Laughs. Lights. Sleep. Repeat.

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.  

Thank you Michael and Imaunii for making our season bright.