california

We left bright and early Friday morning for California.  

We arrived around lunchtime.  Since we knew we weren't doing Disney on this trip, we headed to the beach like we always do when it's an option.  We went to Huntington Beach and ate at a fun restaurant, Emmy did some shopping, and we walked on the pier. 

We wrapped up our beach day with ice cream and then headed to our hotel.  We had dinner with the other gymnast from our gym and her family before calling it an early night since we had an early morning.  

Saturday was meet day.  The host hotel of the meet was right across the street from Disneyland so of course all of the gymnasts got Mickey ears.  

Team Virginia consisted of two girls from our gym and four girls from a gym in Northern Virginia.  

I liked the purple leos.  I doubt she'll wear it again, but it is cute!

Our girls and our coach. 

Team Virginia and coaches. There were 17 teams represented at the meet.  (16 states but California was divided into two teams) Virginia placed 4th which is great!

Emmy placed on beam and floor.  It was a fun experience and nice to compete against different gymnasts.  You start to have the same competition locally, so it's nice to see other talent.  And luckily, none of the other teammates from team Virginia were in Emmy's scoring group so it was a fresh set of athletes.  It was a whirlwind trip and we only spent one night on the west coast, but it was worth it for our girl to experience it.  

 

snowshoe

We took a trip to Snowshoe with friends for a fun after Christmas getaway.  

We went up on Sunday and met up with our friends for dinner on Sunday night.  The next two nights we took turns cooking dinner for everyone.   

Jason took the boys last year for the first time and we were excited to all go this year. 
This year vs. last year. 

Bryce snowboarded both days we were there and Jason skied one day.  

Emmy didn't like skiing the last time she went.  She was up in the air about doing it this year.  I was hesitant since she's getting ready to go to California to compete.  We decided we'll get her lessons at Wintergreen so she'll be ready if we go back to Snowshoe next year.  

She and I ice skated the first day while everyone skied.  

I enjoyed getting to relax a little.  I read and we did two puzzles.  The condo we stayed in was decorated for Christmas and was so cute and cozy. 

The boys night skied both nights. 

I don't know who thought outdoor hot tubs at a ski resort was a good idea, but it didn't stop them even though it was less than 10 degrees outside. 

We enjoyed walking around the village and taking in the sights. 

Never too cold for ice cream. 

Bryce enjoyed the trip and was excited to break in his new snowboard he got for Christmas.  

all things christmas

Jason worked at the bakery on Christmas Adam, Bryce and friends went to dinner and looked at Christmas lights so Emmy and I took pizza over to Nana's and decorated a gingerbread house.  

When we left Nana's, we went to Chick Fil A for peppermint milkshakes since we hadn't had one this season.

We went to Nana's for Christmas Eve.  The weather was nice, so we went on a golf cart ride before our Chinese lunch and presents.  

Christmas Eve service at church. 

Bryce went to Avery's for Christmas Eve evening and then we came over to visit.  

Christmas morning.  

Everyone was happy.

Callie's first Christmas. 

We went to Kelly's for breakfast. 

We went to Nana's for lunch. 

It was a full day. 

 

not a lot to report

This week flew by with little to show for it.  Emmy had exams this week.  She got out early every day and then hung out with friends and family while we worked.  I was able to wrap up most of the Christmas shopping while she was out and about.  Her friends went to Top Golf and shopping on Thursday to celebrate the end of exams.  

Jason and his buddy were twinning at church today.  

 

a busy fun and festive week

The second round of snow was more significant than the first.  The kids knew on Sunday night that we'd be out of school on Monday.  It was a nice treat after getting home late from Florida.  My neighbor dropped something off while we were out Monday night and snapped this picture of our house.  It's so pretty at Christmas in the snow.  

We ended up getting another snow day on Tuesday.

Pap would have been 80 on Tuesday.  We celebrate him each year with ribs for dinner.  We even got the gang from Pap's 70th birthday together for the big day. 

I give my mom an ornament with something that reminds me of Pap.  This year I went with 80 for his birthday.  

This was also the 10th birthday we celebrated without him. 

Emmy went back to school on Wednesday and Bryce managed one more snow day.  We all met up Wednesday night for our annual Santa picture.

There were talks of this being our last Santa picture since Chase is a senior.  Emmy said they had to take Santa pictures until she's a senior.  Bryce told her he'd go with her.  We'll see how it pans out over the next few years. 

Smaller crowd this year.  MeMa and Nana and Paul were busy and Dave was still working.  

I capture pictures of this cutie whenever I can.  She was spayed this week.  We're supposed to be keeping her calm, but that's pretty difficult with a puppy.  

Emmy had her disco themed gym Christmas party on Friday night.  A few friends from her team did a secret Santa gift exchange at Starbucks before the party.  

Jason and I had our neighbor Christmas party on Friday night too.  I love making this veggie wreath.  

The Beljacklocks have morphed over the years, but it's a fun group.  

The youth had a Christmas play at church tonight.  Emmy was the main star.  She was basically the babysitter of the little stars, ha!

Bryce and Chase were the camel again this year.