A Morning on a Pirate Ship

Uncle Matt decided to gift the girls an experience for Christmas.  So they were surprised the last morning in Clearwater with a morning on a pirate ship.  They were a little nervous since they didn't know what to expect. 

As soon as you stepped on the ship everyone was in character and guest were expected to do the same. 

They had a bunch of games for the kids

and a water fight! 

These smiles say it all! 

Then dolphins started showing up everywhere!  Just swimming along with our ship. 

They were absolutely amazed to see the dolphins so close! 

The cannon was SO loud!  Like, shake your whole body loud! 

They had SO much fun!

Then we had a quick lunch (and tutorial for Pop Pop) before we headed to "our Florida". 

Christmas Day

Our Christmas day is simple and quiet, well as quiet as our house ever is.  Since it isn't the real Christmas day and we leave early the next morning it is a day full of gifts, food, and packing up. 

Santa comes pretty early at out house. 

The girls left their dolls downstairs to watch for Santa

The girls wait for us to go downstairs in the morning.  We check to see if Santa came and turn on all the lights.  

When they get the ok to come down...it gets WILD! 

It was a great day and everyone was happy...and ready for the beach! 

Christmas Eve

We love Christmas Eve (or as we call it our Christmas Eve).  Our traditions are simple.  A fire, dinner, games. and Santa prep.  We always have Christmas a little early so we can leave for Florida.  This year we celebrated even earlier than normal.  One of the girls (and Neil's) gifts was leaving a few days early for a surprise detour on our way down.

Feeding the reindeer....

and Santa.

Then a few Christmas books before bed. 

Audrey's Advent Concert

Audrey's class had their own little advent concert.  I am not sure there is anything sweeter than 3, 4 and 5 year olds singing.  The church was getting a new sound system so there was a bunch of construction equipment which they all loved (and that gave the parents a good laugh). 

These two little boys are sons of two teachers I taught with years ago.  It is so fun to have them all in the same class.  

We are so happy Audrey loves her teachers and school, she has settled into STA so well.