Dad's old slides

Do you know what's weird?  It's seeing pictures of your parents--together (or even just younger) that you never knew existed.  My parents divorced when I was 2 so I never really saw pictures of them togeether.  You see, my Dad had these pictures (and more) on slides.  He also bought a projector.  My stepmom gave it all to me after his death and these are some of the gems that I found. 

 

This is my mom.  She was likely in her late 20's here in their first house.

My parents took a trip across the country (driving).  This was apparently one of their stops.  This is my mom.  She was probably in her mid 20's here. 

This is my Grandmother (my mom's mom).  I was very close to her and Mia is actually named after her (Rosalie). 

My mom again--same cross country trip.

My mom.  Apparently this was their car. 

 

This is my mom and my Great Grandmother.  I never knew here.  She was my Grandfather's mother (on my mom's side).  I

My mom again- not sure why she keeps posing with cars. 

My mom in New Mexico- cross country trip.

It's ME!! 

My Dad and I.  This is one of my favorites.  It reminds me that my Dad loved me so much. 

 

More of me.  I was a chubby baby.

I think this is my favorite.  I love my Dad's blue eyes. 

My parents together.  I still can't wrap my head around that one.  I just don't get it. 

My Dad

Dad again. 

This last one is my Grandfather (Dad's Dad).   He was a good man.  Unfortunately, he had early onset Alzheimer's so my memories of him are of him when he was sick.  I love seeing his pictures. 

Ice Skating

Both kids have been taking ice skating lessons for 4 months now and it's going great.  We love it.  The family skate sessions are awesome too!  Thankfully, Chris and I can both skate. 

My new quilt

While in Florida in November, we picked up some stuff from my Dad.  While visiting my stepmom, she gave my sisters and I the best gift I could ever imagine.  She made us each a quilt of my Dad's shirts.  Even typing this, tears are flowing.  There are no words to describe the void in my life and the whole in my heart from this loss. 

 

This is my youngest sister, Kate and I.  As you can see, my Dad liked Hawaiian shirts.  In fact, he liked anything and everything Hawaii (or tropical) and spent many vacations traveling there.  His love for warm climates is definitely something I have inherited :).

Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

For me, Christmas is about giving.  It's about celebrating the birth of Jesus.  While we "do" Santa, I have to say...I'm not a huge fan.  I like the excitement--don't get me wrong-- but there are many things I don't like.  First, I think it can (not always) take away from the true meaning of Christmas. It's easy to get caught up with the whole Santa thing.  Second, it's hard to explain to kids why/how some kids who maybe are more fortunate, get a ton of toys, while other kids (who may have also been just as good) get only a couple- if that.  It just seems wrong sometimes. 
This year, I've tried to focus less on Santa (despite seeing him 3 times) and more on giving back.  I'm far from perfect, but I think my kids got the message this year and I'm really happy with the result!

We (Mia and I) spent all afternoon baking cookies.  I have to say...it was not enjoyable.  I am not a baker. 

 

 

The kids had a fantastic time delivering cookies to all of our neighbors.  We knocked on every door and told them Merry Christmas.  All of our neighbors were so sweet. 

 

 

We also made cookies for our local firemen.  The kids learned about "community helpers" in school and they really wanted to show their appreciation. 

Walking into the Fire Department.  Unfortunately, we couldn't find anyone, but we left them in the main area and called to let them know.  We also left a card saying Merry Christmas and Thank you. We heard later that the cookies disappeared in less than 2 hours :).

This year, we also let the kids pick out a toy for toy for tots.  This was the kid's idea.  They were so excited.  Mia bought an Elsa doll and Paxton picked out a Planes Lego set. 

We delivered them to a local firehouse Toys for Tots drop off. 

 

We love our neighbor behind us.  He is a fan of Yuengling so we made him some Reinbeer and delivered them with some cookies--especially decorated by Mia and Paxton. 

Lastly, we made a Thank You poster for our trash pick up guys.  Their job is pretty stinky so we wanted to just say Thanks :).

 

This Christmas has not been easy for me, but having something positive to do and share with my kids has made it one of the best years ever.  To quote my Dad, "make someone smile everyday" and that is what I am trying to do.

 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

 

School Christmas Party

We've had several Christmas parties.  This year, Mia's before and aftercare teachers put together an adorable "show".  They had singing, some band members play, crafts, and cake.  It was super cute.  They did a fantastic job. 

The pre-k and Kindergartners sang Rudolph.  Paxton wanted in on the action so they let him sing along too.  He's clearly not shy.

Mia and her friends Lexi and Elliana had a great time singing. 

Christmas 2014 - Santa pics and letter to Santa

We've had a busy few weeks.  We've seen Santa a few times (Downtown Disney, Bass Pro Shop, and most recently, Greenstreet Gardens).

This was at our local nursery, Greenstreet Gardens

The Santa at Bass Pro was great.

We love mailing our letters to Santa

 

Mia's Christmas list for 2014. 

 

We let the kids decorate the tree this year.  They did pretty good. 

Sea World

Over Thanksgiving, we went to Florida and we made a stop for one day in Sea World.  It had been a few years (more like 10) since I had been there and I have to say, it was awesome!   The Christmas decorations were beautiful!   My favorite part was the ice skating show, but I loved all of it.  The best part was that it wasn't really crowded so we were able to do almost everything. 

Mia wanted her picture with "Puck" the penguin. 

 

The Antarctica Ride broke down twice.  By this time, Paxton was sick with a fever.  Luckily it was only a 24 hour thing.

 

They loved seeing the penguins.

 

 

 

Disney on Ice

Last month, we went to Disney on Ice (Frozen) and it was amazing--as always.

 Mia was super excited to wear her Elsa inspired gown...

Thankgiving in Florida (Disney)

We spent the week of Thanksgiving in Florida this year with Chris's family.  While it was fun, I have to say, I hope to never travel over Thanksgiving again.  Disney was great though and the kids had a fantastic time. 

We met Mickey, Elsa, Anna, Tiana, Arial, Belle, and many others and rode a lot of rides.  It was busy, but we were still able to do everything we wanted.   

We love to see Mickey

 

I think this was on the Magic Carpet ride.

 

Meeting Ariel

Elsa turned the castle into ice!  It was magical.

 

The kids love the music at one of the restaurants and decided to dance.

Meeting Elsa and Anna was awesome!

 

 

We love Disney :)