Christmas Happenings... (Belated)

Despite the craziness, the Christmas Season is such a fun time of year. From Thanksgiving to New Years is a whirlwind but the holidays bring big smiles to my girls' faces, so all of the stress that comes with the season is totally worth it.  Unfortunately, I'm way behind on our family blog posts so this one covers a few of the events from our December.

Decorating is always our first order of business.  We had a real tree for a couple years but they can be a hassle with the watering & the needles plus they're an additional expense. So this year I bought a really pretty artificial tree at Target for $95.  Even Mike was pleased with my purchase, mostly because it was so quick and easy to put up and take down. 

We don't go crazy decorating the outside of our house but I think it still looks cute!

Mikayla's school presented a Christmas Program.  She knew all of her songs and practiced them loudly and proudly at home. Much to our surprise Mikayla was more reserved the night of her performance. Stinker!  She was all smiles with her teacher after the program though!

A few days later, the girls wrapped up school for Winter Break. Maddy's class had the typical politically correct "Winter Party". Mikayla's class enjoyed a Polar Express Party complete with pajamas and hot chocolate. Mikayla loves her class and her teacher, Mrs. Kranz! 

No holiday season would be complete without a trip to Mission Valley. Mr. Evander has a acre of property that he decks out with Christmas lights. He welcomes everyone to walk around and he even has chairs to sit and watch his synchronized light & music show.  His displays get bigger every year!

The lines to see Santa at the mall this year were ridiculous.  Not to mention the prices for a smallest photo package.... $22 to get a picture with Santa? Ouch!  After 3 tries to see the big guy, the girls decided it was best to send Santa their letters at Macy's instead.

Amongst all the Christmas movies and baking we also built our first gingerbread house!  It was much more involved than I thought so I let the girls improvise and it turned out great!

We also attended a Christmas party that a close family friend throws every year. Mike & I had a great time hanging out with our friends and the girls had a great time with theirs!

Busch Gardens With The Fam

The weekend of Mike & his Dad's Birthday our family went to Busch Gardens for the day. We all had passes except Lauren but had never visited the park together. Crazy, I know.  Our family trip was worth the wait though because had a great time. The only thing missing from the day was Uncle Mike & Baby Reese who was barely four weeks old at the time... 

The girls were all smiles for their pictures with the Busch Gardens Elves :)

It was fun to ride our favorite rides together. While Mike, his Dad & his sisters went on a roller coaster. Mike's Mom & I took Cam & the girls on a kiddie ride. 

Zoe & Grover

Sesame Street's Safari of Fun lived up to it's name.  The kids had a blast together riding the little rides & climbing in Elmo's treehouse.

The Bird Sanctuary was a blast too!  As you can see by these pictures, everyone had fun feeding the birds nectar.  One landed on Cameron's head!  Luckily I had my camera in hand to capture it! Look at look on my Dad-in-Law's face in the background!  It was so funny!

Mikayla is quite the adventurer!  She loves riding every ride she's tall enough for. Wild Surge in the Tree Top Trails is one of her favorites! Maddy on the other hand, hates it. LoL

We spent the rest of the afternoon winding our way around the park, riding our favorite rides & checking in on our favorite animals.  We snacked on popcorn & dippin' dots but saved our appetites for dinner at Hungry Harry's Barbeque!  Which was delicious!  We really had a fantastic day!

Mike's Birft-day!

Last month Mike turned 36 and his Dad turned the big 6-0!  Their birthdays fell on a weekend.  Friday night for Al's birthday we celebrated with Chinese take out & cake. For Mike's birthday Saturday night, I hosted a small party!  

Nothing fancy, just dinner, some drinks and warm fire in the back yard!

The girls loved playing with Cameron.  He's a very happy baby, but he doesn't seem too fond of cameras!  He makes the funniest faces!

The kids ate on the lanai, they were cracking us up with their silly antics.

The kiddos played hard together. They rode their bikes & scooters, when it got dark the played soccer, football & Guitar Hero!

Of course there was cake!

 

Our new friends Jeff & Robin stopped by!

Better late than never, Kerri & her bro Brian stopped by too!

It was a fun night!  Thanks to all of our fam & friends who helped us celebrate!

Thankgiving & Baby Reese... Belated :)

Pardon the EXTREME delay of this post... I'm only two months belated... :) 

As an adult Thanksgiving has become one of my favorite holidays! No presents to buy, no costumes to wear, no fireworks to set off, no eggs to hunt... just food, family and a day to be thankful for our blessings. 

This year's Thanksgiving celebration was highly anticipated because of the arrival of our Reese Elizabeth!  Thanksgiving was mine, Mike & the girls first time meeting our the new addition to our family and she's a doll!  We are so happy for Mike, Allison & Cameron and the new chapter of their lives with their baby girl. 

Auntie Lauren is beginning a new chapter as well. I won't go into the details but let's just say her marital status unexpectedly changed from married to single. Despite the abrupt changes in her life she is doing well.  We are so proud of her.

Me & my niece Reese!

Cousins! 

This field is two houses down from Mike & Allison's, it was a beautiful afternoon.  I think this picture captured it!

My girls... they can make me absolutely crazy but I love them to pieces.  I am so blessed to have two beautiful, healthy, bright, tenacious daughters to make every day an adventure!

Mike, Allison, Reese & the doggies!

This year's meal was exceptional. The turkey & stuffings were the best ever! We also loved the twist Allison put into the mashed & sweet potatoes and I made a creamy asparagus dish that was a big hit.  Uncle Mike & Mikayla both said Grace and while we ate we all shared what we're thankful for and reflected on the events of the year.  2011 really had it's ups & downs, both of Mike's Grandmas passed away as well as Mike P.'s aunt.  My inlaws sold their beachfront condo, Lauren is divorcing and Allison & Mike had Reese.  A year full of changes and new chapters for everyone.  For Mike & I, the changes have been less life-altering.  Mike transferred departments at work and I started back to work with two jobs.  Good or bad, there is always so much to be thankful for. 

My Mike still looks great in pink!  Oh how we miss this baby stage!  They don't stay this small for long!

Cam is such a big boy now, the Maddy & Mikayla had a ball riding their scooters with him outside.  It was blesssed day for us all.