The Harrison Family: December Activities... leading up to Christmas

We are always busy but this year it felt like we were busier than usual. It didn't help that right after Thanksgiving I had to take a work trip for 7 days to Argentina. Since the kids were born I have been very clear with work that I had no interest in traveling... its just hard to be away especially given Justin's work/travel schedule. Well the trip to Argentina came up and I agreed to go since I knew Justin would be home and I could get his mom to come into town and assist with the kids. I have only been away from the kids very few nights since they were born (I literally think less than 5) so I was unsure of how they would react. Riley was ok with the trip but Carter had a harder time. As I was packing for the trip he just sat by my suitcase and had the most pathetic look on his face. Talk about making a momma feel guilty!

We arrived in Argentina on a Sunday and Monday morning while in meetings I got the worst call from the kids school to date. They called to tell me Carter had fallen on his face and knocked both of his front teeth out. Worst part was I was in South America and they could not get in touch with Justin. The office manager that called was trying her best to be calm but I could tell she was visibly shaken as she was telling me the story. She told me he was on the playground playing and went to turn around and did not see a kid coming on a tricycle and freak accident..he just tripped so fast over the tricycle wheel that he did not have time to brace himself and fell straight on his face. Both front teeth were knocked completely out by the root. She said they were comforting him and controlling the bleeding. I was devastated and starting dialing every number I can think of to get Justin. I got in touch with him and he went into super dad mode immediately getting out of work rushing to school and getting him to the dentist. I just sat in Argentina and cried feeling helpless and horribly guilty that my little guy was hurt and there was nothing I can do to help. Justin took him to the dentist and luckily the teeth came out by the root so no pieces had to be extracted. They could not put the baby teeth back in so the dentist told us to let his gums heal and come back in a month to discuss if we want to put fake teeth in or not. My little guy was so tough and dad was amazing but I was a wreck! Its still hard for me to look at him with no teeth!

Other than that drama we had a great December. Riley's dance studio had the annual Holiday in the park performance. Riley did so well and we are so proud of our little dancer!

Mags enjoying the show on daddy's shoulders

Riley and her dance friends

We had the kids school Christmas programs. Those are always precious and this year Riley had a speaking part that she worked really hard on! Both of them did a great job during the program.

Nanny and Mags came to support the kids and watch the program! They were so excited to see them!

Riley in front of the room giving the opening for the program. "Welcome to our 2015 Winter program. We will be sharing with you how snowmen celebrate Christmas.... Thank you for coming. Have a safe and happy New Year".

She was the loudest singer in the entire class!

My little peanut!

Riley and her lead teacher Miss April

Riley and her other teacher Miss Gabby

Carter and the ornament he made me

We took the kids to a new attraction this year called the magical winter lights. It was a really fun exhibit that was set up at the Sam Houston Racetrack and displayed scenes from around the world in lanterns.

London Bridge

Daddy finally took the kids to Russia with him!

We even had the chance to ride our first ferris wheel as a family! The kids thought it was so much fun!

Every December we take the kids to Santa's Wonderland in College Station to enjoy the lights and visit Santa. This year we were lucky to have Uncle Jeff, Nanny and Mags join us for the trip. We left early on a Tuesday stopped at Saltgrass for dinner and were able to make it Santa's Wonderland when they opened the doors. This was the best experience we have at Santa's Wonderland. The weather was great and it was not at all busy so we were able to enjoy more of the attractions than ever before! Every year the kids get evaluated by Santa's elf to see if they make the naughty or the nice list. It was close... but all the kids made the nice list!