Merry Christmas!

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Merry Christmas!!!!  We got up early today so that Braydon could open ALL of his presents.  He was amazed at all the gifts he got.  Braydon started ripping into them right away.  He then would pull a piece of paper off and walk into the kitchen and throw that piece in the trash.  Braydon loved all of his presents but kept going back to his kitchen he got last night from our friends.  We plan to put some toys away and give to him throughout the month so he doesn't get sick of the toys.  Our day was spent opening gifts, then having brunch with some friends and playing games.  After our friends left we all took naps and then finished packing for our trip to Germany tomorrow. 

Merry Christmas Eve

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 This is Braydon's second Christmas.  Last year I don't think he really knew what was going on and he may not be fully aware this year, but he likes presents!  We had some friends over for Christmas Eve and exchanged presents with them.  Braydon got a little boy doll and a small kitchen, he loved them both very much!  Tomorrow we will open the presents from Santa, Mommy & Daddy, Nana, Grandma & Grandpa French, Grandma & Grandpa Turner, Uncle Shannon & Aunt Tracy, and Uncle Dan & Aunt Kelly.  Braydon has lots of presents to open so Mommy & Daddy decided to exchange their presents once he went to bed, and leave tomorrow to Braydon.

Zip Lining

Chris's command decided to take people to go zip lining today.  I have always wanted to try it so we decided to go along.  The adventure started at Parco Avventura Etna http://www.parcoavventuraetna.it/index.htm (if you google the place you can get selected a translated version).  Chris doesn't like heights so he decided to hang out with Braydon in the children area. We received a briefing that told us how to work the course for our safety.  Then we headed to the green course, this course was considered to be of little difficulty, but it was difficult.  Then after that we went to the blue course.  This course was more challenging and it ended up that I needed to be rescued from the last part of it.  This last part was a little scary and I started to hyper ventilate.  I decided not to continue and do the last course which was purple because I thought it would be even harder.  Now looking back I wish I had done it because it was all zip lining and no little obstacles.  Braydon had a good time watching everyone and running around.  Although when we first got there he want to go look at the snow (because we where up so high on the volcano there was snow from the recent cold weather).  He tried to run down the hill and ended up falling face first on the pavement and got some road rash on his face.  He cried for a little bit, but was more concerned about Haleigh because she was with him when he fell and she thought it was her fault.  My little boy is such a caring person!  Here are some pictures from the adventure just click on the link below.

 

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Bad Santa

Santa came to visit us here in Sigonella today.  There was a gym filled with activities for kids.  They had a bouncy house, arts and crafts and even pictures with Santa.  Braydon patiently waited in line to see the big guy.  When his turn came I carried him up to see Santa and he just looked at him.  The real fun happened when I tried to get him to sit in Santa's lap, he wouldn't have it.  So I decided to try and sit with him and he didn't want that either.  The best photo we could get was of him crying.  It reminds me of my childhood feelings toward Santa.  Most of the pictures I have when I was little I'm crying and trying to get away.  Guess it'll be a few years before Braydon is alright with the whole Santa thing.  After he saw Santa we let him run around for a little bit and he played with one of his friends for awhile.

Christmas Party

 Thursday night Chris's command held their annual Christmas Party.  We got a babysitter for Braydon, and got all dressed up and ready to have some adult fun.  It was held at a hotel near the base and turned out to be really nice.  After the dinner portion they had a casino room were we could gamble with fake money and dance the night away.  I danced with a few friends and had a good time.  The next morning my feet still hurt from my heels though, so I guess that is a reminder that I should keep flip flops with me so I don't have to wear the heels all night. 

Oh Christmas Tree!

This past weekend the base had a tree lighting ceremony on base.  Braydon didn't want to sit in his stroller, or be held, he wanted to run around.  That wasn't something that was going to happen because there were so many people around.  Therefore, I tried to hold onto him until they were done with the ceremony.  The school kids sang Christmas carols and then the tree was lighted.  They also had a fake snow machine.  This machine was what caused all the drama with Braydon.  He did not like the fake snow and when he saw it coming he would tense up and start screaming.  I hope that this isn't what is going to happen when we are in Germany and he sees real snow!