O Wondrous Night

Eric and I ended up going back to SeaWorld one more time to see the show that we missed, O Wondrous Night. Our free passes expire at the end of this year so we wanted to make the most of it. We love living so close and are so thankful we have had the chance to go pretty much anytime we wanted.



We noticed the previous time we were here that these Christmas light necklaces were really popular. We never cared to buy them, especially because they were so overpriced at the park. But we ended up randomly seeing them at the Dollar Tree one day when we were out running errands so we had to pick them up!





We went on a couple rides and then noticed that people were starting to get in line for the show we were there to see 45 minutes early. We have been to pretty much every show SeaWorld has offered between Summer and now, and we have never seen anyone line up ahead of time. We figured it must be pretty popular though since they were at maximum capacity the last time we tried to go.

When we were in line, Eric heard from a man behind us that this was his second time this season seeing this show. He said it's not common anymore that a large park like this would put on a religious nativity show. He also said the music was fantastic. Whatever the reason for its popularity, we were very excited.

Pictures aren't going to give you much, but it did not disappoint.











The songs were incredible (you know I love live Christmas music), and the story was really well done. We were both so impressed and wanted to see it again. Apparently it's a brand new show this year - hopefully they keep bringing it back.





After that we hit a few more rides then called it a night. It was so fun having these passes this season, hopefully we can find a way to make it there in 2018 as well!

Decorating for Christmas

For the last couple years Eric and I had been using a pretty sparse-looking mini Christmas tree that I had from when I was in college. We said we would use it one more year this year, but after Christmas we wanted to find a good deal on a better tree.

Well I happened to be scanning Craigslist and found a really nice pre-lit one that someone was trying to get rid of for next to nothing. We went to go take a look and we were sold! They even threw in some extra Christmas lights.



After Thanksgiving we pulled out all the decorations. We had gained a bit more since last year from Eric's parents moving, my grandparents, things we used in the wedding, etc.





It has been really nice to have a place that feels like ours. It has been a lot of fun decorating it and making it feel like home.







It has been getting much cooler in the 40s here at night. We haven't used the heat yet, but we have the fireplace burning almost anytime we're home and it has actually saved us a lot on our bill :)



Even though we're in an apartment, it didn't stop us from decorating the little outdoor space we have. This is Eric's favorite spot.



During the day it has still been really warm here - almost 80 degrees the past week. Last weekend we even had breakfast on the balcony on a sunny and 75 degree morning while football was on in the living room, it was pretty fantastic.



I certainly can't complain about this weather - but I would be lying if I said I didn't miss the snow everyone has been getting recently! Snow is a very nostalgic part of winter for me, and I know we'll get it again one day. For now, I'll enjoy the warm sunny December while I can!

December Nights and SeaWorld

After Thanksgiving, I found out Balboa Park had something called December Nights the first two days of the month. Entrance was free, but it seemed like parking would be more expensive than taking a Lyft/Uber, plus they offered discount codes specifically for this event. So Friday night, Eric and I used Lyft for the first time and went to December Nights!



By far one of my favorite things to do around Christmastime is to hear Christmas music live, whether it be a choir, orchestra, or singing along in church. There is something so magical about it. Last year we went to the National Cathedral, this year Spreckels Organ Pavilion was a wonderful surprise. This was definitely my favorite part. They had different choirs/bands all night long. I could have stayed there much longer.



But there was so much to see, we decided to keep moving. They had beautiful lights everywhere, and elaborate decorations.





As beautiful as everything was, it was insanely crowded. So crowded we could hardly even walk around. I felt bad for any mom there with a stroller or little ones. It was too much for us.



They had a cute area to walk around and shop from local artists studios.



Being the geology buff that he is, Eric particularly enjoyed going into the studio of the San Diego Mineral and Gem Society. I picked up a flyer about joining them on an actual dig, and I'm pretty sure it is officially on his bucket list now.



It was a great way to kick off December and get into the holiday spirit. We probably wouldn't go back again next year, solely because of how bad the crowds were. Although I would consider it just to stay and listen to the music at the organ pavilion the entire time.



On Saturday afternoon, we rode our bikes to SeaWorld. We saw they had three Christmas-themed shows that we wanted to check out. We also still have quite a few passes to use up by the end of December!



They too had beautiful decorations everywhere. It also wasn't nearly as crowded as Balboa.



As soon as we got there we headed straight to the dolphin show and made it just in time.









After the dolphins we had about an hour to ride a couple rides before the next show.



We saw a beautiful sunset on the bayside skyride.





We rode the roller coaster that was themed with Christmas music and lights.



Then headed the the sea lion show.



It was pretty cute and funny - I actually really like their Christmas version.



After that show ended we had just enough time to get to the last show we really wanted to see - a completely new one that we heard is a Christmas nativity musical.

Apparently it must be a good one because as soon as we walked out of the sea lion show we heard over the intercom that the nativity show was filled to capacity and to come back for the next one (1.5 hours later). We were getting pretty hungry so we decided we would hold off and come back next weekend. We took a walk around to look at some of their lights before biking home for dinner.











I was very impressed and I'm actually really excited we have another excuse to go back so soon. There is still a lot we didn't see so we're looking forward to making another trip tomorrow afternoon :)