Prior
to our move, the thought of the Christmas Season 2016 appeared quite
bleak. Not that Naysia and I don't make the most of all situations, but
it was set to be the first season away from our Arizona family and
friends. Two very special people turned that around for us.
Grace
to the Nations was our Tucson church home. Over the years that we
attended we were blessed with opportunities to build new relationships.
As a result Michael "Thanksgiving" and I were able to build a
friendship. I have to be honest--when we moved and he said he'd come
out to visit, I didn't believe him. I was overcome with delight when he
shared his December travel plans....and over the moon when it was
agreed upon that my sister Imaunii was coming too! I was slightly
concerned about them being bored during the week. As a new kid on the
block at work I wasn't able to take significant time off to host
properly. Michael reassured me that he'd be fine during my work day and
I was kindly reminded by Naysia that she and Imaunii would be awake all
night giggling and asleep all day.
December
4--Naysia and I spent the day following their journey as they checked
in numerous times on Facebook. I was overcome with joy when Imaunii
called to tell me they were at the front gate trying to get in. I
couldn't run through parking lot fast enough to get to them. I climbed
in the back seat and within minutes the car was unloaded, us girls were
squealing, Facebook status' were updated and we got comfy.
December
5--Deck the halls we did! We unpacked the Christmas tree and
fa-la-la-la-la'd the night away. We donned our pajama pants and
onesies, blasted tunes to make the season bright, broke ornaments,
stayed warm thanks to the Netflix fireplace movie and watched classic
Christmas cartoons. On the menu was my world famous mac and cheese,
bourbon meatballs, and chocolate chip cookies. Santa's elves were quite
envious of our jolly good time.
December
6--One of my favorite things to do when we have company is to take
folks to the Riverwalk. I have a new experience every time we go and
this night was no exception. We took a ride on the River Boat tour,
went gaga over the Christmas light strung in the trees, and admired the
Hilton's red/green tree illuminated on the building. We spent a
considerable amount of time near the tree at The Alamo and had an
awesome photo shoot at the Bexar County Courthouse. The laugh for the
night was Naysia's fear of the duck that got too close while we enjoyed
our Ghiradelli hot chocolate.
December
7--Naysia was eager to introduce Imaunii to her Pearl Street growth
group so we were downtown again this night. While the girls were
getting their fill of The Word, Michael and I strolled around The
Pearl. We window shopped, walked along the San Antonio River, and
enjoyed ice cream at Lick. The girls in tow we stopped at University of
Incarnate Word. The light display there was breathtaking!
December
8--An interesting thing happened on this day. It got cold, very cold.
Our plans to go to Zoo Lights were altered and we ended up at
Incredible Pizza Company....30 minutes before closing. We agreed on
Chinese and had dinner at Phoenix Chinese Cafe and afterwards rode out
to Windcrest to admire the decorated homes (much like Winterhaven).
December
9--Thankfully, I was able to take the day off. Wanting to bless my
Tucson fam with Christmas goodies, I started the morning making cookie
dough. Ann aka Ann Whataburger eventually joined us for the days
festivities. First stop was the Incredible Pizza Company. The building
is a former grocery store turned entertainment extravaganza! There are
several themed areas for to enjoy the available buffet items. We chose
the "high school gym". On one screen cartoons, on the other
sports--perfect for families. After eating we raced Go Carts where Ann
spanked us all. We reloaded our game cards several times--video games,
air hockey and the XD Theatre were tons of fun. Following that we
strolled the Japanese Tea Garden grounds and ended our evening with a
HILARIOUS game of Heads Up. I took Ann home and along the day realized
that Naysia baby was sick. The night was a rather quiet one nursing her
and watching some TV.
December 10--Our last day together. Seeing as Michael is a huge fan of the film we had to go to The
Wonderland of the Americas mall for the Nightmare Before Christmas
fest. We lunched there, did a little shopping, and watched some belly
dancing. Naysia's illness and another cold, misty day put a damper on
things. Back home we went for more nursing, baking--and for Imaunii and
Michael--packing. Later that day Michael and I toured the grounds at
the McNay Art Museum where we clowned around, got to know our inner
statue selves, and took lots of pictures. Our hopes to view the city
from the Tower of the Americas was shut down by the mist. We ended the
night after a trip to Barnes and Noble and last minute shopping for
snacks and medication.
December
11--The car carefully packed, gassed up the night before they were
ready to go. We stood in the living room, hands linked, hearts lifted to
God we thanked him: For the protection on the road here and back home,
for the experiences we had, for his goodness and mercy and for his
healing power over Naysia. I couldn't help but cry a little as they
drove away. As the day went on
Naysia and I spent the day following their journey as they checked in numerous times on Facebook. I was overcome with gratefulness when my mom called to tell me they were home.
Naysia and I spent the day following their journey as they checked in numerous times on Facebook. I was overcome with gratefulness when my mom called to tell me they were home.
Thank you Michael and Imaunii for making our season bright.
