Bounce Who . . . You!

Yet another rainy day in Charlotte on Christmas break . . . but we're not letting it keep us down!  Today's fun consisted of an afternoon at Bounce U. Thankfully I purchased some Groupons earlier in the year and kept them for just such an occasion.  So we've been on our daily errands, bounced our energy out this afternoon and plan to finish the day with homemade pizza (a good healthier option) and some Tiger football!!!

Rain Stinks, Especially on Christmas Break

Well since post Christmas break has been nothing but rainy weather we have tried to make the best of it.  Tuesday we tried to go to the bounce house but were dropped off by the shuttle only to find out that it was closed for camps and didn't open for free play for 2 more hours . . so we ended up walking 1.4 miles down a very busy road to get back to my car that was getting the oil changed.  We were determined not to be disappointed so we decided to go see The Good Dinosaur.  After lunch we loaded up and headed to the theater only to wait in line and discover that it was SOLD OUT!  Ugh!  I thought fast and we ended a "perfectly planned out" day with TCBY!  No one complained.  Actually, neither kid complained all day about the walking, oil change, errands, nothing.  They have been amazing!

So today we thought ahead and prebought our tickets for the movie on the way to the outlets!  It was a great movie with a super happy ending.  I'm praying the rain lets up soon because we're all sick of being stuck inside!

It's a Very Merry Christmas

We enjoyed a relaxing day Christmas Eve . . . filled with a few last minute gift wrappings and then time to enjoy the super warm temperatures with a run outside in shorts and short sleeves!  Before we knew it Dave was home from work and it was time to get ready for our Christmas Eve service at church.  It had a Charlie Brown theme and was the perfect way to set the tone for celebrating Jesus Christmas Day.  We continued with our tradition and had Chili's take out for dinner and then read the Christmas story from Luke before putting the kids to bed

They were obedient and didn't open our bedroom door until 7am Christmas morning.  We went downstairs and found the message mess that Jingles left.  It says "you were good" with a heart.  I started the oven for our french toast casserole and the kids quickly dug into their loot!

Since it was literally 75 in our house (and about as warm outside) it made wearing our specially selected Christmas jammies a bit difficult, but we were at least able to wear the bottoms.  They *gladly* let me take a quick picture before packing up for Great Grandma's house.

These two LOVE their Great Grandma

Family Christmas picture

The rest of the family arrived shortly after 2 and let me snap a quick picture before digging into lunch.

The afternoon was filled with sharing memories, laughing, eating delicious food and dessert (even golf balls), and lots of time playing outside for the kids.

There is nothing better than spending Christmas Day with those you love most.  Even though the drive isn't always fun, we would do it again and again to be able to spend such a special day with our family.

Truly we are blessed beyond measure.  Blessed to be loved by our Savior who was born to die for us and blessed to have such incredible family.  There is nothing better!  Merry Merry Christmas!!!!

Fun Christmas Adventures Around Town

We started the day off with meeting some sweet friends uptown to see the Singing Bears at Founders Hall.  The Ezells and Dehavens both were able to join us for a fun-filled adventure.  I think Savannah was a bit overwhelmed with all of the boys . . who of course were more impressed with being uptown that the singing bears! :)  After the bears finished their performance we headed to the Ritz Carlton to see their amazing life size gingerbread house.  This picture just does not do it justice because it was beautiful!

After going home for lunch and a few errands we then hit the Ballantyne Resort with the Marions to see the annual gingerbread competition displays. They were quite impressive!

I'm so, so thankful to live in a city where we can fill our days of Christmas break with fun, free adventures.  But I'm even more thankful to have such precious friends to join us in our festivities!!  Not sure what we'll do tomorrow, but hopefully it will be just as fun. :)

Bachmann Family Christmas 2015

This weekend was full of fun, family, games, and presents!  Dave's parents drove up from Atlanta Saturday afternoon in time for Savannah's basketball game.  Then Susan and the girls drove up after we got home from church on Sunday to begin our Christmas celebration.  Of course the kids couldn't wait to open stockings so the festivities began about as quickly as the cheese ball was sliced. :)

One of Preston's favorite gifts was his stuffed snake!  He was THRILLED and ran around for a long time just like this picture shows . . . I guess the most awesome gifts are the ones your mama refuses to buy. :)

The kids also really enjoyed playing in the cardboard box that Savannah's bean bag came in . . it's the simple things!  Another favorite was Preston's straw glasses.  Is he not hilarious looking?!

