December Highlights (pre-Christmas Day)

December has been a very busy, fun month. I am super far behind, so I am going to do a highlights type post.

SeaWorld: We love SeaWorld at Christmas. They do an amazing job decorating the park and have fun Christmas shows. We went three or four times, usually on Friday nights. Everyone except Jack enjoyed going. Kara also went one night with her friends. We did the food booths and enjoyed passholder perks, like free samples.

We loved the Rudolph-themed photo opps.

Including Yukon Cornelius!

Disney: Wednesdays were Disney days. We went to Hollywood Studios once and Epcot twice. We love Epcot's Christmas Around the World festival. Like last year, I bought a Disney gift card when it was on sale at Sam's Club ($200 for $180) and we let everyone get whatever they wanted at the food booths. The first night, we did the cookie stroll. You buy five cookies and then get a prize; this year it was gingerbread cookie dough. That night, we ate way too much. So, the second visit, we just got our favorites, which only included one cookie. (Last year, I reread my cookie stroll blog to remind me which cookies I liked, so for future reference--the spiced hot chocolate crinkle is my favorite, the linzer was also good, I did not like the snickerdoodle, or the coffee. The pb was okay. Although, my other tip to my future self is to just skip the cookie stroll.) Everyone made it to Epcot at least once. Thomas bought a sweatshirt from England that he really wanted last year. It sold out last year, so we kept checking this year to buy it as soon as it hit the stores. Anyway, we had a lot of fun at Epcot, but Thomas and I never managed our day visit to hear the Christmas storytellers or see the Voices of Liberty singers. Maybe next year!

Thomas is wearing his new sweatshirt.

Universal: Anna and I went once, on a random Tuesday night (December 17th). It was surprisingly empty, and we rode a ton of rides in just a few hours. We even waited for the front row of Velocicoaster. It was a very fun night. Thomas wanted to go, but after a three-year hiatus, his cluster headaches are back. I am not sure if I have written about his headaches, but cluster headaches are extremely intense and debilitating. He has shots he can take for the peak of the pain, but even with the shot, he is left with a shadow headache that is still more painful than a regular, bad headache. Anyway, he is in a rough cycle right now, with both daily and nightly clusters. A cycle is always really hard, but having them in December has been especially sad.

That covers the theme parks, which has been a big part of our December fun. As I have said, and will continue to say--there is nothing quite like going to Disney on a random Wednesday night! 

In other news, Anna hosted a fun holiday party for her friends. They did a white elephant gift exchange (but, were too nice to steal each other's gifts), sang Christmas karaoke, and hung out. It was Anna's first time hosting and she enjoyed it. 

Luke had two baseball tournaments this month. His team made it to the Championship game for both, but could not quite swing the victory. Still second place was amazing! I guess USSSA agrees, because his team got moved to their top level for next season. That is actually a little disappointing, because I don't think they won any USSSA tournaments. They were always competitive, but I think moving up might be discouraging. His team's record was 24-12-2, so we shall see how next year goes. Luke played really well and had great stats, both for pitching and batting. I hope he continues to enjoy it.

I helped with Luke's class Christmas party. He rotates between two teachers and they asked the room moms to handle the party. Which we did. I think it went well. Luke said he had fun. 

I can't believe I had my props backwards! But, I still love this picture with Luke.

Thomas, Kara and I went to the high school's Prism concert. It showcased all the performing arts, including Jack's band. It was festive and fun. Jack also took the SAT. He did very well and will secure 100% Bright Futures once he completes his volunteer hours. 

On Saturday, the 23rd, I took Anna, Kara and Luke to Marta's. They participated in their annual Gingerbread Manger making with Marta and Elizabeth. I dropped them off and then went and met my sister. We had lunch and a nice visit, then I went back to Marta's to hang out. 

We went for multiple walks around the neighborhood. Thomas and I watched lots of Hallmark movies. We, plus some of the kids, also watched Christmas Vacation and Home Alone and Christmas episodes from some of our favorite shows, with Yankee Swap (The Office) and Regionals (Community) being the top two.

On Christmas Eve, my sister's family and Kevin came to enjoy dinner with us. I did not take any pictures, but we had a good time. That night, we went for a walk. The kids opened their pajamas (a tradition we tried to nix this year, but were met with intense protest). Thomas read The Night Before Christmas and we called it a night.

It has been a December to Remember!