Five Favorites Revisited

Well, three months have come and gone quickly, so an updated list on the kids' current favorites is due.

Paige's Five Favorites
Show: Max & Ruby, no change
Snack: cheese and crackers, no change
Book: Sleeping Beauty
Toy: Princess dress up dolls
Saying: "I don't want to..."

Nick's Five Favorites
Show: Curious George
Snack: grapes
Book: Goodnight Gorilla
Toy: any ball will do
Saying: "Dowwwwwnnn"

Day Trip

While Brian played golf with his buddies, my mom, the kids, and I headed up to Julian for a little day trip. We were curious to see if there was any snow left which turned out to be not very much at all. However, Paige was happily satisfied with the little bit of snow that was there, even though it had become more like a block of dirty ice. Nick also joined in on the action as well as many San Diego County residents. The little town was packed! The four of us hopped on a horse-drawn carriage for a quick fifteen minute historical tour of the town. We then walked around enjoying the fresh crisp air and low forty degree weather. And somehow, we did not end up bringing home a pie.

Christmas Day

Santa was good to the kids Christmas morning. Paige's Sleeping Beauty costume was lying on the chair while her scooter sat perfectly under the tree. Nick got a fire truck and a very large blue ball that he's been rolling around the house. They loved playing with their new toys. The grandparents and Uncle Kris came over to enjoy breakfast with us and then we enjoyed a quiet rainy afternoon.
Later that day, we headed over to Eric and Stefanie's place for Christmas dinner. They made an elegant dinner of lamb chops, asparagus, and corn. We enjoyed spending time together as a family that day, lots of good laughs and good fun.

Costume change: Snow White came from Nana. Cathy with her boys.

Michelle, Stefanie and I all dressed in green. This was not planned.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was a great way to start our whirlwind of fun. We spent the morning finishing up all the little stuff: wrapping, baking, and prepping. We then made a stop at Brian's grandmother's house to visit Mumsy & Papa Cal. The kids made themselves right at home there while leaving sticky fingerprints all over their furniture and big screen tv. After that we headed to my parents' house for our traditional Christmas Eve dinner and gifts. This year, my mom roasted a pork crown roast that was not only beautiful to look at, but tasted delicious. After dinner, the kids opened up their presents from Papa and Tita while we watched them enjoy themselves thoroughly. Unfortunately my brother had to work that night, so we weren't able to spend time with him, but Santa left gifts for him under the tree. We returned home to put the kids to bed, then Brian and I, aka Santa's helpers, finished putting everything together for the next morning. We had so much fun getting the place ready for the next day of joy.

Paige and Nick pose for me under our tree.

The kids loved how Tita decorated the playhouse.

Visit with Santa

Every year, Brian's company hosts a holiday pancake breakfast for employees and their families. Breakfast is complimentary as long as you bring an unwrapped gift for each guest which, in turn, is donated to children in need. Santa is always there to greet the families and it's the best time to get a picture with him. Nick was a very willing participant to sit in Santa's lap, but Paige wanted nothing to do with saying hello to ol' Kris Kringle. Instead, she watched from afar as her brother posed for the photo. Besides pancakes, we enjoyed decorating a sugar cookie, watching some of a holiday movie in the auditorium, and listening to the harpist.

Bull in a China Shop

In one week, Nick has managed to break a hurricane candle, snowglobe, and a bottle of red wine. He has also chipped a few of my Snow Village pieces. So you may be wondering, "Shouldn't all of this stuff be out of reach?" Well, yes. But, to my defense the kid is super quick and gets into trouble before I can get to him. It doesn't help that I also have two other distractions during the day, Paige and Nemo. Luckily, he has not sliced his hand or any other body part open. However, his arm showed up with a mysterious boo-boo that kind of looks like a burn. How that happened, I'll never know. I'm hoping we'll get through the rest of the holidays relatively unscathed.

Holiday Cheer

We had a really fun weekend. On Saturday, we got our tree and finished decorating the house. It's very festive now. That night we headed down to Balboa Park for their annual "December Nights". It draws a huge crowd, but worth going to if you are in need of Christmas cheer. It definitely gets you into the spirit. We love visiting the various countries and sampling some ethnic food. My favorite this year was the paella from Spain. Brian's was the bratwurst from Germany. Paige also got to see the big man himself, Santa Claus. She didn't want to sit with him or get her picture taken. She just wanted to make sure that he knew she wanted the Sleeping Beauty dress for Christmas. Eric and Stefanie joined us as well and the four adults to two kids ratio works out really well!

Keeping Busy

It's that time of year where I barely sit down for a break, have little post-it notes through out the house, and cannot go to bed without my mind whirling. Yep...the holidays are here. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but with Thanksgiving being on the late side this year, Christmas is sneaking up faster than anticipated. And some things I've brought upon myself. For example, I decided to make our Christmas cards this year. I've already started the first part to it, so that's good. But now Paige has fully given up her afternoon nap and "quiet time" was just not working out anymore. Saying "Mommy-Mommy-Mommy" over and over again was not my version of quiet time. And, it was preventing Nick from falling asleep for his nap, so I've given up. Thankfully, she's been really good about playing quietly or watching a movie while I can get some work done.

Today we met up with my dear friend, Linda, and her son, Joey, at the mall. I love how Paige and Joe get along so well. It probably helps that they are only six weeks apart in age. They have so much fun together and cookies always taste better with a friend.