New Years day always brings a mix of emotions for me. There have been years when I wanted to start anew but not this year. I want to stay in this place forever... stop time from passing... stop the kids from growing... just stay here in this moment forever. But alas that is impossible. Another year of Christmas magic has been here and gone. We experienced our first 2nd grade musical The Penguin Christmas where Layla was excited about her line "Done indeed. You've got a good start but there's still more to do before we depart." She was so proud of herself for saying her line correctly in front of the packed audience which was a huge thing for my shy child who still tries to hide from the pediatrician when he comes into the room at the doctor's office.
We also had the chance to see Davis' big acting debut as a horse in the Cogburn's Cubs Kindergarten presentation of The Gingerbread Man. It's amazing, my child who will talk until she runs out of things to say then just starts back at the beginning and repeats the same thing over again to hear herself talk at home somehow becomes quite and reserve while at school. She has amazed me with her love of learning and how she is such a sponge that absorbs everything around her.
We did the traditions: went to the State Farmers Marker and picked out a huge Frasier Fur, did the lights at the zoo and Saluda Shoals Nights of Wonder, walked the tree farm and let the girls pick out and cut down a tree for their bedroom, made Christmas Cookies for Santa, made gingerbread houses etc. These were the oldies but goodies but this year but added 2 new adventures. Mom, the girls and I went to the American Girl store outside of Atlanta for an overnight trip. The girls got to pick out a doll from me and Jamie and a few accessories from my parents. In classic fashion, Layla went into the store, went straight to the doll she had been eyeing for months, Kanani and that was that. On the other hand, Davis wondered the store, carefully inspecting each doll as she passed, picking them up touching them, styling their hair, and finally deciding on a doll that looked like her. Of course it had short strawberry blonde hair and green eyes with olive skin, none of which Davis has but in her eyes they were identical. We then spent the day wondering the mall before eating at the American Girl Bistro. The new members of our family, Kanani and at that time still doll number 26, got to sit at the table in high chairs and were served with their own tea cups. It was a remarkable trip and the girls were the perfect ages, 8 and 6, to just absorb every minute of it. Not to be outdone, Jamie took Dylan to pick out his own tree and decorations for his room while we were gone. The irony being, Dylan doesn't even sleep in his room. He much prefers to sleep in the girls room which they don't mind. It's all part of being a big sister. 
We also went to Bryson City, NC to ride on the Polar Express train. It was great to see the kids smiling and laughing with their cousins, aunts, uncles, grandma and papa. They got to swim around in the hot tub outside while it was 40 degrees and just loved it. The train was covered in lights and their smiles were priceless as the train approached for us to get on. We got to eat cookies and drink hot chocolate. Then Santa came on the train and their eyes filled with wonder (well it may have been fear as none of them particularly like Santa but I will convience myself it was wonder as that will always make the memory sweeter). My favorite part was when everyone sang Christmas songs and they were laughing and singing their hearts out to Jingle Bells while shaking the special bells Santa gave them. I will cherish this trip as long as I live. Even the moment when Dylan vomited as he was laughing and choked on broccoli at dinner. By the time I ran him to the bathroom and back our entire table was cleared out. The end to the magic. That's what I am the saddest about packing up Christmas this year. That one Christmas soon we will wake up and the magic will be gone for Layla and slowly for each of them. The Santa questions will start and then POOF this magical part of their childhood will be gone.
But it's New Year's Day and today I am smiling looking back on all the memories we made this crazy season. Another year of firsts, another year of traditions and another year of memories will be filed away and back to the real world tomorrow. Work, school, homework, lunch boxes etc. But tonight I get to enjoy one last night of Christmas magic. Of course that also is helped by the fact that the tree is still twinkling in my living room. We weren't ready quite yet to let go of this moment. As I was taking Dylan's tree from his room down I felt like the Grinch "Why are you taking my Christmas tree Mommy? Why?" so I just didn't have to heart to take the big tree away. There's no rush for me. If I could let this time last forever I would. We often hear "they are only little once" but you don't know how true that is until you are a parent. There will be other Christmas's, other memories and I just pray that this year will fill our heart with as much joy as we have had this past year. Happy New Year!
No comments:
Post a Comment