With Michigan getting to a bowl game again this year, Mallory was fired up for her Christmas vacation. Michigan became bowl-eligible with the win on her birthday, and she got a cute Princess packpack for her birthday, so she’s been talking for almost two months about how she was going to take her pink packpack on our Christmas vacation.
Rick left on the 23rd, and I flew down with the kids on Christmas Eve. We’d sent all our presents down on the equipment truck so we could celebrate Christmas together in Florida. The kids were pretty good on our flight down, and I’ll admit I was more than nervous about traveling alone with the kids – not so much the actual flying part (both of them have been great any time we’ve flown), but the keeping tabs on them through the airport part terrified me. The only time I had a problem was when it was almost time to get in line to board the plane and the kids saw a play area next to our gate. And then I needed to go to the bathroom and Mallory said she didn’t need to so she was crying on the toilet, telling me she really didn’t HAVE TO GO POTTY, while she was peeing. (Mother knows best, Mallory. The sooner you realize this, the better off you’ll be.)
Since we were in Florida, and close to the beach, we decided to check it out, even though it wasn’t very warm. Mallory has refused to wear a coat or tights since we’re in FLORDIDA don’t you know. Carson, on the other hand, was BEYOND excited to get to wear his cute Patagonia fleece that he brings it to us any time we leave the room (even if it’s just to go down to the lobby to waste some time).
Here are some cute pictures from the beach near Ponta Vedra on Christmas Eve.
I love this one of the laughing kids!
When we got back to the hotel after a super-traditional Christmas Eve dinner at the Outback Steakhouse, it was time to get things ready for a visit from Santa. I’d found this little 2’ tree back home and packed it up with the Christmas presents. Mallory helped me decorate it and she wrote a letter to Santa (“I love you Santa. Mallory”) and we set out some cookies and milk. Mallory realized in the morning that we forgot to leave carrots for the reindeer. Oops.
Mallory did ask how Santa was going to come since we didn’t have a chimney (I’m surprised this thought hadn’t crossed her mind when we were at home since we don’t have a chimney in our new house or in our old house…) so on Christmas Day we checked in at the front desk and asked if Santa had stopped by to ask for a key to our room. The lady at the desk was a little slow on the uptake but my head nodding over Mallory’s head quickly got her on board and she confirmed that yes, Santa picked up a key and that the hotel also has a special elevator for Santa to use. Phew.
More to come on our Christmas Day soon!
How cool, amazing that the clerk was so slow on the uptake… Your photo’s are just beautiful