More Holiday Festivities...

Fear not, our holiday celebrating did not end on the 13th of December. We went right up until the late eve of the 24th. Here's some proof...

One street over from ours lives Santa, a real live Santa helper. He works at swanky South Coast Plaza here in Orange County. So Cal children sit on his lap and relay their Christmas wishes so he can then let the big man in the North Pole know the sunshine children's requests. Lucky for us, we didn't have to go to South Coast Plaza to have Tessa refuse to sit on Santa Claus's lap, we just hopped across the street where every December he and Mrs. Claus host the neighborhood for cookies, cocoa, photos and Christmas wishes. Tessa is still not sold on the man in red...

Tell me though that, that is not one good looking Santa Claus. While warming up to Santa might take another year, warming up to cookies, friends, playing peek-a-boo with dad seems built into this little person.

T's response when dad says, "Where's Tessa??"

A few nights later we went with some friends to the Boat Parade in Newport. I know you Salt Lakers think you've got lights down better than anyone else, but ours aren't half bad. They're on boats AND we aren't freezing half to death!


Tessa thought all those "aights" were pretty cool. She clapped and 'oooo'ed.

We grabbed some hot cocoa anyway. It was a cool 50 degrees. I hope this will become a yearly tradition.

A few nights later still...was Mission Hospital's Annual Gala. It is a high class black tie event held at the St. Regis. The hospital throws a great party with hopes of raising a great deal of money to help fund their charity care. Wade and I had the best time. We both commented how the last time we were able to get all dressed up like that (aside from our wedding) was prom! I hope this one becomes a yearly tradition too!

This may come as a shock...but Wade recieved these glasses as an "awesome dancer" prize.

Here's to adding some new tradition to the most traditional of holidays...