Christmas break has officially begun in the Heald household! One of the many perks of having two parents that are teachers is Hannah being able to spend a whole two weeks with mom AND dad. :) We are looking forward to the events we have planned during our break, along with the relaxing we'll be able to do. We've already created some fun holiday memories this month. Hannah visited Santa not once, not twice, but three times! :) Her first visit was with our neighborhood Santa. In Rohnert Park, Santa comes to visit each neighborhood on a different night over a two week span. Our section was the first neighborhood to receive a visit from Santa on my birthday (Dec. 3). Hannah was so excited as we walked down to the neighborhood park to see Santa with her friends. She chanted "Santa, Santa!" most of the way there, however once Santa came rolling around the corner with Mrs. Claus she wasn't so sure. No tears with the first visit (she willingly went up with mom to see Santa), yet she was eager to get out of Santa's sleigh and snuggle in dad's arms. :) That evening we also put up and decorated our tree (perfect way to end my birthday evening). There is something about the smell of a fresh xmas tree, decorated with white lights and childhood ornaments that I just love. I can't help but feel happy every time I walk into our house this time of year.
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| Ready to see Santa in her neighborhood |
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| So excited! |
Wasn't too sure
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| With her friends Ian and Leah |
The following week after another visit with Santa (in her friend Kenzie's neighborhood), we drove around to look at Christmas lights (a new favorite tradition of Hannah's). There is one house in Rohnert Park that goes above and beyond every year. The owner begins setting up the structure for his Christmas decorations just after Halloween. The house is seriously like a miniature Disneyland! It is breathtaking. Last year Hannah was mesmerized by the lights, this year she noticed all the intricate details (moving Ferris wheel of characters, bubble machine putting out bubbles from the rooftop, waterfall, miniature village and train set, the list goes on...). If you live in Sonoma County you have to check it out! (
1190 Cielo Cir.)
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| This house is incredible! |
We traveled to Windsor so that Hannah could see Santa yet another time with her friend Nico. Nico sat on Santa's lap first and was completely traumatized. Hannah looked on in horror at her friend screaming on Santa's lap. When it was her turn she was willing to sit on the bench by herself or with Nico, but didn't want anything to do with Santa. She was finally willing to read a story with Santa. When I asked her if she wanted to share a candy cane with Santa she willingly did so, however wasn't so happy when I plopped her on Santa's lap for a quick picture. The picture is pretty much identical to last year's pic. :)
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| Nico was still upset from sitting on Santa's lap |
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| Reading a story with Santa and Mom |
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Check out her grip on her candy cane :)
We've had a relaxing start to our two week break. Friday night I enjoyed some Old Chicago Pizza, wine, Cold Stones Ice cream cake and chick flicks with the girls, while Hannah and Josh had a father/daughter night. We went to a Christmas Party at Jeremy and Sandra's Saturday night and are meeting up with our Survivor group for the season final this evening. This week is filled with more get togethers with friends, cookie baking, a pedicure (for mom), and play dates for Hannah. On Thursday we hit the road to Reno for Christmas with Josh's family. We can't wait to take Hannah sledding! Last year her reaction to the snow was very unsure. I'm pretty sure this year will be so much more fun. After our trip to Reno we'll be home for a few days before heading to Humboldt for a late Christmas with my family and New Years. |
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| Morning dance parties in the kitchen |
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| bath time fun |
