christmas fun

over the past week or so, we have had a california christmas. which means if we want some snowy goodness, we must go elsewhere. the weather has been so hot (80’s) for december, but that hasn’t stopped us from trying to get some christmas fun in.

one of our local churches had a winter wonderland for the residents of yucaipa. they trucke in some snow and had a snow hill for the kids to slide down, a meet/greet with santa, some crafts, cookie decorating, and some bounce houses. they had carolers and lights and some “snow” falling. it was really just soap.

it was a lot of fun for the kids. the “snow” was the biggest hit.

this past saturday was our local christmas parade. it was really fun. I think the best part was the fact that the floats threw candy to the watchers. it became a contest of who can get the most candy. the juan pollo float was throwing soccer balls and teddy bears. jj chased the float down the road until he got a soccer ball. the cold stone float was giving away mini ice cream cups. that one had kids and adults chasing it down the road. amazing what people will do for some free stuff. our local newspaper photographer was sitting right next to us, so maybe the kids’ picture will be in the paper. we shall see on friday. yes we have a weekly newspaper, not a daily. weird I know.

nothing says christmas quite like shorts sleeves, shorts, and 80 degree weather.

on saturday night, we went to go see some christmas lights. we went to the alta loma lights on the corner of thoroughbred and carnelian rds. it is a LOT of walking, but worth the experience. it seems like a rule that if you live on that street, then you must put up christmas lights and I mean a lot of christmas lights. the houses sold popcorn, water and hot chocolate. if you are local and in the area, check them out, they are great. it was super crowded on a saturday night, but I would guess not so much on a weekday night.

yesterday, I finally finished up my christmas baking. every year since I can remember we have baked christmas goodies to pass out to the neighbors.

this year I made gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark shortbread, toffee bars, harvest loaf cake, fudge, chocolate chip cookies, and M&M pretzel bites. yesterday afternoon, we had a gingerbread cookie decorating session. me and my neurotic self decorated my own set and gave the kids their cookies to do. let’s just say that their cookies are full of flair!! lots of it. you might just fall into a sugar coma if you eat one.

next up…pajama christmas party at the library on thursday. a certain bearded man might show up as a surprise too.

on friday is jj’s pajama pancake breakfast at school. pictures to come soon.