2 busy weeks in December!

Not only two very busy weeks to start off the month, but Brian was back in the states for a course.  He got to spend time with my sister, I was so jealous.  The night before Brian left we went to the NEX to see Santa arrive and the Christmas tree lighting.  It was unusually cold that night, so we saw Santa and the elves fly in by helicopter then we left.  We also had Brian's Christmas party for work that night, so we were busy already.  Brian left very quietly, early the next morning.  First thing to do to keep the kids busy was decorating the gingerbread house that Nina had sent...check!  Then Shawn had a cake decorating/holiday potluck for cub scouts.  That brought on quiet a bit of upset, as Shawn did not get the cakes he bid on during the auction portion of the night.  We recovered and overall had a fun time.  The kids are really enjoying the decorating of anything they can!



The cake that Shawn decorated.



Other cakes made by cubscouts!



Shawn walking around with his cake while it was being auctioned off!

The next week was far busier, with two field trips.  First field trip was the second graders to a church in Jerez to see a nativity scene and then to a nursing home to deliver donated dry goods and to sing Christmas carols!  Of course the kids favorite part was eating lunch at McDonalds.  Then Thursday we had a field trip with Alyssa's class into Rota to see the cathedral and the castle.  This ended up being a great field trip and those little kids did quite a bit of walking with minimal complaining, I was very proud of them! 



Shawn's class outside of the church in Jerez.

 

Shawn a couple of his buddies from class.

Kids waiting to sing to the nursing home.

Singing!!!!

Lunch at McDonalds....with all the second graders, fun???



The kids loved it of course!

 

I had never noticed the baby Jesus missing from a nativity scene until Christmas eve before today.



The Cathedral in Rota.

 



Alyssa inside the castle, she was a little grouchy, not sure why since her mommy was on the trip.



Dylan!

 

View of the Cathedral and the nativity scene from the top of the castle.



View of the lighthouse from the castle.

 



One of the towers of the castle.

 

Dylan and Ella, two of Alyssa's friends.

Miss Juana, holding up a live prawn, the kids thought this was great!



Alyssa's class!

 

Getting on the big bus!

Alyssa and Dylan!

Last but not least, was the event we had been the most excited about...the Polar Express.  We were really sad that daddy was missing it.  And after going there I was even more sad he missed it, it was very nice, but I could have used another set of eyes and hands.  There was one room of craft tables, another room or bounce houses, and then the train of course!  The kids got to go in their pajamas and of course had a great time!  Next year hopefully daddy can come too!



Kids in their jammies!

 

Kids on the train!

Alyssa with her shiny nose!



On the train, wind blowing through their hair!