The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: San Diego Style

It was our second Christmas season here in San Diego. We may not have snow here, and it may look like Spring outside, but Southern California still manages to find some Christmas Spirit. 

 One day, I received a 5-foot cardboard cylinder in the mail. (It was sealed with gorilla tape, so I know my dad was in on the project.) Inside was an advent calendar just like the one that was on our mantle the whole time I was growing up.Every day, we got to open a little box which contained a note and something special, most of which were handmade clay figurines crafted by my mom. You may think your mom is the coolest, but I'm pretty sure you are mistaken.  I have the best mom in the world.

 For the kitchen table, I created a forest of Christmas trees.  I love how they turned out!

Meet Tiny Tim, our beloved, crooked, living Christmas tree.  This is his second year with us.

 One Friday, Kelson didn't have to work, so we spent the day at Sea World.  I have never been to a theme park at Christmas time before, and it was awesome! The whole park was decked out. 

 If you have never petted a sting ray, you are missing out.  It was so cool! They love being petted and will come right up and suck on your fingers. We went back twice.

 This is where San Diego kids go for their winter fun.  They have a whole area full of manufactured snow for the kids to play in, including a tiny sledding hill.  I thought it was hilarious.

 The 4-D movie was Polar Express, and you walked out the door into a "snow storm". How often do you get snow and a palm tree in the same picture?

The park stayed open late so that you could see all the lights. We rode up in the sky tower at dusk and looked over the whole city.  Beautiful!

 One Monday night, we went to a concert at the temple grounds for FHE. The San Diego temple goes all out for Christmas, including tons of lights and two life-size Nativity scenes. What better place to celebrate the Christmas season?

 I spent the six weeks before Christmas playing Santa's elf and loving every minute of it. I created custom gifts for all of our nieces and nephews (except the babies.  I will get to them next year when they can appreciate it. Don't worry, I still love them.) I made little felt roads that you can arrange in all kinds of shapes. I did one with horses and one with race cars. I also made art cases, puzzle bags, and felt dolls. For our moms, I made temple bags. I'm not sure what to do with my time now that I am done with Christmas presents.  I guess it is time to start on next year!