Playing in the snow

Patrick wanted me to play in the snow with him and I couldn't say no because its been a while since I've been in the snow. I loved the sun sinking below the snow covered roof.

 While Patrick was walking around I guess he got to close to a little rabbit burrow or nest and he took off under the fence. I guess our long grass and leaves make for good burrowing.

 Patrick loved the snow but I got cold so I went back in. He was maybe 5 minutes behind me. Us California folk aren't built for the cold.

Our first turkey and a little reading

 So one of the things that bother (not really bother, just a down side really) us about having holiday dinners at family's house is that we don't get any left overs and lets be honest, we all love leftovers. So after Christmas we decided to have our very own feast. Jesús cooked a yummy turkey and made mashed potatoes and we had stuffing and corn and cranberry sauce. All with our own little family. It was so fun and I can't wait for the next time.

Patrick is a great little reader. He is supposed to be at a level C in school and he is at an H. I'm guessing thats good because I think he is a great reader. He is even reading Harry Potter with me. I told him he needed to get some reading time in so this is how I found him. Reading Dr. Seuss to Ivy. She seemed pretty interested too.

Christmas Day

We spent Christmas morning with our other family, the Colas. I made my dads famous biscuits and gravy and Amber made a yummy drink.

 And then it started to snow. Thats right. Snow. Cold yucky snow. The Colas headed home before it got worse. 

 Then I chatted with my family online and guess what my mom got? A sword. The Magic sword. Mom used to make jokes that my brothers wouldn't turn off their video games until they had the magic sword even if the house was on fire. I thought it was hysterical.

 Then she used her sword to open one of her other presents. She already practicing her skills. Way to go Mom.

 The kids loved the snow. They were so excited. I didn't get a picture of Patrick tasting it, Jesús has that picture.

Then we went to Jesús's parents for dinner. I was nervous the whole ride over and back. I got this great picture of the lights in the snow though. It looked so pretty.

 Here's Elena snuggling on baby Benjamin. So sweet.

 I made Jesús take a picture with me as and end to our 2012 Christmas.

 The next morning we woke up and the snow had stuck. I stayed inside. Until Patrick begged me to go outside with him so I did. It lingered for about two days then finally melted.

 I forgot to get pictures of the kids on Christmas morning so I got one the morning after. Its impossible to get pictures of them smiling together.

 The best one

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve over at Jesús's family where we exchange gifts and eat yummy foods. I made red velvet mini cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. I made some with peppermint frosting. Those were as much as a hit with the Morenos. Oh well.

 I took part in the Christmas program and played my flute. It was the same song I played in church on Sunday. The kids loved the present time and its so wonderful to watch their faces.

 Patrick wanted to wear Dads new hat from Uncle Sebastian. He's so cool.

 Sweet little Benjamin was supper cute and Patrick had so much fun with Uncle Gabe.

 Jesús's dad made this for all the kids in the family. Its photos that he has taken with shapes that spell out Moreno. I think its so cool.

New Friend

We got a new kitten! We have been looking for one but they are just too old. Beca asked for a kitten for Christmas so Jesús's mom found two and we got one. We named her Ivy since we got her a few days before Christmas. She's so tiny and the kids love her.

 And she really loves Patrick

 Here is Ivy and Princess sleeping together. They will be so sad when we separate them.

Retro

Some friends in our ward have an annual a scone party before Christmas every year and we were so excited to go. It was fun with good food and good people. Elena got a little makeover from the older girls. How cute is she?

Getting ready for Christmas

So we are getting ready for Christmas. I have absolutely loved decorating the house for the Holidays. Way better than an apartment. Especially because my decoration collection is growing. Here is my mantel.

 We took the kids to Lowes to find a gift for Grandma and Grandpa and they had real Christmas trees. I'm kind of sad they have never had the opportunity to go Christmas tree shopping. That was one of my favorite things as a kid. Running through the trees in the dark, smelling the pine needles, warming up by the fire and getting free candy canes from the salesman.......So I had the kids smell the trees. Thats about as close as they were getting to my experience this year. Maybe I can convince Jesús next year. I really hope so.

 They said they smelled good, that made me happy.

 My laurels and I made christmas ornaments for an activity and I love them! I actually want to make a bunch for next year. I have plans.

 And check out the cute banner Mom made me!!! I love it. She has been sending me banners for every holiday and seriously they are my favorite things.

Marco the Elf

We decided that an Elf might help to make the kids be a little more grateful this year. 

Patrick was very doubtful that it was all real so Marco wrote him a letter and talked about stuff Patrick had worried about. After that Patrick was a believer. 

He kept showing up in funny spots and the rule is the kids are not allowed to touch him or his magic will be gone and will won't be able to fly to the North Pole. Well guess what? Elena touched him. Yep he laid there doing nothing for maybe 2 weeks. Then we emailed Santa and he sent us a bag of magic powder. Elena sprinkled it on him and that night he was gone and his magic was back. 

The last night we found him in the perfect spot, remembering the reason for the season.