The Week After Christmas

This is the first time in five years that we haven't gone out of town for the week following Christmas.  With the exception of the one year that we were in South Carolina attending Ron's brother's wedding,  we have gone up to my parents' cabin in Priest Lake with my entire family to play in the winter wonderland that is usually up there this time of year.  However, like many states in this part of the country, there was zero snow on the ground leading up to Christmas which started to make me wonder if it would be worth it to make the trek this year.  In addition, Ella has been sleeping horribly for the past six weeks and we did NOT want to put her in the same bedroom as Logan for five nights.  Just the thought of doing that made it not worth it for Ron and me.  So, after going back and forth for a few days, we decided to take a break from Priest Lake this winter and stay home instead.  One of the many things I have learned from my few years as a mother is that there are "seasons" for everything and right now, it's a difficult season to travel....and sometimes it's worth the sacrifice and sometimes it is not.  And this was just one of those times that it was not worth it.  And I digress.  

So with the decision to stay home, Ron and I made the commitment to get the two older kids out of the house each day before Logan's afternoon nap.  Most days, one of us stayed home with Ella, but we really had a good time and Lia never asked once when we were leaving for Priest Lake (which is amazing considering that girl's memory and awareness of all events scheduled on the calendar).  So here is a quick rundown of our week at home.

On Friday, December 26th, I packed a lunch for Ron and the kids and he took them to two parks and a picnic in sunny, 40 degree weather.  Unfortunately, I didn't think about asking him to take any pictures, so we do not have a "record" of this first outing, but they had a good time and got some well needed Vitamin D and exercise.  

On Saturday, December 27th, Ron took the kids to the bounce house play in the mall for a few hours.  Lots of jumping and screaming were had by all.  I'm just glad they were just able to get out of the house and blow off steam.  Here is my Logie boy coming down one of the many giants slides that he loves to tumble down.

Our darling Lia at the bottom of another slide.

We took the day off on Sunday for church and the Seahawks game before resuming activity on Monday, December 29th.  Ron took them to see a matinee movie of Pixar's latest film--Big Hero Six.  This was Logan's first time seeing a movie in a theater and he loved EVERY minute of it.  Ron bought them popcorn and root beer and they had a grand time being entertained by Baymax and the gang.  Ron said that Logan was glued to the screen the entire time, barely moving and barely responding to any question directed his way.  So funny.  I wish that I could have seen this.

On December 30th, I took the two kids to play at the Tacoma's Children's Museum for a few hours.  As always, we had a good time running around and playing with all of their amazing, interactive toys and activities.  

Logan and Lia inside the cool ball at the front of the crazy, modern pirate ship.

The kids playing inside the large nest found underneath the slide.

Wednesday, December 31st, was our first entire family activity.  As I mentioned in the previous post, all five us drove up the pass to play in the snow at Alpental.  Although it was a frigid 15 degrees outside, the weather was stunning and it was just fun to be up in the snow sledding with our kids.

Logan and Lia getting ready to go.  They can be so adorable when they get along!

Sibling sled run.

On Thursday, January 1st, we drove down to Lacey to walk around Cabellas for the first time ever.  I had heard about how cool this sporting goods store is and how fun it is for children to explore...and the rumors were true!  Logan and Lia LOVED it!  Here they are trying out the scoopers in the store.  Logan was in heaven.

Lia giving it a go.

We were amazed by all of the stuffed animals everywhere.  Here are the kids with the giant sea lion.

Logan and Lia with the deer.

Cute kids in a tent.

On Friday, January 2nd, Ron took the kids to the Pt. Defiance Zoo for the morning.  They had a great time wandering all over the place and were amazed at all of the tigers that have come to the zoo since our last visit.  Here is Lia posing "next" to one of them.

Since it started raining while they were there and I didn't think to pack them an umbrella, Ron taught the kids the art of wearing their hoods and tucking their hands in their pockets while walking.  He said that Logan looked so grown up and cute while doing this.  Here is the picture he took of our boy walking along in his camo pants and jacket.

Lia and her blue, dinosaur drink that Ron finally gave in and bought her (if I had been there, this would not have happened...so it was her lucky day that I didn't come)! ;-)

On Saturday, January 3rd, Lia started her swim lessons again in the morning and then had a play date with her friend, Addyson, in the afternoon.  We all drove to Maple Vally that night to attend a late New Year's party with a bunch of Ron's former co-workers.  It was  good day, but nothing I felt was picture worthy.  And there you go.  That was our week following Christmas.  I'd say the kids did pretty well for staying home.