We are so blessed to have such a sweet, generous family!  It was a super fun afternoon spending time together, enjoying lots of good food, making memories playing games and of course laughing at the kids together!

The Polar Express

Wednesday night we surprised the kids with a special present they could open early.  It was The Polar Express book with 4 tickets inside . . for the train ride the next night!

Dave took a half day at work so right after school we hit the road for our Christmas adventure.  We stopped for dinner at our favorite Cracker Barrel and then arrived in plenty of time to see Santa before we boarded the train.

 The train ride came complete with hot chocolate and a cookie before it stopped at the North Pole.  It was a super fun night and a great family adventure!!

Christmas Cookie Fun

This weekend with basketball, a Girlology event with Savannah, and a planned dinner out, there wasn't much extra time for Christmas festivities.  So, after a crazy Saturday I promised the kids we could bake cookies on Sunday afternoon.  Even daddy joined in for the decorating fun!

Our finished products!

 Trust me, even as good as they look, they tasted WAY better!! :)

Basketball Begins!!

For the next few months our Saturdays will be consumed with basketball!  After two weeks of practice today was the first game of the season.  Preston's game was first, at 9am.  He was SO excited and did a great job.

Our fast little guy

Although he didn't score a basket this time, he's getting closer and closer to actually making a goal.  His specialty has to be in rebounds though because he was on FIRE! :)  Much unlike last year, this year's game was very interesting and fast paced.  The kids actually looked like they knew what they were doing and kept us on our toes with the scoring.  His team ended up winning by 2 baskets so he was thrilled.

Cole, John Robert, and Preston

After his post game devotion, we ran some errands and headed home for a few hours.  The weather has been amazing so I was able to squeeze in a long outside run, which was wonderful for this mama's mental health. :)  Then after a quick shower it was back to Calvary for some more basketball!

My two basketball stars

Savannah's game was at 3pm and she too was super excited.  I have to say that I wasn't sure what to expect since this was her first team sport EVER, but she did awesome!!  I was so proud of her confidence and willingness to play her hardest. She also was a rebound master and did great the entire game.

They actually keep score in her age group . . .  and it was a nail biter as we were down one basket with 3 seconds to go.  Her team mate took a shot and it circled the rim, but didn't make it in, so they ended up losing by 2 points. :(  It was still a super fun game to watch and she was one happy girl afterwards so all was well.

I have to say that I was sort of dreading the long Saturdays with basketball, but if this week was any indication of how much fun the season is going to be, we're going to be well entertained and enjoy every second of basketball season!!!  Now if we can just get each of them to make a basket. :)

Christmas Lights Galore

When I asked the kids at dinner one night what one thing they wanted to do most this Christmas season Savannah's response was that she couldn't wait to go see lights. :)  Well, see lights we did a lot of this weekend!!!  Friday night we hit downtown Waxhaw where we even got to see Santa!

Then, on Saturday, we hit Providence Country Club to see our favorite "dancing lights".  As usual, they were awesome!!  We didn't stay for the entire show (Clemson game was coming on at 8) so we may have to go back and see the rest sometime soon.  Sunday we had an early dinner so we could explore a huge neighborhood in Indian Trail.  There were 4 more homes with programmed lights and even one where we got out and explored the elf houses displayed in their back yard.

So our holiday festivities have begun . . and the shopping is almost done!  Hallelujah!!

Savannah's First Basketball Practice!!

I am SO proud of this girl!!  She is finally ready to try a team sport and asked me to sign her up for basketball this winter.  She was super excited to have her first practice tonight . . and did a great job!!  Basketball is going to consume the next few months in our house, but we are thrilled at the idea of both kids staying active and improving their b-ball skills. :)