We were good this year!

Just like many houses during the month of December, ours was filled with questions as to whether we had been "naughty or nice" this year, and whether good 'ole St. Nick would be making an appearance on Christmas morning. We havent purchased the "Elf on the Shelf" but I hear that worked wonders in keeping children on their best behavior during the Holiday season.We chose to just threaten our children into being "good"! hahaha...Well, only half kidding. When the kids woke up Christmas morning and saw that Santa did bring what they asked for, they looked at one another and said sounding very relieved..."We were good this year!" And so the fun began....

Here are a few shots of their fave presents!

I LOVE Christmas with my family!!!!

Merry Christmas to all.....

All "dolled" up!

My sweet little girl discovered Nonnie's jewelry chest, full of treasures....Check that necklace out.- Straight from the 80's. I wish I could have taken a picture of the half dollar sized clip on red earrings with a large gold/bronzy emblem glued in the middle.

My mom worked it in the 80's and the legend will forever live on for Kayden and Sofi to enjoy!

Christmas Eve Traditions

My Grandma who is 92, despite looking 20 yrs younger than that, prepares and organizes a spectacular Christmas Eve. She feeds us AND entertains us with games. I grew up with games on Christmas Eve and now my kiddos get to experience the fun. We started off with a friendly game of bowling, down my Grandmas hallway nonetheless...

Then we "Fish" for presents. The kids get a kick out of this as they find a way to peak behind the curtain and they practically tackle each other when the gift is pulled to shore.

My Grandma awarded each Great Grand child with a certificate and an individual honor, representing their attitude and spirit throughout the nights competition.

Before the "real" present opening began, the kids changed into matching PJ's, thanks to Grampy and Nonnie! Even baby Trevor matched!

During the "real" present opening, my Grandma created a rhyme for each great grandchild to read and then hunt for their present. Above is JRobs clue.

Isnt my Grandma amazing?!?!

Thanks for another amazing Christmas Eve Grandma!

"Dont watch me Mommy"

JRob doesnt care too much about performing - he will get up there but dont count on much. This picture just about sums it up, although its hard to see in a still photo just how much he is concentrating on NOT moving, or performing for that matter, while the kids that surround him (and pretty much every other kid in the class) smiles, sings, dances and claps to the songs of Jesus' birth. Including a childhood favorite "Happy Birthday Jesus"!

He avoids all eye contact with me and occasionally when I catch his gaze, he will mumble to me "Dont watch me Mommy"!

Rick and I wonder how he will be when he is playing bball in front of a packed McKeon Pavilion in about 15 years and he is shooting a freethrow with no time on the clock to win the game and ALL EYES ARE ON HIM!!!

Only time will tell.....

Decorating Gingerbread Cookies

I feel so fortunate to be able to be involved in all the fun activities Kayden takes part in while in Kindergarten. To tie in with their performance, the kids decorated their own Gingerbread cookie, loading it with lots of icing and as much candy as could fit on these things, only to go on a scavenger hunt the following day to find their Gingerbread Men. It was a fun way to celebrate a special time of year and although the public schools dont focus on the true meaning of Christmas, in the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, I love the spirit behind this time of year and enjoyed sharing these times with Kayden.

One Sweet Gingerbread (Wo) Man ;)

Kaydens Kindergarten class, along with the other class, put on a Gingerbread Performance for parents, family and friends a few days before Christmas Break. It was an adorable musical, in which each child played an important role. Some were children, others a fox, and some even trees. Kayden and a few others were chosen to be the Gingerbread men and they were so adorable. I dont know where my child got this natural ability to perform in front a large group of people but Kayden unofficially led her fellow Gingerbread men thru the performance up and around the stairs each time someone or something tried to "get them".

By the looks of these photos, who wouldnt want to eat this sweet thing!!!!!!

Our STAR!

(...And JRob less than thrilled at another family phot0)

First sighting of Santa!

You may remember a post about a Halloween party at the tennis club these two cousins Grammie works at - Valley Vista...Well, they did the same thing in December, with a special visit from Santa. The kids sat anxiously in hopes of his arrival and much to my surprise, eagerly awaited to sit on his lap to tell him what they wanted him to bring them this year.

Smiles on both of them! Yay!

Disneyland - November 2010

These two kids were AMAZING on our trip down to visit my family for Thanksgiving! Grampy fly up to Northern Cal and drove down south with the kids and I. The trip down was easy sicne we were able to break the drive up between the two of us.

The week was spent with family and friends. We were able to catch up with some of the kids buddies from our old street and Calvary. Kaydes was in heaven when her and her best bud Audrey reunited. It was a priceless sight as I watched them embrace for a good 5 minutes just giggling and smiling from ear to ear. I hope this is a friendship we can continue for years to come.

Thanksgiving was so enjoyable this year. Being with my parents and enjoying my mama;s cooking was so nice. We really missed Rick, as he traveled to SOuth Padre Island to get some Gaels wins, only to come home 1-1. Having said that, it was a good trip as some of their goals were accomplished but he was tired and missed his babies. Just as we missed him!

We ended our trip with a night's stay at the Grand Californian and a FULL day at Disneyland. It was the best day at Disney, not crowded at all - so much fun!

We drove home on Monday - I was solo in the drivers seat - and my kiddos couldnt have been better. They were perfect siblings. Didnt complain once and napped and enjoyed the 6 hours together. I could do that drive every weekend if I was guaranteed that behavior. We all know that wouldnt happen but they were THAT good.

Happy Holidays to all...

I hope you all had the opportunity to reflect on the many blessing in your lives. We sure did and I will carry over my greatfulness throughout the year, as I continue to be amazed at how much I have to be thankful for!

"I'm Thankful" Feast

To kick off the week long Holiday break for Thanksgiving, Kaydens class hosted a party on the Friday prior to the week of Turkey day. A full feast was enjoyed by the class, especially the pumpkin pie with LOTs of whipped cream!

The teacher went around and had each kid say what they were thankful for and Kayde said " I am most thankful for my family". Love her! And we are so thankful for her!!

Valle Verde - 50th day of school Celebration

Kaydens Kindergarten class celebrated the 50th day of school with a 50's themed party - kids dressed int heir best poodle skirt and rolled up blue jeans with white t-shirts a slicked back hair. They boogied on down to 50's tunes, including hula hooping. And finished off the day's celebration with rootbeer floats.

I was so happy to be able to see my girls smile throughout this fun day!

Halloween 2010

Shooting Stars Soccer - End of Season Pizza Party!