Surprise! North Pole Experience Here We Come!

Since we are loving surprises this year and we really love to give gifts of memories rather than just stuff we thought of the perfect Christmas gift for Grandma and Papa John.  Although not really sure they thought it was all that perfect when they opened a bunch of buffalo plaid pattern clothes for people to wear when we all went to the North Pole Experience!  But they went along with it!  Prepare for picture overload because it really turned out quite magical!

On Sunday afternoon we headed to Flagstaff but not before some pictures in our new attire!

We got up to Flagstaff with enough time to eat dinner before needing to be at the Little America Inn where we would leave from.  Mr. Shrimp ordered his favorite shrimp cocktail!  

He picked out the hat himself :)

Then we headed over to where we would depart from and of course snuck in a bunch of pictures outside and inside!  This place really gets you in the holiday spirit!!

And then our 5:20pm departure time was announced so we got in line!

And headed out to the buses that would take us to the North Pole!!

'Please magical portal let us through'

And it did!!!  We arrived at the North Pole without issues!

Both kids remembered coming here with our friends 2 years ago!  So much fun to be had!

Writing letters to Santa before going to see him!

And then it was our turn to see Santa!

Unlike last time, this time he gave the kids special teddy bears as gifts!

We couldn't hear what they asked for but we sure hope that Santa brings it!

Official Santa pictures!!  See it pays off to wear coordinating clothing - makes for awesome pictures!

And then it was time to ride the magic buses back to the hotel and drive back to Scottsdale.  

Everyone agreed that it was really a magical time and fun to see Christmas through children's eyes.  Papa and Grandma ended up loving the experience and can't wait to show their friends the pictures!  We still have to get through Thanksgiving but it sure if starting to feel a lot like Christmas!!

Ashley's Thanksgiving Program

Ashley's adorable preschool put on their Thanksgiving program today and oh cuteness!

Look at all of the pilgrims!

The M/W/F combined with the T/Th class so Ashley made some new friends!

And boy did they sing their little hearts out.   Ashley had been practicing for what seemed like months 'No he's not a chicken or a cow...' Pretty sure we'll be singing that little rap for a while!

After her program Mommy and Ashley surprised Trevor at school for lunch!

And we totally didn't follow the rules that Trevor could only bring one friend over to the visitor table.  We brought them all :)

Trevor's Choir Concert

Central Park, where Trevor goes to school is known for academics but also their focus on the arts.  These kids have more hours for arts and specials than other schools which we think is great for their little (big) brains.  Tonight the 2nd grade put on their choir concert - a great mix of 50s classics.  They all sang their hearts out and performed all the choreography!  So so precious!!

Ashley Turns 5!

Ashley's actual birthday was on a Sunday and let us tell you that she was beyond ready to have her big day!  She dressed herself for church and that smile stayed on non-stop!

After chuch and church class as the kids call it, she opened up her gifts from family and us!

Cutie cars, books, puzzles, flash cards and a new doll!  Luva bella which is all the rage right now!  Glad we were able to find her one!  Of course, she named it Bella :)