Christmas Getaway to London

Since we were traveling to Arizona again for Christmas, we thought that we would head into London for the first weekend in December for some Christmas fesitivities. Whenever we go to London, we rent a fully furnished flat in the heart of town and make a weekend of it. We love our little city getaways and this weekend was fabulous.

We drove to London Friday night and got settled into our flat. Bella immediately got hooked on the SKY cable television, since we do not have cable. It started her immense love of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Since then, I've been downloading Mickey Mouse Clubhouse TV shows onto my I-Pad like hotcakes. Meeska-Mooska, Mickey Mouse. (You should see Curtis do the goofy dance)

Bella in the flat with Bear (AKA Cookie Monster)

On Saturday, we woke up and began our adventure to Winter Wonderland, which is a Christmas themed amusement park put on in Hyde Park every year. The main attraction there has always been the ice skating rink, but I didn't know what else to expect. We were pleasantly surprised. There were a ton of rides (all Christmas themes), a Christmas Market (very German), yumm food stalls, a Christmas Circus show, Santa visits, ice skating, and so much more.

Daddy and Bella pose for a pic before heading out to Winter Wonderland.

Mommy had to get some love, too.Bella was wrapped up, ready for fun!
As we walked downtown towards Hyde Park, I loved looking at all of the window displays at Selfridges.

Walking from one end of Hyde park towards Winter Wonderland in the distance. Lovely London sky, huh?

This was one part for little ones. There was a train that went around this little section.

Part of the "Bella-sized" section.

"Santa Claus!"

First stop: Carousel.

Second stop: Train-type ride. Bella chose a hippy-van/bus.......

....but, I wanted her to choose this! Go figure!

Third stop: Swan ride

Woah! Close-up of mommy and daddy!

The Christmas Pudding Ride. Daddy and Bella go round and round.

Then, mommy got SUCKERED.....I went into a little vendor shop for hats and Bella followed me and got a hold of a Christmas Bear. Although she has 5,000 stuffed animals, I caved anyway because I just didn't feel like fighting that battle (plus, she NEEDS a Christmas themed stuffed animal). Besides, aren't stuffed animals to toddlers the same as shoes to women.....they can never have too many!

On our way to the Christmas Circus show, it happened, poof....Bella fell asleep. Right then we found a whole other cool side to the place, too. But, I guess she'll have something to look forward to for next year! We spent that time looking through the Christmas Market and nibbling on some goodies.

Even the trash can was in on the Christmas Theme. Now that's what I call "perfect". Y'all know how I love a good theme.

As we walked back, I looked at some more window displays. They were all really spectacular.

More Windows

More windows

Lovin on Christmas Bear.

Cheesin' it up with Christmas Bear.

I got Bella this Joy to the World book that plays the song every time you open the book. Well, she LOVED the book and read it sooooo much that we had to eventually hide it for some peace and quiet. Here's daddy's reaction after another rendition of "Joy to the World" Bella style. Teh funny thing is she know the song pretty well. That reminds me, I should probably go get it out of its hiding place. What bad parents.

After a nap and dinner, we set out to Hamley's.

Bella's first London Black Cab ride....on her way to the world famous Hamley's toy store.

Outside of Hamley's

Some of the incredible decor inside Hamley's.

On the escalator up to the next floor of Hamley's!

Bella loves Toy Story 3. When she watches it she always pays special attention to the dinosaur for some reason, so we surprised her with this in Hamley's. However, the roar was so pathetic that she didn't like it so we didn't have to leave the store with. (more money saved!)

Then, she got to play with one of the Fur Real Dogs..little did she know that she would be getting one of her very own for Christmas from Uncle Mikey.

More inside Hamley's as we went up and up

After Hamley's, we started back to our flat and just took in some of the lights around town. Here's Regent Street.

Piccadilly and Oxford

After a long, long day, Bella was ready for bed. Christmas Bear was added to the posse she brought with her. She had to take them ALL to bed.

On The First Day of Christmas....

After getting the Manger up, we started a few Christmas festivities. First, Bella got her first Advent Calendar. She had no idea what it was at the beginning. Of course after opening the first one, she wanted to open every one to get the treat. We open one every day and count down. She knows about each day and how many days are left until Jesus' birthday, but I don't think she really, really understands. It sure is fun to open one up everyday and see what the new shape of"cock-lit" will be though.

"Uh, what is THAT? A puzzle? A book?"

Where is number one, Bella? "Right, there!"
"There's a cock-lit in there!"

"Yummy, I like it mommy."

Then, we switched it to a game of family Christmas Dominoes. Bella enjoyed matching all of the pictures and making up her own rules.

"It's a snowman and Christmas tree."

The true Dominologist of the house stepped in and teaches her his skills.

Away in the Manger

Since we are not going to be here for the holidays, we did not put up the tree again this year but it is very important to our family to always put up the Manger as it is the true meaning of Christmas. It was extra special this year because Bella did most of it. I have taught her a lot of things, but my favorite thing to teach her about is Jesus and His love for us, which makes Christmas time even more special.

Since the day I knew she was in my tummy, I have read stories from the Bible to her. Most of the music she listens to is Christian worship or Veggietales and up until the last 4 months, that was most of what she watched, also. So, now it just melts myheart when I hear her sing Jesus Loves Me or ask to watch a Jesus movie. Lately, she is trying to learn the words to all of the Christmas carols so she listens to them over and over until she memorizes the words (or what she thinks is the words). Her favorite Christmas carol is Joy to the World.

We've been having these conversations about Jesus' Birthday lately but of course she doesn't quite get it yet for here was a recent conversation:
M- "Bella, who's Birthday is on Christmas?"
B- "Mommy's"
M- No, who was born on Christmas?
B- Daddy!
M- Bella, what little baby was born on Christmas?
B- Bella!
M- No, not your birthday, who's birthday do we celebrate on Christmas? Who's the little baby in the manger?
B- My brother.
M- You don't have a little brother. Bella, who do we always sing about and watch movies about who was born on Christmas? The little baby.
B- Reindeer.
M- Who is the little baby up there in the Manger (got it from the Manger) who's birthday is on Christmas?
B- Jesus!

Ya know what they say.....Better late than never. Maybe she's just a visual learner! :)

"It's a sheep, baaaaaaaaaaaa"

"Moooooooooooooooooo!"
"Jesus"
"This baby Jesus. I put him by his mommy."

"This his daddy"

"The angel"

Then, Bella started to try to stuff everyone in the Manger. I had to try to explain that they couldn't all fit and so we regrouped.

"All done"

Thank you Lord for your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior!