2019

12 Days of Christmas: 2019

This is the first time we did this! What a crazy adventure!!!!

Each night one of our kids opens a box pertaining to the night of the 12 days. It has a rhyme pertaining to what we will be doing that night that they have a lot of fun deciphering what it will be. Below I provided the rhyme with an explanation of what we did for that night.

1st Day of Christmas

We started out our first adventure in celebrating 12 days of Christmas with a simple one, a movie in a movie theater- Star Wars Rise of the Resistance. This might seem like not the greatest of adventures, but our family does not go the the theater often. We watch a lot of movies at home. This is mostly due to the sheer cost of taking a family of 7 out to the movie theater, but there are some other factors. There was a moment when we decided that sitting in the movie theater while others were on their phone, or talking or eating smelly pickles ruined the experience. So we invested in a very nice, very big TV and started watching at home. We would save hundreds this way by making our own popcorn and buying our own cheaper candy. We are spoiled at home, but every-once-in-a-while it is nice to go to the big screen- and this was one we didn't want to miss at the theater! (Also, setting expectations early that not everything is going to be a wild adventure was nice in the beginning-it's about to get crazy)

2nd Day of Christmas

Dave is a Turtle,

Buster is a Dove.

If you guess their games

Then you're one notch above.

This riddle might be a bit easier to guess than the last- did I mention that the Hubs is an amazing poet? His mind just easily comes up with these ideas and rhymes. I have to hand it to him, he is a great content creator (and I'm a great editor). This was a trip to Dave and Buster's, an arcade. When we were single, Hubs and I used to come here on dates. It has changed quite a bit, but it was so fun to experience the thrill of showing our kids some places we used to hang! We all had our favorite games, it was the most fun to team up on different games and let our competitiveness come out in a very fun and playful way!

3rd Day of Christmas

Look out above- look out below.

These franco-phones go splat on your clothes.

This day was a great example of being able to pivot when needed. We originally were planning on going to play paintball. But the weather was unusually cold and very muddy due to a lot of recent rain. The paintball facility had closed due to these conditions. So we decided to do something else with paint. There is a place locally that allows you to bring your game characters (think D&D or the like) and use their vast array of paints for free. It was such a unique experience. There were those of us who loved it and those who were frustrated at the details needed to succeed. We all had fun, though, doing something that was out of most of our daily activities, and we did it together! If you want to search out if there is a place near you that does something similar, you can look up a game store near you or go paint something else-pottery or canvases.

4th Day of Christmas

A special friend of ours, who we met when he was a missionary in our area, was in town with his family. They all came by and we had a wonderful dinner and loved interacting with him again! We all loved this time again together and it was a good evening. This was a not a big cost night, we would have eaten dinner any way, but it was so fun to have it be more with good friends. Who is someone you could invite over that maybe it has been too long of a time past since you have seen them? Share a meal with someone special.

5th Day of Christmas

You'll watch your fingers, you'll watch your toes.

Not five golden rings- but more colors I suppose.

This might be my favorite riddle, and maybe one of my family's favorite days. Can you unravel the mystery of this day? Side by side, all seven of us, got pedicures-even the boys in the family! The ambiance exudes relaxation, inviting us to leave the hustle and bustle of daily life behind with a collective sigh as we settle into the plush massage chairs and immerse our feet in warm, aromatic water! We might have taken it to the point of now everyone wants a pedicure on a more regular basis! Oh the monsters we create during 12 days of Christmas!

6th Day of Christmas

Christmas has come- the gesse have laid their eggs. I

f you want to see a volcano you'd better move your legs!

As our family narrative unfolds, another cherished tradition adds a flavorful chapter to our collective story. The echoes of sizzling grills become the backdrop to our New Year's Eve celebration—a tradition germinating in our family journey's early days, long before the pitter-patter of little feet graced our home. Our inaugural experience with this tradition unfolded at the renowned Benihana, a place that held a special spot in our hearts since our dating days.

While times may have changed, and Benihana now resides in the nostalgic corners of our past, we find solace and excitement in introducing our children to the legacy of those early days. The chefs' culinary prowess unfolds like a performance, captivating both young and old. It's a symphony of flavors, a sensory journey that transcends time and bridges the gap between then and now. Our New Year's Eve tradition, once a romantic rendezvous and now a family affair, encapsulates the essence of continuity and the joy of passing down experiences—a celebration not just of the changing year but of the evolving tapestry of our family's story.

Bringing in the new year with some fried rice!

7th Day of Christmas

Undoubtedly, the crown jewel among the 12 days of our adventure, the pinnacle of relaxation and family bonding, was our immersive experience at the renowned King Spa. Have you ever delved into the world of a Korean spa? This enchanting haven captivated our senses for an entire day, beckoning with the allure of a 24-hour retreat. King Spa, an epitome of Korean-inspired luxury known as "Jjim-Jil Bang," seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, offering a unique cultural experience within the Korean community.

A beacon of relaxation, with nine distinct healing sauna rooms, each one with a different theme -gold, salt, geode, fire, infrared, and cypress. It also includes a serene pool for unwinding and even a cinematic escape in our very own movie theatre. The King Spa stands as the largest Asian sauna in the United States. Adding a splash of luxury to our experience, the King Waterpark emerges as a lavish extension of the spa, unveiling a resort-themed paradise with state-of-the-art amenities. The water park has enchanted visitors with innovative features such as the invigorating "bade" pool, a water bar for refreshment, and a thrilling 30-ft slide; each section of this water "park," spanning 67,000 square feet had different jets with vastly different pressures. At King Spa & Waterpark, families converge to forge unforgettable memories; we seize the opportunity to unwind truly, enveloped in the serenity and rejuvenation this exceptional sanctuary provides. Search for your own Korean spa in your area.

