Today we took the girls to see Santa at the mall and it was SUCH a great experience for us. The last time we took Ava to see Santa I believe she was 1.5 years old? Yes, she was and she definitely bawled. I felt so bad. Like really bad. We didn't take her last year because of her experience the year before (we were also in New York, I was 37 weeks pregnant, and we were on the go the entire trip) and I honestly thought visiting Santa would become a thing of the past... until Ava became a preschooler. Her mind, how smart she is, how receptive she is.. man! This year, she knows who Santa is. She knows his good pal Rudolph and Frosty the snowman of course. She knows that Santa brings her presents when she's a good girl - and that we leave him milk and cookies.

I mean, she understands the very traditions I did as a child. These full circle moments are almost too much for my heart to handle. I get so emotional each time I get to share something special with my girls. A couple weeks ago, something fantastic happened! Thanks to our technology driven world, Ava received a video chat from Santa - she went crazy. She couldn't believe that Santa had called her and she literally told everyone we know here in Texas. Since then, I've watched this warm Christmas spirit emerge more everyday from my sweet girl. Seriously. She sings all of "Santa's Songs" and she looks out for snow (not likely where we are), and she stays true to using only her rudolph decor and silverware. 

I told Ava early this morning that we'd be going to see Santa after her swim class... I have never seen her jump out of bed so quickly. All through breakfast this morning all she could talk about was seeing Santa. I was so excited that she was excited! We waited in line for almost a solid 30 minutes until it was our turn. Ava was a bit more shy and timid than I was expecting but she definitely let him know what she wanted for Christmas. Elena's little sister Isabel and a barbie house. BOOM. The hard part was over. No tears on Ava's end- in fact, she even gave Santa a hug. Olivia on the other hand - she BAWLED as soon as Justin sat her down on Santa's lap. I know we both expected that to happen. We kept Olivia's visit very short and let Ava finish talking to Santa before it was time to go. Our oldest was kind of in awe of this white beareded man. Seeing the look on her face when we left made the entire trip worth it. 

♥- Leilani

Veteran's Day

Veterans day ended on the sweetest note. It's a little early for the holiday spirit to come over my husband, but long behold this year has been very different. I can't count how many times i've watched Justin randomly put on a Christmas station or how many times I've heard him talk about how much he loves this time of year. I knew these things, but this year there has been so much more vocal delight and I absolutely love it. 

Tonight we lit the fire in our home and we watched the polar express with our girls. It was such a sweet memory for me. I'm trying to keep my spirits as high as i possibly can, but I would be lying if I said my mom wasn't in the back of my mind pretty much all the time. This is my first year without her. It's more emotional when I think about the memories I had with my mom growing up. I have been a firm believer in passing on traditions and of course I can't pass them on without thinking about who I got them from. Even still, I try to put my best thoughts forward and I try to keep a smile on my face. Last night was no exception, I was in such awe of my beautiful family. 

Watching Ava light up and actually understand the movie was the best. She knows who Santa is, she understands that Christmas is important, and she understood the naughty/nice list. The list goes on, but it was nice to have her point on select details that her minds was curious about. At the end of the movie, the main character picked a silver bell for his gift from Santa... I am going to get Ava a silver bell of her own. I know it'll add more of a connection to the film and it's something she can keep forever. 

To add to this excitement, we purchased tickets to a polar express ride this year and I know that it is going to be an ABSOLUTE blast for my sweet girl. Olivia is still a babe, but I hope when she looks back on the videos/pictures that she appreciates the fact that we tried to make their holiday so, so special. To add to the happiness that is this time of year - Texas weather has finally started to get it's act together. We have had 70/65 degree weather, so it's starting to feel like it should.. F-A-L-L. Justin had a few days off from work this week so I'm hoping the rest of his time off proves to be equally as special. 

I'm still a big fan of USAREC, recruiting, and seeing my husband every single day. I can't tell you how great this feels. Although we have to get accustomed to not taking two weeks of vacation in the winter, I think somehow we will manage. We have so many things planned for our holiday season. I can't wait to share them all with you! 

Happy Veterans day to all of the men and women in our armed forces! We are forever indebted to you for your sacrifices. 

♥- Leilani

Turkey Prep

Since Justin and I have been a couple, we have been fortunate enough to spend five out of six Thanksgivings together. While I love that we've spent these special holidays with one another, it seems as if we completely space on turkey prep each year. I'm hoping this guide will help us for many Thanksgivings to come. We purchased an almost 25 pound turkey this year, to serve to Justin's platoon and our family. While I wasn't thrilled about waking up at 5:30 AM (granted, I went to bed after midnight), we wanted an early start to our day. We also have ham and mac and cheese to cook as well.

* * * REMEMBER TO THAW TURKEY IN FRIDGE AT LEAST 7 DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING WHEN DEALING WITH A 24+ POUND TURKEY * * *

• WAKE UP AT 530 AM TO COOK TURKEY AND READY IT BY 1PM
• PREHEAT OVEN TO 325 DEGREES
• Wash out turkey throughly. remove gizzards, heart, and neck (Frozen bits of blood may still be present)
• Clean out turkey thoroughly 
• COOK STUFFING PACKS WHILE TURKEY IS BEING CLEANED, ALSO USE 4 PACKS FOR 24+ POUND TURKEY **(ALSO, MAKE SURE TO REMOVE STUFFING FROM PAN SO ITS NOT HOT)** 
• TRANSFER TURKEY TO ROASTING PAN
• LATHER DOWN WITH BUTTER, SALT, AND PEPPER (SOFT BUTTER PREFERRED TO RUB DOWN TURKEY, MAKES FOR GREAT BASTING)
• STUFF TURKEY WITH STUFFING
• TUCK LEGS BACK IN PRIOR TO PUTTING IN OVEN
• BRUSH DOWN TURKEY WITH VEGETABLE OIL ALL OVER 
• DO NOT FOIL TURKEY UNTIL 2/3 OF THE WAY COOKED TO PREVENT OVERCOOKING.
• BASTE TURKEY EVERY 30 MINUTES FOR FLAVOR

♥- Leilani