A New Christmas Tradition...

I finally decided to start a new Christmas tradition that I've been seeing and hearing about. The Elf on the Shelf. I haven't heard of this until two weeks ago when I read on one of my favorite blogs. When I was shopping at Target, I noticed the The Elf on the Shelf box. I read it but didn't quite understood the meaning of it. So I left it. On face book, my friend posted it on her page and I asked what is the meaning of it. After she told me the story, I immediately ran back to Target. Unfortunately, they had no more! I was so upset! I then called the Hallmark store (which I should of known to go there first) and they were nice enough to hold one for me! Yay! I LOVE HALLMARK and their people! I haven't yet introduce it to Gavin. Although, this was on Wednesday that I got the Elf because I knew the movie was to supposed to air on CBS on Friday so we can watch it. Well, little did you know, I missed it! My husband treated us out to dinner and decided to take Gavin to see the Christmas Lights at a college they have every year. I got home and looked on online to see if CBS will show it again, nope not anytime soon. That's when I looked at Target online. I saw that they sell the DVD. Yay! I called and they had some but very few left and the worst partis... they couldn't hold it for me! What! Are you kidding me!!. Ugh! I had called this morning, and I had Kenyan (who I watch during the day) and I couldn't leave because I don't have a car seat for him! What am I going to do! So, I made some calls and no-one was available to go to Target for me. So, my husband called me and told me that he might leave early for the day because they had only one patient to take care of. Whew, so I asked him to please go to Target and get the DVD. And yes, he bought one! Yay! So, tonight, Gavin and I sat down and watched it together. He loved it! I was going to surprise him with it by setting it on the front porch and ring the door bell, but he had notice it on the dinner table. Well, I told him, while we were watching the movie, Santa might of came and drop it off. He bought it. So, we sat on the couch and open the box and he was so happy to see it! I went over the story again just to make sure he understood. Well, the book does come with the box and it tells you the story. But, seeing on TV makes it more real. At least to me it does. Haha. I asked Gavin what he wanted to name the Elf. First thing he said was "Captain America". His favorite. I mentioned couple of names and he had this look like "No mom, that's goofy" Then, he said excitedly "Chippey" just like the Elf in the movie. And he put his two sweet little hands together and had this biggest smile ever. He was happy to name him "Chippey". I'm so happy that I was able to start this new tradition like everyone else. It seems so much fun for the little ones. I don't remember ever having a tradition when I was a little girl. But I'm glad to start this with my son, Gavin.

A Visit With Santa...
I took Gavin this year to Bass Pro Shop to see Santa. They have really great stuff for kids! They have ornament making, carousel rides, Kettle Corn, fun games to play with and you can take a picture with Santa! The best part is, It's all for FREE! So check in your local town to see if you have a Bass pro Shop! It's worth it!

Do you have a Family Christmas Tradition?
Have you seen Santa yet?

Happy Holdiays everyone and I hope you have a Happy New Year!

Our Snowy Days

The week before Thanksgiving, we flew to Hood River OR to visit our family. Our nephew Benjamin, Brother n law Paul and his beautiful wife Stephanie. This was Gavin's first time flying on the plane. For being the first timer, he did really great! My husband and I were very nervous, but no, our little guy did awesome! He was just amaze of the noise from the plane while taking off and landing. He thought flying thru the clouds was amazing (at least the expression that I got from his face). When we were landing in Portland, the view from the top was BEAUTIFUL! The trees were so colorful and the grass was so green! I wish we had that back at home. It snowed and rained that day. It rained every day we were there. But it didn't stop us from touring. Haha! When our family picked us up from the airport, we stopped at several places and headed to their home. The scenery and drive was nice! I was speechless with all the colors on the trees and how the snow sits on the branches. We went to dinner that night and went bk home to get some rest. The next few days was visiting Multnomah Falls, drove up to Portland visit the Omsi Children's Museum, had dinner with our family, drove up to Mt.Hood and went on the Polar Express train. It was just like the movie! Gingerbread cookies, hot chocolate and greeted by Santa and his elves. And of course, we sat and visit with our new nephew. He is so cute! I miss him already! My sister n law told us it's really nice in the summer in Oregeon. The weather is great and scenery is much more beautiful. July is the best time to visit. Well, we might see them then again! We just fell in LOVE with the town! My husband said right before we landed from seeing thru the window that he wanted to move to Portland! Really! That was him saying it not me! Haha! When we arrived to their home, the snow was already melting down. So the day we got there it was snowing and the day we left it was snowing! But, we were so happy that we got to see snow and especially for Gavin! We wanted him to experience snow since we don't get it in Texas. He had so much fun playing in the snow. We were sad to leave. I'm posting some of my favorites pictures from the trip! Hope you enjoyed them as much I enjoyed taking them!


Gavin was so excited to get on the plane!

He also loved the snacks they provided on the plane. He was listening to his itouch also thats why you see headphones on him.


Before....


After...
Multnomah Falls










Visiting the Omsi Children's Museum In Portland OR




Baby Ben


Outside of Omsi


Mt. Hood












The Polar Express










This is outisde of Paul and Stephanie's house. They have a beautiful view.










We were very sad to leave our family and Oregeon. Hope to visit again soon!

What is your memorable vacation?