Christmas 2013

Its the most wonderful time of year.  Once again Christmas came through our house like a tornado leaving new toys, clothes, gadgets, boxes and wrapping paper in its wake.  And we wouldn't change a thing.  Made dinner on Christmas Eve again and instead of the wreath let breakfast cook overnight in the crockpot.  Probably won't do that again next year.

Hershey Christmas 2013

Once again our group went to Hershey for Christmas this year.  We left it until the last weekend before Christmas because of scheduling problems but we all got there, all had a great time, and got the beloved group photo again.

The days before Christmas

After my victory in the Ugly Sweater contest at work we were all really in the Christmas spirit.  With a half price coupon this year we finally got to right the Polar Express on the New Hope Train with Santa. It was a great time, the kids seemed to enjoy it even if the train horn scared Rowan since she was standing right next to it.

Ugly Sweater Contest

Work ran the 2nd Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater contest yesterday.  Last year I lost by one vote.  This year I took no prisoners, and I took first place.  Victory!!  I have already started planning for next year to retain my championship title.

Elf on the Shelf antics

Marshelle brought her mischievous side with her this year.  Some of the things we have woken up to find this year:

Freezer 5K

2013, the year of the 5K!  Signed up for the third one of the year that ran on December 15.  We were in the city the day before and the weather took a turn for the ugly so we were not sure if the run was going to happen or not but it did, the paths were cleared, the weather was sunny, snow was falling from trees as it melted in some parts so it was a little cold and wet but we did it. I say we because Rowan wanted to run it again with me.  It took cajoling and cheering again but she did it - and after I pulled her along the whole 3 miles in the last .1 mile when she could see the finish line she figured out how to run and took off and left me to cross the finish line alone!  Stinker.

 

Christmas in the City

The forecast was not good.  Calling for another round of snow that they could not pinpoint a time on.  We had tickets to a show in the city.  We take the train, bad weather shuts the trains down almost right away.  We hummed, we hawed, we finally took our chances.  Wise decision!  Snow did not start until we were on the train headed back home for 400pm.

First up, the Macy's light show.  Then downstairs to fill out and send letters to Santa.

Next the Walnut Street Theater for A Christmas Carol, the kids didn't really understand it but it was good!

Then headed to lunch at Fratelli's.  Once that was done we headed over to The Christmas Village in Love Park.

Over to the Comcast building for their light show.

And back to Love Park for some family pics with the Love Statue.

Home on the 400pm train and safe and sound while the snow and ice went on into the night.