8th Day of Christmas

Our family dove headfirst into a sea of gooey, melty fondue goodness, transforming a simple meal into a symphony of cheesy delight! We gathered around a bubbling cauldron of liquid gold, each dip and swirl of our favorite dippables turning into a taste bud fiesta. It was a fondue extravaganza where everything from crusty bread to crunchy veggies became a vehicle for the ultimate cheese adventure.

But wait, the fun didn't stop at the fondue fountain! Enter the realm of board games, where laughter echoed and friendly competition reached epic levels. German style strategic board games exitedly filled the air as we rolled the dice, strategically placed tiles, and skillfully placed out those tricky moves. The clinks of fondue forks mingled with the satisfying thud of game pieces, creating a cacophony of joyous chaos. In this culinary and competitive carnival, our family fused the gooey goodness of fondue with the spirited camaraderie of board games. It was a night where deliciousness met friendly rivalry, turning a simple evening into a feast of flavors and laughter.

Nine ladies dancing would be a big crowd.

Besides all their music is just way too loud.

So to help with your tunes and your first dance step,

pop in Kyra’s game and try a pirouette.

9th Day of Christmas

Our family turned the living room into a dance floor extravaganza with the ultimate party game—Just Dance! Picture this: disco lights swirling, music pumping, and us busting out the craziest dance moves you could ever imagine. A riot of colors, beats, and laughter transformed our space into a dance-a-thon of epic proportions.

We grooved to the rhythm, following the on-screen moves with a mix of precision and hilarious improvisation. It didn't matter if you were a dance prodigy or had two left feet; everyone was a star in our own funky universe. Just Dance became our family anthem, with each member taking center stage, breaking out wild moves, and trying to outshine one another with the most outrageous dance expressions. The energy was infectious, and the competition was fierce, but it was all in the name of good-natured, family fun. Just Dance turned a regular day into a dance party spectacle, where laughter, rhythm, and a touch of goofy glamour collided for a night we won't soon forget.

10th Day of Christmas

Our family cranked up the excitement meter to eleven as we hit the courtside jackpot to catch the Mavericks in action! Picture us decked out in team gear, foam fingers waving, and the air buzzing with anticipation. The energy in the arena was electric, with the crowd roaring, music thumping, and the unmistakable squeak of sneakers on the hardwood.

From jaw-dropping slam dunks to three-pointers that had us on the edge of our seats, every moment was a thrill ride of hoops hysteria. We high-fived fellow fans, belted out cheers, and even tried our hand at the wave, creating a ripple of jubilation throughout the stadium. It was like being part of a massive, cheering, and utterly enthusiastic Mavericks family.

But the real MVP of the night? The shared excitement and infectious team spirit turned watching a basketball game into a memory-making, cheer-inducing, hoop-tastic adventure. Our family night with the Mavericks was a slam dunk of fun that left us with high-fives, happy hearts, and a newfound love for the game!

Ten lords-a-leaping but on 2 different teams,

if you figure out this riddle, you’ll be rooting against Green.

Now make your water piping hot,

And fill your cups with care,

Tonight you get hot chocolate,

It comes with fixing rare.

11th Day of Christmas

Our family transformed our kitchen into a steaming oasis of cocoa creativity with the most epic hot chocolate bar ever! Imagine a winter wonderland where mugs clinked, marshmallows floated like fluffy clouds, and the aroma of velvety chocolate filled the air. It was a DIY hot chocolate adventure where each family member became a cocoa connoisseur, crafting their own liquid masterpiece.

We piled on the toppings with wild abandon—whipped cream mountains, a blizzard of sprinkles, and a parade of candy cane stirrers. Laughter echoed as we sipped our liquid masterpieces, and the hot chocolate-induced grins were practically contagious. School was now back in full swing, so this was a fun night to just catch up in our last days of Christmas fun.

12th Day of Christmas

Our game room transformed into the ultimate rock 'n' roll arena as our family cranked up the volume and unleashed our inner rockstars with the legendary game, Rock Band! Picture the scene: guitars wailing, drums pounding, and microphones capturing every passionate note. It was an epic family jam session that transported us from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

With plastic instruments in hand, we channeled our favorite rock gods, belting out tunes with wild abandon. The air was thick with excitement, cheers, and the occasional off-key yet spirited vocals. The virtual crowd roared in approval as our band nailed solos, and the star power moments had us throwing tunes like seasoned rock legends.

But the true magic was in the camaraderie, the shared laughter, and the playful rivalry as we competed for the title of the ultimate family rock band. From air guitar theatrics to drumstick twirls, our game room became a stage for a night of musical mayhem and uninhibited fun. Rock Band night wasn't just about playing a game; it was about creating memories set to a soundtrack of family laughter and rock 'n' roll dreams, our last night of 12 days of Christmas.

The drummers use their drumsticks

And are quite cunning,

We will miss the memories made

We must send one of you off running.

Pick up some instruments

for one final song

We hope that our time apart

will not be so long.

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