Our December was filled with holiday festivities, gatherings and traditions. Thankfully, we felt like this year's holiday season was a little more back to "normal" than last year. We were, at least, able to celebrate some of our annual traditions with many of our friends once again. That, for sure, made the holiday a little bit more joyful and bright.
Bike Riding
We began the season by decorating the tree. The kids were very excited to assist this year. I think that only two ornaments broke this year. It may be a new record. I am very thankful that my kids really like to kick off the holiday season with me.
Tree Decorating
One of our most favorite events to attend each holiday season is the APS Electric Light Parade. Last year, the event was cancelled due to COVID-19, but it endured again this year. As in typical fashion, we reserved the patio at Sun Up Brewing, so that we could imbibe and eat pizza while watching the parade. The kids were lucky enough to secure front row seating just a little ways down from our patio. It gave the kids just enough independence while giving the adults just enough peace. My favorite memory from the parade was hearing our kids over the entire crowd as they yelled. "Spin it! Spin it!," to every float that passed by. So glad this tradition brightened our holiday season again this year.
Light Parade
Madi and Mae
Keaton and Aiden
Jenn and Paige
The Adults
The Whole Gang
During the one of the last weeks of school before winter break, neither of the kids had homework on a school night, so we were able to do a spontaneous family night out. We visited the World of Illumination drive through holiday light event Westgate in Glendale. The kids loved watching the lights out of the sunroof of the Navigator. After driving through the holiday lights, we enjoyed dinner out as a family. Non-homework nights are a rarity in our household and I am so glad that we were able to do something festive as a family.
World of Illumination
Dinner Out
Last year we enjoyed biking through Moon Valley to look at holiday lights in the neighborhood, so we decided to organize another night to do that again this year. With the busy holiday season, we did it the Saturday after school released for Winter Break. The Briggs-Calhoun and the Bukata families were able to join us this year. I am so glad the kids enjoy visiting Candy Cane Lane and participating in the holiday fun.
The whole gang
One of the kids' favorite holiday activities is making holiday cookies (especially Candy Cane) with my mom. So, on the Sunday before Christmas, I dropped the kids at my parent's home for cookie baking and to spend the night. Per my mom's text:
Had a good baking day. They pretty much did everything for the Mexican Wedding cookies. Aiden chopped the pecans, Madi mixed the dough with Aiden's help, read the recipe as we went. They got a little break while I prepared for the Candy Canes. They did wonderful trying to get them right. Hope they had fun!
I know they had fun and they enjoyed eating the fruits of their labors. Plus, they brought some home for me. Yum!
Of course, you cannot have a holiday season without Santa Claus! Luckily, one of our friends arranged to have Santa Claus visit our neighborhood this year. The kids, although they may understand that Christmas is more about the spirit of Santa than the gifts that he brings, were excited to visit with him and get a photo.
Santa
Comments