December is a crazy busy month for our family. Danica’s birthday is the 12th, our anniversary is the 16th, Hayden’s birthday is the 23rd, and then of course we have Christmas! Thanksgiving was a lot of fun for me and girls. However, Hayden got the stomach flu and spent the day at home watching movies with Tom. They had a nice relaxing day however and said it wasn’t too bad. (Tom did get to play football in the morning so that was nice.) Here's a shot of the kids table and Alyssa in her indian headband for the songs we sang to keep the kids busy after dinner.


We went to a Christmas parade on one of the other bases and had a good time. I was pleasantly surprised that they had actually tried to make some floats and probably 8 or 9 floats and decorated military vehicles. Plus, the marine marching band, the elementary school and a cub scout troop all participated making it nice. Most of the floats threw out so much candy the kids came home with a stash similar to Halloween! They were in heaven!






We had a nice Christmas party at the church with dinner and singing. At the end Santa came and to my great shock Danica went and got in line to sit on his lap! I still can’t believe she did it. We had told her she had to tell him what she wanted and she really wants a trampoline so she went up there, sat on his lap and told him that is what she wanted. It was amazing coming from the child who will hide in the stroller for 15 minutes if the school crossing guard says hi to her in the morning! Hayden actually didn’t remember ever sitting on Santa’s lap because we haven’t done it recently so he thought it was okay. Alyssa was less than thrilled as you can tell!



We are trying to make the holidays as normal as possible and so far it’s working out well. The other families living on base have put up lights and decorations on their houses, the stores all play Christmas music and black Friday people slept out on the sidewalk. I think I am done with all my shopping except a few stocking stuffers which is a huge relief. As long as Santa’s delivery goes off as planned we are in good shape. The kids are totally spoiled as always!
For Danica’s birthday we are going to stay the weekend in some beach cabins. After taking her to a few birthday parties I have discovered that She HATES birthday parties! So we are not planning one for her and will enjoy the weekend together as a family. It should be a lot of fun. Hayden is going to have a weird science party and is very excited about it. We are doing it on his actual birthday since there is no school and Tom doesn’t have to work that day. I’m putting together a surprise date for our anniversary so I am looking forward to that as well. All in all, things are busy but good. We hope life back in the states is going well and that you make a snowman or two for us!

Take care!