Christmas (December 21-27)

It was Christmas week and we had lots of Christmas festivities leading up to the big day.  We also had a couple people in our Christmas crew come down with the flu, so the festivities were somewhat more subdued than expected.

December 21:  On a foggy, wet day, we headed down to Fort Mason to see a children's version of the Nutcracker.

We got there very quickly (the city was already emptying ahead of Christmas) so we had lots of time to explore the bay.

And to have a sugar cookie in the lobby.

And run off some energy.

Liam went to half of the real Nutcracker last year and seemed to like that version - which included Fritz - better than the shorter kids version.

Brenna spent the entire first scene asking, "Where's the Nutcracker?"

But she was really into the Sugar Plum Fairy.

After naps, we headed to the Zoo for Zoo Lights.

Brenna wanted to ride the carousel, while Liam wanted to go to the dark playground, so we split up - boys and girls.  Brenna had a blast and even indulged in a selfie.

Brenna really loved all the purple lights and the snowflakes reflecting on the ground.

Liam was less enthusiastic about the lights.  For him, it was all about the playground.

December 22:  We went to Haas playground to meet up with some friends.

Brenna tackled and figured out the rope ladders.

Brenna had fun playing with Elizabeth.

And running through the grass with Liam.

Liam was quite busy playing with Lucas, but I managed to get a picture of him.

Brenna wanted to pizza for lunch and Liam wanted to go to the diner, so we split up - Brenna with Dadda and Liam with me.  Once Brenna realized that Liam and I were not joining them, she got quite upset and wanted to go home.

Liam, on the other hand, really enjoyed having lunch with just me.  Of course, he also picked out my order and was quite insistent about it.

December 23:  The kids woke up to Grandma in town!  And we started off Christmas week by making our gingerbread house.

Then Grandma took us out for donuts.  Brenna decided both vanilla donuts were hers (once was supposed to be for Dadda).

Brenna was happy to see that the giant puddle - though a bit less giant - was still there.

Liam is getting a bit more brave with playground equipment, turning himself around in this spinning chair.

After naptime, Brenna and Liam made and decorated some sugar cookies.

Brenna struck to a purple frosting palate.  Liam was a bit more creative.

December 24:  We had a bit of a slow day.  Liam and Uncle Kevin were feeling sick.  And Brenna just wanted to snuggle with Brenna.

Liam got a bit more enthusiastic when it came time to put on Christmas jammies and open a present.

 

Liam opened up some Legos.

And Brenna got a doll, who she called her Elsa doll.

We left some cookies and carrots out for Santa and the reindeer.  Brenna took a couple bites of the carrot.  And Grandma took a bit out of one of the cookies.

Uncle Kevin did some fancy wrapping, with the Google Shopping bags.

And then ... Santa came!

December 25:  Up and ready for presents!  Liam was still sick, but rallied for Christmas morning.

The kids immediately rushed to their new bikes, from Santa.

Brenna also noticed that Ravioli's stocking was full this year.

Dadda and Uncle Kevin got Liam's seat adjusted so he could try out his new, lighter bike kid bike.

Both kids were pretty into unwrapping presents, without much help.

Besides the bike, Brenna's favorite gifts were the wand and Elsa dress from Uncle Nick, Aunt Jana and cousin Nola.

Liam got a couple Lego sets, but the Ninjago ones from Aunt Kelly, Uncle Steve, and cousins Ella and Gavin seem to be his favorite.

Elsa grabbed the phone from me on two different phone calls so she could "show" everyone how she could ride her new bike (in her Elsa dress).

She also tried out her new pink Batgirl costume.  And posed herself.

The unwrapped aftermath.

We postponed our Christmas Eve dinner to Christmas night.  And Uncle Kevin and Liam felt like at least trying to eat dinner!  The table was set with memories and gifts (pyramid, water pitcher, china, silver and wine glasses).  Although we were not together with all our family and friends, they were definitely in our thoughts and hears.

December 26:  We stayed close to home again, with Liam and Uncle Kevin feeling pretty sick.  

We tried out our new gifts, including riding new bikes down the hall.

And new fingerpaint soaps for the bath.

We even got some smiles from Liam (and Brenna), who was still feeling sick.

December 27:  We were back at Haas playground and our friends Lucas and Elizabeth joined us again!  Liam was feeling enough better to get out of the house (Uncle Kevin, too).

Brenna had a little snack while sitting on the rope ladder.

Liam and Lucas found a worm.  Liam kept telling me how cute it was!  And they were very gentle and curious about it.

After watching it wiggle, passing it back and forth, and talking nicely to it, they decided (with some help from me) not to put it in a pocket and take it home, but instead to leave it in some dirt.

After naptime, Liam felt well enough to eat some of the gingerbread house.

Then, after saying goodbye to a mostly healthy Uncle Kevin, we headed back to zoo lights with Grandma.

Brenna and I did another carousel ride, again on the bunny, and another selfie.  Just as fun the second time.

Liam played in the "snow" on the playground (soap foam).

We saw the lights and giraffes again too, but the kids melted because they were tired and Liam was  still a bit sick.  Overall, it was a really fun week but the fun was a bit dampened by a sick Liam and Uncle Kevin.   They both deserve a redo!