Wrapping Up 2013

There is something magical about writing down your hopes for Christmas and sending them off to Santa. Though my kids are not true believers anymore I still have them write an official list for Santa and we drop it in the official Believe mailbox to ensure a quick and reliable delivery to the North Pole. We like to make a family night of it and have dinner too- this year we enjoyed Maggiano's and of course requested a window seat overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. After dinner and our magical mailing, the kids chose to shop around at the Fashion Show Mall instead of visiting the Atrium at Bellagio- but we made it there eventually.....

After Christmas had closed we realized we hadn't made our visit to the atrium. Note to self: go before Christmas on a weekday, less crowded. Though it was super crowded we still got to enjoy the beauty and holiday spirit. Afterwards we walked across the street and shopped at Miracle Mile and had lunch......

During Christmas break we also met up with our extended families. We had a bowling night with the Robb side of the family. It was good to see everyone and the kids had a blast!(Lauren just looks bummed because she failed at knocking down the pins!)

Then we met with the Nelson side for some ice skating. There was a misprint on the open skating hours so we got there way before we could skate. Jace and Jaxon protested by lying down on the jubilant fiesta floor. We all came back a little later (sans Jace) to freeze, balance, skate, and try really hard not to get fingers cut off by ice skate blades! 

Lauren's friend Shelby, Ava, Lauren, and Maddy

The kids had enough fun, so it was time for the adults to hang out. My parents took us all to dinner at the Red Rock then we enjoyed a round of cosmic bowling. Jason and I bowled as Bonnie & Clyde and as you can clearly see the B won. Though it is pretty sad that I whooped everyone with a 109!! After bowling we made a pit stop at Ben & Jerry's in the food court for an ice cream night cap.

Christmas Day 2013

The long awaited day had finally come. Lauren in her Hollister onsie and Jace with his shark infested pajama pants made their way downstairs scanning the goods under the tree as they went. In a rather civilized manner, gifts were opened and squealed at. Lauren unwrapped some clothes, Nike Free Runs, Pink jacket, backpack and phone case, some other odds and ends and a pair of Beats headphones. Jace made out with Hollister clothes, a pair of Vans, Ripstick G, books, and a pair of Beats headphones. My little pile of goodies consisted of accessories for the Mini, sports bra, and a Morrissey book and video. The morning had started out great, so far Christmas was running smoothly. Now we had to get dressed and visit our family....

First we made a stop to see Minty, Sam, and Abby. Grandma & Grandpa Robb were also there- two birds with one stone Chrismas bonus! We exchanged gifts and checked out the goods Santa had left Sam and Abby. Then it was off to the next stop.....

Grandma & Grandpa Nelson's. 

If there was something Santa forgot- don't worry grandma remembered!! Lauren got her One Direction fix with the movie, CD, and perfume. Jace reeled it in with some Hollister shirts, body spray, and phone case, Nike Elite socks, and an Air Hogs hovercraft. Jason and I got some goods too, the best of which was cold hard cash! After all the cousins and everyone finished opening gifts it was time to fill up our bellies with some lunch. After much debate it was decided that China-a-Go-Go would be our fill up station again this year. The food and the company was great!! After lunch we made our way back home to enjoy our new gifts. Lauren immediately commandeered the downstairs tv to watch her 1D movie. G & G Nelson stopped by later that night to see what the kids had earned from Santa, then they joined us for a special Christmas dinner at the Aliante food court.

Lauren watching 1D movie

Once again Christmas had been good to us. Spending time with friends and family, traditions with the kids, and just enjoying that overall good feeling the Christmas season brings. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!