Christmas Break

Well Winter Break is in the book, but since we have a two-hour delay today (and a snow day yesterday), I decided to use my extra time to update the blog (can you tell one of my New Year's Resolutions??).

Getting kids out of the house is essential during break, so we stopped at Pump It Up and Santa and Rudolf happened to be there too.

One of my favorite holiday traditions - Auntie Katy and Jill have the kids spend the night on the the 23rd, Pete and I get a date night and finish up Christmas prep, then the next morning we all meet up for breakfast and ginger bread cookie decorating.  It SUCH a great way to kick off Christmas.

Pete and I channelling our inner Clark Griswold on Christmas Eve.

The girls got bows and arrows this year.

They used them to hunt wild flamingos in our backyard!

The also received a bunch of games that brought back memories - Battleship, Clue, and Life.  So great.

After Christmas we headed to the beach for New Year!  It was a highlight of break.

It, of course included a stop at the Blue Herron.

And trips down to the beach.  The weather was cold but absolutely beautiful!

Found some beach love. :)

Lucy stayed up until midnight on New Year's Eve for the first time.  Sof gave it a whirl, but gave up around 10.

Beach exploration.

While everyone was watching the games, Sof, Em and I took in the splendor!  In the car we listened to the Frozen soundtrack and the whole day was just filled with contentment and happiness.

We got a new table!!!! This was a highlight of break for me.  I love it!!!

Then - surprise snow!!!!

Sledding!

There wasn't much, but enough to make it down the hill pretty well.  So much fun!

It was a wonderful, wonderful break.  The kids were actually bummed there was a snow day yesterday (Pete and I did not share their disappointment!)  I head back to work, however, with visions of family time in my head and my heart full of love.  Happy New Year!