New Years Eve-but pics from Christmas Eve

Well, It's New Years Eve! We just got back from having some appetizers, and the kids are playing Monopoly with Pete. I've been looking up some recipes on line. Thought, I'd take a minute to post some pics from Christmas, so I don't have to post them all at once. So here's a few from Christmas Eve. Happy New Year!

Prayers for our East Cost Family

Please pray for peace and comfort for Pete's family as they grieve the loss of Susan's mom this week. Please pray for Granddad too, as this is such a difficult time for him. She was a special lady to many! Our hearts hurt for the loss we know they feel, but we have joy for Nanna, and for the healing and joy she now has in Christ.

Rylin doing it all by herself

then he had a "family" party at the ice cream parlor....

This was the biggest bowl of ice cream I had ever seen. Appetizing???

Alex's favorite present this year....probably the game, "Are you smarter than a fifth grader?" We have played it nearly every day for a week and a half. He thinks it's so funny when Pete and I lose, and we,,,,"arn't smarter than fifth graders!" (thanks Jenny :)

Alex turns 10

Alex had a "friend" party at the bowling alley

Making Pottery Together

One fun thing we did together this month was go to paint together. The kids loved getting to use so many paintbrushes and colors. They made awesome candy dishes for us to use each Christmas.

Allie goes to the NCAA DIvision 1 Volleyball Championships

For one of Allie's Christams presents, Pete surprised Allie with an all day date to Sacramento to see the Final game of the NCAA Women's Volleyball Championships. She LOVED it. She is pretty hooked on this sport!

Going to see Santa

For one of the 12 days of Christmas, we went to see Santa and the downtown light display. It was cold that night and the kids were so goofy. In one of these pictures, you will see a "true" display of the random and goofy personalities that come out often.

Michael and Allie's Winter Concerts

Michael played violin in his concert and Allie sang in a choir concert. In the picture of Michael's concert he is in the back row, far left. In Allie's picture she is standing in the front row 2nd from the left. They are blessed to perform in such a beautful audiorium. Their school building is truly amazing and filled with history. This is the auditorium that was restored a few years ago.

December in full swing

Well, things are getting busy at our house. We start "mom's 12 days of Chirstmas" this week. Michael and Allie have an Orchestra concert and a Choir concert. Alex is still in soccer and Pete and I are hanging on by the seat of our pants most days:) Really- despite the business, we do love this time of year and watching the kids get so excited!

A couple of Thank You's and news I wanted to post....


Thanks Trish and Sherry for a wonderful girl's night out,,,,,and I love my shoes (and outfit)!!!

Thanks Walt and Pam for making me feel so special. I love being a part of the "McNeill family"

Thanks Cassie for "kid containing" a very lively bunch!

Thanks Megan for a fun party and a chance to catch up with all the people I love!

CONGRATS to Kaitlin and Ian on your engagement!

and YEAH Jenny and Kevin on the soon to be number 3!

Hope everyone has a good week and gets some fun time with your families!

Pete's Chirstmas party pic

Alex playing soccer

Here are some shots of the fast boy in action! He is having so much fun this season. He gets all giddy when he wakes up and remembers it's "GAME DAY"!!!!

Allie and Michael "cleansing"

Allie and Michael are sharing a different bond than they have before. Pete and I think it has to do with going to their own school and sharing that "new" experience together. But they have started giggling over private jokes and talking with each other in their rooms while they hang out, and it is pretty cool. Alex is still included so don't feel bad for him:)

For those of you who know the twins, you have to admit they have never really had the "twin thing" going on. In fact, last year most of the class didn't know they were related until Christmas. So it is a cool thing to watch your kids be friends! As well as Michael and Allie having some cool bonding times, Alex and I have enjoyed some alone time this year. The car ride to and from school has given us some special talk time.

So here is a picture of that "bonding". They came out and scared me!

Ending in Santa Cruz

Carmel Tree Lighting

Who gave him sugar?

more fun from the room

The kids enjoyed spying on divers, sea lions and other hotel guests ( did I say that? )

"Why can't I wear it?"

There were five in the bed, and the mama said, " can we have a suite next time?"

Allie was all excited about the robe, and Alex was feeling left out!

Around the Town...

Monterey Bay Aquarium

We're back

We're back....what a fun busy weekend. I'll post more tomorrow. This is where we ended the weekend. Now, I have to say..... Santa Cruz can't hold a stick to Ocean Drive in Carmel. Well, as for this tired mama, I'm off to bed (gotta love your own bed!)

Michael in the center

The line up

Michael is in the red socks, getting ready to run for the catch.

Allie and I running to take down Steven

The TACKLE football game

Now, this is the game the boys have been waiting for. A bunch of our friends started this a few years ago. We all play a tackle football game Thanksgiving weekend. Adults, and kids. Of course the adults take it easy on the kids, but it still gets pretty entertaining! No one got hurt, and everyone had a blast. Allie and I joined in this year, while Pete was our photographer (still injured:) What a fun day!

Here is one of the boys getting eachother. Michael has on red socks and Alex has black shorts.

Look at me mom, I did it!

Allie was a little more hesitant to make the leap off of the ladder onto the roof- but she did it! Then she managed to stay up and help the whole time, while the boys attention span wasn't quite as long. Good job Allie! You get the job of light strand straightener

the boys thinking of all kinds of things they aren't allowed to do!

We're on the roof!

Allie putting clips on the gutter

Thanksgiving day Turkey Bowl-"I'm a big boy now"

They finally got to play with the big boys. This was quite a big deal to Alex who has waited patiently on the sidelines since he was, I don't know, Two. Unfortunately Pete couldn't play this time around from a sprained calf muscle that happened in a soccer game a week ago. The boys had a great time!