Christmas Vacation

2013

(continued)

 

 

Part 4: Knott's Berry Farm

 

Years ago my parents started taking their grandchildren to an "experience"

instead of buying them Christmas presents.

Every year is different from the previous year and generally

most of us are able to go along and make it a family day.

We really enjoy just hanging out with each other.

 

This year it was Knott's Berry Farm.

Unfortunately, I think half the population of southern California

and their out-of-state visitors were also there that day.

 

 

 

Some of our group were the thrill seekers and others preferred to

stick to things that don't stop your heart and cause your stomach to drop out.

So, the day was a mixture of crazy and calm rides.

 

Tiana has always wanted to ride a Ferris Wheel.

Wish fulfilled

(although loading and unloading was SO painfully slow).

 

 

 

 

We all went on the train ride together and filled up half the car.

 

 

Nathan was so very "delighted" with his chatty seat partner.

He later said that he had wanted to jump out the window but

was kept in by the bars.

 

 

Another calmer event was the Charlie Brown Christmas ice skating show.

Although, seeing a skater twirl another skater around by her ankles with her head

just inches from the ice caused a few heart flutters.

 

We ended our day well into the night.

There might have been a melt-down or two along the way

but a late supper at Wendy's and a freeway free of traffic

wrapped the night up quite nicely.

 

 

Part 5: Present Time

 

After our belated Christmas dinner on Saturday

it was time for presents.

 

The older girls were suddenly inspired by an engagement

and Pinterest to whip up a personalized gift.

They worked in great secret all morning and then

presented their gift to Matt and Nina.

They loved it and said they would have to take turns having

custody of it; one week at her house and one week at his.

 

The children are all given presents and they each take a turn from

youngest to oldest until their presents are all unwrapped.

 

 

 

Later the adults have a white elephant gift exchange.

We have to find something that we already have and no longer

need, for this exchange.  You never know what you will end up with

or who will steal your present.

 

 

 

Part 6: Wrapping up the Weekend

 

 The baby ended up at urgent care on Saturday night and

was diagnosed with a double ear infection and croup.

Tamara and Ethan stayed home on Sunday.

 

We had a lazy afternoon playing games and not doing much in general.

 

Then evening rolled around and everyone said their final "goodbyes" and

headed to their respective homes. 

 We had the fun of packing everything for our trip the next morning.

 

Goodbye, Southern California.

The land of mountains, clear blue skies, and warm dry air.

The home of both of our families.