The festivities of Christmas Begin

 So many activities and events began to start right after Thanksgiving.  I took Amber and Amber's best friend Camilla to a snow play at Pamela Park.  They got selected by the purchaser at Mattel to receive 2 big stockings filled with toys and they each received barbie dolls.  It was a bit hectic because I was carrying Ashley too but I am glad that happened because it got really crazy and lines were long to do anything else.  They played a little bit on the snow and we had to leave - the crowd kind of scared me. 

The next day, Adam and Alice went to this even in Venture with Annie/Sophie.  They were gone most of the day and came back way after bedtime.  They had the best time just being spoiled with lounging at an igloo and snow tubing. 

We got to be super productive that day and Scott finished up putting up the Christmas lights and Amber and I started to decorate the tree and took out all the Christmas decors for the house.

Alice and Amber @ The Nutcracker / Thanksgiving Weekend

 The week of Thanksgiving seemed unusually long.  Adam and Alice had no school so they were home for the week, even though it was a short work for work.  Alice and Amber  participated in the Nutcracker ballet for the 2nd time.  Alice decided to join just for the show but it didn't seem like she had an interest in ballet.  Alice took on 2 roles at the show - the Soldier and Mother Ginger.  Amber was just a little mouse in one scene.  We scheduled ourselves near West Covina for the 3 days of performances with 5 shows back to back.  We all went to watch the last showing on Sunday at 6PM.  It was really nice seeing them enjoying the scene that happens behind the show.  The girls loved being in their costumes, getting their hair done and doing all the arts and crafts with the other girls.  

Amber finished after Act One and I was able to pick her up to watch Act Two on Sunday.  She really enjoys watching these shows and I need to remind myself to take her to watch these more often.  She really pays attention to the details on stage and she is able to keep her eyes at the performance better than I could.  During the show, while I was holding Ashley in my arms, she told me that Ashley is going to be beautiful at the show.  She also said that the dancers were so beautiful.  I just had to tell her that the most beautiful dancer - is you. 

On Saturday, we also picked up Adam's best friend, Nicholas and ate at Ninja Sushi for his birthday.  These boys love sushi.  Nicholas eats like a normal kid but Adam was eating more than me!  I love how he has such a great connection with his first best friend.  They always seem to have the best time together.

As for Thanksgiving, I was going to make Prime Rib for the Tangs but that plan fell through and I am kind of glad it did.  First I ordered the Prime Rib from Costco, but it actually got cancelled so I would have had to buy it elsewhere.  Second, my father in law had surgery on his neck so it was best to just not gather this year.  

On the actual Thanksgiving day, we spent the day at my moms and made Bacon/Corn rice, Brussel Sprouts, Nabe pot with spam/mushrooms and Hoang made Char Siu ribs. Joyce brought this ube cream brulee pie for dessert and my mom bought the stroop cookie ice cream which was way too sweet!