But not so fast. There were plenty of school activities to get ready for. The girls had their band and chorus winter concert the next week. Cienna had Jazz, advanced band, and senior, chorus, and some introduction speeches. She was as confident as always and it showed! It was Kaylee's first time and she played in band and chorus, she also was chose to do an introduction speech with her friend as well.
We then got to the decorations. The girls, as always, joined Daddy on the roof to put up the lights then help with making Roaklee's first Christmas stocking... not the best : ) It was an almost unanimous decision to get a blow up lawn decoration this year. The blowup Santa with a snowboard seemed fitting for the family.
The Adams family got an group of long time friends dating back to Cienna's kindergarten for a festive party. It's been a while since we've all got to hand out together.
Mommy and Daddy then left the girls at home to fend for their selves just kidding. We have such great friends that we can rely on. Annie came to stay with them as Mommy and Daddy got to celebrate Uncle JB's 50th birthday in Corona. It was certainly eventful with a brewery tour and lots of music in the garage. Mommy even started a beginning drum lessons. It was a late night at the hotel with the Bakx, catching up on recent events.
The last week was theme day at school. The girls got to show school spirit with holiday socks, clothes, and other accessories. Each of the girls groups of friends made their own gift exchange between them. They both did a secret Santa during the last Friday at lunch time. It is really nice to know they both have a solid core group of friends.
Then there is the whole high school/college experience for Cienna. Just say'in there are so many options. We went to Millikan Site night and Cienna thinks that she found her pathway for high school (what??) next year. She is excited for Millikan Quest. We all know that she will be great in that program.
To finish off the month, it was party after party. Started with a Christmas secret Santa gift exchange at the gymnastics center for the team girls. They had so much fun hanging out together as just kids. Then Mommy had a coaches gymnastics party with a white elephant gift and gingerbread house making. We did our finishing touch of decorations with the train around the Christmas tree and are looking forward to more fun, and moving forward together as a family in all adventures to come!
Check out the photos:
