Twas the Days After Christmas

In the days after Christmas we stayed busy.

On the 26th a few of us headed to the Bellagio conservatory to check out the holiday decorations. They always put together a beautiful display!

There was plenty of time to snuggle with Pepe...

...and make cookies with Burrs.

On the 30th Jim had to go to work but, the rest of us headed to check out a new park, Craig Ranch Regional Park. This park was AMAZING! So many fun things to explore!

The adults couldn't resist getting in on the fun either...

The girls and I can wait to take Jim back there some time real soon!

Last, but not least, there was time for movie and snuggle time with Burrs....luckily she was Burrs was feeling better!

 
It was a fun filled holiday visit!

A Very Merry Christmas!

Santa was very kind to us this year!

He even left us a very nice note!

Santa left the girls new bikes this year...they were thrilled...

Stockings were filled with goodies...

...even a clown nose!

Pepe finding something silly in his stocking...

Our fuzzy children enjoying their gifts...for Chewy, a bone shaped squeaky toy and for Billy, a fish shaped toy with cat nip inside. Abby and Kera were very helpful in making the toys for Chewy and Billy!

 

Looks like Billy REALLY likes his new toy!

 

Here are a few more pictures from out fun morning...

New scooters from Auntie Remy, Uncle Joe, and Cousin Maya...

Nothing is more fun than the Christmas wrapping mess!

After presents we ate a great breakfast and then headed out to play...

In the afternoon we had some time for a round of cards with Pepe...

Christmas dinner...turkey with all the fixings...

...and of course there were poppers with paper crowns and toys.

 

 

Even though she was not seen in pictures my mom was with us but, unfortunately, she was not feeling well and denied all picture opts.

It was an amazing Christmas and the girls were at the perfect age to enjoy all the magic of the season!

Christmas Eve 2013

We had a GREAT Christmas this year! The girls are at the perfect age to enjoy the magic of the season.

We had a very laid back Christmas Eve but, the most important to-do got done...making cookies for Santa!

Also, on Christmas Eve my parents arrived to help us celebrate the holiday. As soon as my parent's arrived it was time for our traditional Christmas Eve dinner, Chinese take-out. There is only one way to eat Chinese on Christmas Eve...by watching Christmas Story of course.

There was also time for writing Santa a note and leaving him some of our fresh baked cookies. Oh wait....there was also a carrots for Rudolph and his associates.

Before bed it was time for a few snuggles from Burrs...

...spread some reindeer food...

...and hang our stockings.

We were very ready for Santa's visit this year!

Abby's Christmas Program

On Friday, December 20th Abby had her school Christmas program. Abby had practiced a little bit at home but, I was really not sure what the program would be like or how Abby would do. Abby surprised me, in a good way! She was very poised and seemed to know all her songs.  Here are a few pictures of the event.

As with most children performances, it was completely adorable with many cute mistakes and make you smile moments!

37

My birthday was filled with daily activities, new starts, a loss, and a delicious dinner.

First off, as with most days, we headed to the dog park. Then, I thought a morning treat was in order...DONUTS!

Next, it was off to Kera's dance class.

It was nice having Abby there to keep me company; she had stayed home from school due to a lingering cold.

My birthday also launched my first day of school. Yes, after 13 years I am back to being a college student. I going back to school to get my elementary school teaching certificate. I am excited and VERY nervous about being back in school but, I think it will be great once I am done.  The first class was an accelerated online course. It started on 12/16 and ended on 1/11. All the work of a full class in just under a month AND over the holidays. There is nothing like jumping right into things!

Once Jim got home from work we headed to Tivoli Village for a bit of shopping and dinner. First, we headed to Charming Charlie's were the girls bought me a couple very pretty necklaces. Then, it was off to Brio. Everyone was smiles at dinner...

...until I reached up and felt my ear and one of my diamond earring was gone. I was, as you can imagine, DEVASTATED! I don't wear them very often and now, one is gone. Jim went back to Charming Charlie's to see if it had fallen off there but, no luck. Unfortunately, for me, the night was over and in a sad way.

There is only one think that could help lift my spirits...my beautiful family and...

CAKE!

Ok 37, even with the rough start, let's have a GREAT year!