Decorating for Christmas

In the almost five years Enoch and I being married, we have only had one Christmas tree. That one time was in December 2011 when Melany was 6 months old. So this year, being more stable and Melany being older, we decided to decorate for Christmas and get a tree. I bought the stockings, and decorations for the tree from the Dollar Mart. We got the tree, and lights from Wal-Mart. We had to do the decorating in two different days as we were very busy preparing for the marathon and working. It was so much fun to decorate and make our home a little more in to the Christmas season.

We really enjoyed all the Holiday cards we received from our dear friends and family. It's so nice to see how the kids grow throughout the years. We happily display the cards in the entrance of our home. It reminds us how although we are very far, family and our good friends will always remain in our hearts.

Melany also liked the fairies decorations and lights in the Christmas tree. It was so magical to see her little eyes light up when she saw the finished tree. We are teaching her that we are celebrating Jesus' birthday on this special day. Seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child makes it very memorable. The pictures below speak for themselves.

Our Wreath

So adorable!

Taking a break from decorating to take a selfie

TA-DA!

Our Holiday cards on display

Christmas Parties

     This past Saturday we went to two Christmas parties! One was for kids in the afternoon on base for Enoch's squadron. Melany made cookies, tree ornaments and even got to meet Santa Claus. She was a little scared of him so we decided to take a picture with her instead. Our good friends Tyler, Brielyn and their daughter Rosie met us there. Melany and Rosie are almost the same age so it's so fun to see them interact as sisters. They have spent time together as we swap babysitting. After everyone was done with pictures, Melany had a nice chat with Santa and he got her engaged by showing her his "special" clock. She actually got closer to him and wasn't so scared after all.

      Later in the evening, Enoch and I got dolled up to go to my work's Christmas Party. The party was held at the Embassy Suites in Downtown San Antonio near the River Walk. The best part was the fun we had. And even better was that we didn't have to pay a dime! The valet parking, 3 course meal, the photo booth, professional photographer, and the pictures were free! What a nice present from Methodist Healthcare Ministries!

Melany decorating her cookie

Brielyn, Tyler and Rosie

Melany the Pirate

Eating the cookie she decorated

Love that smile!

My date for the party

We feel silly posing

At the Embassy Suited Hotel Lobby

Thanksgiving with Aba

Melany’s “Aba” (Grandma Gloria) came to visit us. Aba’s birthday was about 3 weeks ago and we were looking forward to showering her with hugs and kisses. We were so elated to see her! She arrived on Thanksgiving Day. Funny though, when Melany saw her Aba, she was so shocked, she barely spoke or moved for about 5 minutes!

 My mom brought us yummy food from LA, like Guatemalan tamales, sweet bread, and chicken. Enoch and I had made ham and mashed potatoes so we were so stuffed after we ate. So good thing the next day we walked about 5 hours shopping around at the outlets at San Marcos. We bought very little but Mom got some nice presents for Melany, Kevin and Emily. We were exhausted when we got home! We woke up the next day on Saturday to have a nice breakfast at the Guenther House. The wait was very long but we managed to be patient and finally after an hour and a half, we enjoyed some hot breakfast. We were close to downtown San Antonio, so we headed to the Alamo and the River Walk. Again, we walked a lot but stopped for some drinks and enjoyed the downtown scene and Christmas lights. We were so sad to see our Aba leave.

I miss my mom so much as she is my best friend and such a good grandma to Melany. Enoch had plenty of good laughs with her as my mom thinks he is so silly and gets his unique humor. I can’t wait to see her again next month!

At the Alamo with Grandma Gloria

At the Guenther House Museum

What a beautiful Ginger Bread House!

Melany wearing the horse dress Aba gave her

Beauties

At the River Walk