Festivities, Week 1

Before I get into the festivities, RJ's school pictures came in.  He's just so handsome!

I just realized I forgot to post his soccer pics.  So, here they are.

Friday night, we attended Jip's Command Christmas party.  The kids had a great time at the make-shift childcare facility in a hotel conference room.  Jip and I enjoyed getting dressed up and enjoying a little time with other adults.  Excuse the fuzziness--silly iPhone indoors.

Saturday morning, we headed for the monthly Home Depot workshop.  It was beautiful out and they expected a lot of kids, so they had the workshop outdoors.  It was a lot of fun, as usual!

We then went to Coronado for a little lunch and for a kids' Christmas party.  The party was put on by Jip's Command's Junior Enlisted Association.  They did a great job, just like the party we went to last Easter.  A lot of the sailors in the JEA don't have kids (they are still young and single!), but they still manage to put together a lot of fun things to do for the kids.  They made Xmas ornaments, colored, decorated cookies, and did a cake walk, musical chairs, and a present unwrapping game.  Ryleigh was the first person out in musical chairs--she was devastated.  But, a prize anyway made the tears go away.  The afternoon wrapped up with a visit from Santa Claus, where he presented Ryleigh with an 8-inch Pinkie Pie (a My Little Pony) and a velociraptor Switch-N-Go Dino.  They were both pleased as punch.

Today was the cookie exchange with other military spouses.  This time of year, everyone is so busy or getting sick, so we had quite a few drop out at the last minute.  Still, we had 10 turn out and share their yummy goodies.  I won a prize for most creative for my billionaire bars.  (Thank you, Pinterest). It was nice just to hang with some ladies for a couple hours.

This week's festivities include a meet and greet with Santa, and, oh yeah--Jip's 40th birthday.  It should be another great week!