Santa Monica Mini Vacation

The day after Erik's last final we took a little two day trip up to Santa Monica.  We had a blast!  

Get ready for picture overload.  

Christmas on the Prado at Balboa Park

  We went to the Zoo before Christmas on the Prado.  Christmas on the Prado was beautiful.  We saw tons of Christmas lights and ate delicious food while listening to live Christmas music.

 Ruby gets super excited to see Santa Claus but is always too terrified to sit on his lap.  

 We all had fun dancing together to the music.

This face is too funny.  

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree....

Christmas is so so so much more fun for Erik and I because Ruby is soooooooo into it!  Ruby LOVED decorating the tree this year.  She was so excited to be able to participate.  She practically put on ALL of the ornaments.  Anywhere where she could reach (all along the bottom of the tree) was overflowing with a massive amount of ornaments.  So cute!!!  

I love Christmas time.  I think we got our tree just a couple days after Thanksgiving.  I just wanted it to feel like Christmas as soon as possible.  Christmas is my favorite holiday.  I love the meaning of Christmas.  I love how it reminds us of what life is really all about:  Emulating Jesus Christ.  I love how Christmas reminds us that Jesus Christ is the perfect example of the person we all should try to be.  And what better way to try to emulate him than by giving to others.  I love how Christmas brings out the good in everyone.  I love the way it makes you want to catch up with loved ones and cuddle up with your family to get warm and cozy.  I love how excited little kids get about Santa Claus.  I love the way our Christmas tree makes the whole house smell fresh.  I love listening to Christmas music all day especially during dinner.  We've also been enjoying our dinners by Christmas tree candlelight.  The girls love it.  I love all of the different layers of warmth that come during this time.

Christmas makes me merry.  I love everything about it!  Merry Christmas!!!