Merry Christmas to all

It has been a full, very fun weekend, starting off saturday with Pete and I's first ever, all grown up Christmas party. We had so much FUN with all of our friends, dressing up, visiting, and playing games. We are truely blessed with some amazing friendships. We shared some fun family times going to dinner on Christmas Eve, meeting Kaitlin's roommates, opening gifts, going to church and finishing it off with a trip to Bunny Flat, to go sledding this afternoonn. Pete and I can't believe how much Christmas has evolved for our family over the last few years, and especially this one. The kids are still excited and they get crazy in the mornings, but despite the fact that we are sad that there arn't toys to put together any more, it is so cool to be able to talk about Jesus and have them begin to comprehend what He did by coming. Even some of Allie's observations about Mary, made me wonder about things I hadn't before. I do miss the lego directions though. Anyways, that 's all for now, so, " Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

fun in the snow Christmas afternoon

Christmas morning

In our jammies

In our new jammies and all ready for bed

the five of us

Christmas Eve dinner

Christmas Eve

Alex turned 9 this past week. He had a wonderful birthday. On Saturday, they played golf, and on Sunday we had a family party. On his actual birthday, which was Tuesday, we went to In and Out, and had burgers with his best friend Jake, and my brother too. Alex loved all of his presents, and he went "insane" when he opened up the Catcher's gear. He had been wanting it for over 2 years. His patience and persistance in wanting it finally convinced Pete and I. Here are some pictures of his day. When we were at In and Out, I had forgot to bring forks for the cake, but no worries, you can eat cake without forks, and even without your hands. I call this, "date prevention practice" Have a wonderful Christmas Eve tomorrow! and Happy 9th birthday to our baby!

The twelve days of Christmas with a twist

A couple of years ago now, I surprised the kids with a gift I called Mom's 12 days of Christmas. I wrapped a box and put 12 ideas of fun things to do in it. Each day they took turns drawing an idea. I never intended for it to become a tradition, after all, isn't it true that the best traditions are ones you don't plan? But every year since, they have begged to do it again. Some of the ideas in the box have been serious, and some silly, and some, I have made mental notes to repeat. (or not too) So tonight's drawing was a repeater from last year. We go to Starbucks, drink peppermint steamers ( steamed milk with peppermint flavoring) and take turns telling our favorite Chritmas memories. One of the questions Pete and I asked them tonight was, " what is the favorite present you ever got?" Wouldn't you know, all of their answers surprised me, none of the favorites were even over $20.00.....soooooo, to encourage any of you parents who are wondering how you are going to afford that "popular gift on tv" be encouraged! I love nights like this! I know we don't have a perfect family. But the one thing I love about my family is that we talk. I hope that it never changes. I love that our kids share their hearts with us, and that they want to know ours. May it be one tradition that never dies! On the way to Starbucks, we stopped at the mall to see Santa, and get their picture with him. Here are a few pictures of our night. Blessings, and oh by the way...9 days till Christmas!

Girl Party

On Sunday night, one of my friends, Megan, hosted a cookie/ornament excahnge. I came home with more cookies than we could possible eat. It was a fun way to kick of the beginning of December!

Christmas light parade

We ventured out to the town Christams parade this weekend. It was fun, definitely not the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, but Fun!

baking weekend

Pete is in Monterey this weekend for a seminar, and we are baking. Michael has a friend over tonight, so I am welcoming their help to make a massive amount of peanut butter balls. We'll let you know how it goes. Bet you wish you could be here to try one :):):) We took a picture so you could see how much dough we have to roll into tiny little balls.

Some family pictures of Thanksgiving weekend

Cool Shot of Pete falling over

The huddle

The football game on Saturday after Thanksgiving

Turkey Trot

Thanksgiving morning, the boys played football, and we wern't cooking....we were walking. My sisters Jenny and Sabrina, our friend Megan, and Allie and I all participated in a charity event called Turkey Trot. We got to burn off our extra calories, before we even consumed them. It was a nice cool, beautfiul morning.