For Thanksgiving, we spent the day at our good friends, The Pace's. Another couple with kids around the same ages as ours joined us as well. WIth each of us bringing a few dishes to share, it made the cooking light for each family. We were all very thankful that we could eat an nice meal together outside in the sunshine.
Christmas Eve was spent with good friends as well. Our friends, the Pace's, were staying at a beautiful home in Altadena. With an amazing kitchen to cook in, I was happy to pitch in for the evening feast. With two other couples joining us, we decided that potluck was the way to go. However, with a beautiful professional kitchen, I was happy to come early and help cook. We enjoyed a nice spread of food, drinks and dessert. We also enjoyed fellowship with good friends.
In keeping with tradition, we let each kid pick out one present from under the tree to open up Christmas Eve. Mason chose a gift from Aunt Nichole and Uncle Aaron. Willow chose a gift from Gramma and Papa. Mason was excited to open his ornament and hang it on the tree. He really got into the whole decorating the tree this year. He is definitely my christmas spirit child. Willow opened up an owl pillow for her bed. She was quite excited and carried it around with her for quite a while that evening.
Christmas day was busy to say the least. We spent the morning opening gifts with the kids, which of course was their favorite part. They both really got into it. After opening each item, Mason would yell the name of the gift. "Wow, it a book!!!" or "Look Dad, it's a shirt!" He was very excited. Willow, unlike most 1 year olds, was also very excited about all her gifts. SHe would open them, with a little help from her big brother, and say "Ohhhhhh". I have to say that I think she got the most excited about her new shoes. Man, that girl loves her some shoes! Thanks AUnt Krysta- you got a "Ohhhhhh, shooooooooes!!!!"
We have spent a number of Christmas' now with our great friends and former neighbors and that was the plan again this year. They were bringing some turkey, carrots and dessert. Dave was going to grill a good sized, organic beef tenderloin and I was going to make green bean casserole, twice baked potatoes and salad. Well, after all the excitement of gift opening and eating a big breakfast, we all took a little nap. I was woken up by a message on my phone. It was the mother of one of my clients telling me that she was at the hospital and in labor- nearly 4 weeks early! I don't think any of us were prepared for a Christmas Day birth. So I rushed out the door to the hospital, leaving the kids and Christmas dinner in Dave's hands. Fortunately, Grandma Beatriz and the fam came over early for back up! The birth went well and really fast. Dinner was made- not quite like how I would have done it- but it was done and delicious. I actually made it home in time to eat dinner with everyone! I couldn't believe it. After stuffing ourselves with yummy food and cheesecake, we called it a night. The kids crashed and Dave and I cleaned up a bit. Overall, it was a pretty crazy day! We had a lot of fun though- and I didn't have to do any cooking:)
Opening gifts with Krystle.
Opening the stockings.
Willow trying out the new bongos.
Mason and Willow checking out the new kitchen from Grandma & Grandpa B.
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