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. :)