Christmas Season 2009

Please let this be a reminder...I overplanned for December. Does that surprise anyone? Our December was PACKED with celebration! It started off with our annual Strader Ornament Exchange. It was a simple affair this year. We got back to our roots, so to say. Santa came in a new suit and the kids were gitty with excitement. We had 4 housefulls of neighbors come which was really fun...along with some other close friends.

The next week I flew with the girls to Orlando to meet up with Ben who was there for PRI, a racing trade show. The flight went smoothly and Natalie's travel training is really paying off. This girl is practically trained to be a flight attendant already! We rented a minivan - so fun! We stayed at a fun time-share resort type place. This was the key to the success of the trip. 2 bedroom condo with full kitchen and washer/dryer. We even had some friends for dinner. The pool was awesome for kids and there was an activity center with crafts and contests and such to keep Natalie busy during our "down time".

She painted a piggy bank and a photo frame, we went to the pool party which included a DJ, root beer floats and other fun activities.

The other BONUS, was Auntie Gillian, my dear friend from college. We met Samuel and got to watch the kids play (he is just younger then Allison). Also, we got to go Sea World, with a personal VIP tour. Natalie got to meet Newman, the penguin. We all had a chance to touch Newman and learn that penguins projectile poop. Good to know! We also enjoyed an up close Dolphin Encounter. We were very spoiled!

Gillian also used her VIP status to get us into Disney World. This trip we visited Disney Studios. It was a VERY fun park! LOTS of shows which was great for the ages of the girls. Plus, Ben got to sit down a lot which is what he likes to do:) Ally is CRAZY for Mickey right now and we all enjoyed watching her excitement throughout the park. The girls did not make it to night time. I was the most disappointed. The park we were in featured the Osborne Light Show. Only featured at Christmas time. The girls were wiped out and Ben agreed with them so I lost the vote! I have decided we are in the BEST years of Disney...the girls really don't "get" the rides yet - in fact I think they would be happy enough just walking through and seeing everything. Although it won't be the long before Natalie breaks me down and I let her ride Space Mountain....she is already tall enough! If you ask her, Splash Mountain is her favorite.

As soon as we returned I was hostess for my Bunco group! I had 11 Bunco Babes join me, including my mom, for our annual December Bunco and gift exchange. It was a sad bunco because we had just lost one of our original players. Sue passed away unexpectedly and we all really missed her bunco spirit!

Then, Ben and I had all the French Valley Airport staff and their significant others over for a Christmas Appreciation Dinner! It was my first dinner party of that size and formality. We had 20 people, seated dinner with 4 courses all homemade. It was spectacular and I can't wait to do it again. I enjoyed the service side of it and the guests entertained themselves well between courses because they all knew one another. Everyone dressed up and really embraced the celebration. It was the highlight of the month!

We celebrated a quiet Christmas with just Ben and his 3 girls. Natalie's excitement for the big night was contagious! Allison followed her every move and I'm sure will remember all the details for next year. We made sugar cookies, went ice skating, and ripped open presents in our Christmas Pajamas. I missed having my own mom and dad and sis, and we would LOVE if the Strader family made it out here - we were sort of "forced" into spending Christmas by ourselves. I know I didn't feel "old enough" to be on my own...didn't I need a motherly figure or a dad around? I guess I don't even though I prefer one:) We did quite well on our own but I hope to have a louder, messier Christmas morning next year because of extra family around!

Stan and Taz invited us over for a traditional Christmas dinner. It was delicious! We were so thankful for the company and our kids had so much fun playing with new toys and enjoying the season!

The day after Christmas, we had the whole family up! All the Deenik's, Cousin Ann and the kids, and family friends...even Willy and CoCo. We had a brunch, thanks to Uncle Ralph for casseroles! The kids were spoiled and our gift exchange was the biggest ever! The classic gift of 2009 - The Snuggie!

Ben and I escaped to our Trailer for New Year's, a quiet camping trip to roll in the New Year! It was great! We are looking forward to what 2010 has in store for us.

Once I find my camera...I'll upload some more...