Christmas 2015 and Happy New Year

The Seaton Christmas moved to Greenville this year. With the unpredictable weather in the Nashville area, it was good no one had to travel through the mess. All of us were completely spoiled by Santa and our family. But best of all, we enjoyed being together. 

I got quite a kick watching Jack and Luke soak up Christmas. They were so excited by all of it. The presents, the trees, the lights, the holiday desserts... but I do think that this year they both went a little deeper than the surface of Christmas. They both found joy in spending time with the people they love, whether in person or virtually. And both boys had at least a couple of presents they were very excited to give, particularly the ones they made in school and the ones they chose for each other.  

As 2015 comes to a close, I must count my blessings. And this year it was all about family. Family during joy, Megan and Jake's weddings in particular, and family during hardship, when our family rushed in to help us when I had my gallbladder issues this year and supporting each other through the unfairness of cancer. I don't know if it is because I am getting older or if it is just because this is a year when it was highlighted for me, but I feel incredibly lucky to have the people I have in my life. Thank you to all of you for enriching and sweetening my life. Happy New Year!

The Force Awakens

The hype leading up to The Force Awakens had the Seaton boys whipped into a frenzy. All three of them. Our plan was for John to go preview the movie and then take the boys if he felt like it was something they could see. He basically had to sneak out of the house by going to a 10:00 pm showing. I think he felt a bit traitorous going without them at all. The first ticket available for the following morning was for the 11:00 am show. He bought three tickets as soon as he got home. It's all been very fun for the three of them. Me? I've heard more Star Wars chatter than ever. I can all but recite the lines to a movie I've never seen. John begins his winter vacation after work today. On his agenda? Taking the kids to see The Force Awakens again. 

Santa Visit, Luke's Program, and The Nutcracker

I took the boys to visit with Santa last week. They were both very excited to see the jolly fellow. Jack asked Santa for a camera that prints the pictures all by itself. Apparently he has a friend at school who has one of these magical devices. Luke asked for the new Star Wars PS4 guys. 

We went to Luke's Christmas program at his school on Sunday morning. He was the sheep. Here he is next to his best buddy, Nash. 

We finished our weekend by taking the boys to see The Nutcracker. Early in the holiday season, Jack asked me to take him to see the ballet. He's so cultured. :-) 

Luke's Belated 5th Birthday

Luke's birthday was pretty special for him this year. He really loved celebrating. We took donuts to his class and had cake and opened presents. He was a happy little guy. The Seatons came for a little party that also made him very happy. He's a special little boy to a lot of people. 

Favorite Color- Green

Favorite Animal- Dog

What do you want to do when you grow up? Stay with you!

For a job? Make some money! Work at Nissan like Dad!

Favorite Movie- Wall-e

Favorite TV Show- Wild Kratts

Favorite Game- Battleship

Favorite Toy- Legos

Legoland by Jack and Luke

The boys have been working on building Legoland for a couple of weeks now. They are hoping to be published in the Lego Junior Magazine. Here is a look at their work. It's pretty incredible. Unfortunately, they ran out of room before they ran out of ideas. 

The Legoland Hotel

Legoland Entrance

Overview of the Resort- I missed taking a close up of the Fire Academy.

Duplo Valley Petting Zoo

Ford Driving School

The Dragon Roller Coaster in Lego Kingdom

Star Wars Halloween

For the first time in five years, John did not have sales close on Halloween night. We took full advantage of that and had an awesome time with friends and neighbors. We started in the late afternoon by taking Luke and Jack to Luke's preschool for Trunk or Treat. Luke got to show one of his favorite people in the world, Ms. Carol, his Jedi costume. Next we went to a neighborhood friend's house who also happens to be Jack's teacher for a potluck. From there, John took the boys trick or treating with some of their friends while I went home to pass out candy. One of the neighbors set up a haunted house. When the kids trick or treated at our house, Luke informed me that the haunted house was very "spooky". Finally, we went to a bonfire until all of our eyes were drooping from exhaustion. It was such a fun night. 

We've Been Booed

We've been booed. Last night the kids and I were winding down before bed when the doorbell rang. When we went to answer no one was there, but a big basket of Halloween books, goodies, games, and toys was left behind along with instructions for passing on the fun. So tonight, our entire family headed out to boo two other families. Our boys enjoyed the giving just as much as the getting, I think. The sneakiness of it all appealed to them. This neighborhood is a magical place to raise children. 

Legoland Florida

Our family just returned from a weekend trip to Legoland Florida. It was awesome! Every one of us would tell you it was one of our favorite vacations ever. The theme hotel was a blast with activities and a separate bunkroom for the boys. The park was perfect for kids our boys' ages. Prepare for picture overload. I took 239 pictures, so believe it or not I am being selective. Ha!

Entrance

The Hotel

The Cuckoo Clock

The Boys

Flowers in the Lobby

One of Many Walls of Minifigures- This One in Hotel Lobby

Hallway Lighting

Treasure Hunt In Room- The First Thing the Boys Did

Unlocking the Treasure Chest- Lego Prizes/Gifts Inside

The Bunkroom

The Captain's Room

Room Details- Mom's Favorite

Room Details- Jack's Favorite

Jack won the model making competition the first night. It was an amazing experience for him.

Billions of Legos to Build With

Luke's Happy Place

Taking a Class Taught by a Master Builder

Legoland- Early Morning: People who stay at the hotel get in 30 minutes early

Pumpkin Love- I wanted them to sell these in the worst kind of way.

Strategizing with the Map

Darth and R2-D2- Made Out of Legos

Darth Maul

First Ride- Roller Coaster

Zoom In- Luke's Last Coaster Ride! 

Luke's A Crazy Driver

Boat School

Driving School

Driving School- They are both licensed drivers now.

Our family fought a fire

Lego Safari- Luke and I went on a safari while John and Jack went on a roller coaster. These meerkats are made out of Legos.

As are the lions and all the other safari animals.

Smile: Fast Ride!

The Lost Kingdom

A Mutual Favorite

Encouraging the Controller to Go Faster/Higher/Pukier

Look, No Hands!