Christmas Activities

We took the girls to get pictures with santa. They looked so cute in their matching furry white jackets from grandma that we had to snap a few pics beforehand.

 Another random pic with santa...

 Christmas in the Park in downtown San Jose was a cool experience although next year we will go in the evening to enjoy the lights.

 A traditional minecraft tree...

 Then we picked up a tree from Costco and decorated it. It looked amazing- best one yet!

 Kendall's preschool had a cute little Christmas party and Santa was there. Each child got to sit on his lap and get a gift.

 Santa's largest elf juggling.

 I straightened Kendall's hair just for fun...blew my mind! Who is this girl?

 Santa's littlest elf...

 We had Christmas Eve dinner at our house and opened a few presents.

 Robin, Omi, and Lizzy came.

 On Christmas morning we all opened our gifts. The girls were excited to get their new backpacks.

 Chris got me this romantic shirt...and luckily (for him) a giftcard for Macys to get a new coat (what I really wanted/need)

 We had a lovely Christmas brunch of bagels and cream cheese and coffee. Mmmm, coffee...

 The day after Christmas grandma and Phelps came for a visit! She brought more presents so it was like a second Christmas!

 We did fun things like go to San Francisco and have lunch over Union Square at the Cheesecake Factory...

 And go to the mall!

So thankful to get to spend the holidays with our wonderful family.

Birthday Party with Friends! December 8

Today we traveled to Ventura, CA on our way back to San Jose. We stopped to celebrate a very special girl's 4th birthday and to see our dear friends, the Shepherd-Deckers (or the Shep-Decks, as we like to call them.) We were greeted by Paige's little sister Jules who is quite the spitfire! I haven't seen her since she was a baby and cannot believe how big she is! She is equal parts cute and sassy.

 Beautiful Paige looks just like her mommy. What a sweet girl! I so wish we both still lived in San Diego...

 We have been friends for 20 years! Argh, did I really just say that? It's true, believe it or not!

 Anna's husband Brandon had on a pink shirt in honor of the day. I love it when guys where pink! If I could just get Chris to wear one...

 The girls chillin' in Anna's room watching a little Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

 Group pic! I think we are going to have to visit every time we drive home from a visit (if not more!) Love you guys, Shep-Decks!

Happy Birthday Grandma! December 7

Today we celebrated the best grandma/mom in the world ever by doing one of our cherished family traditions: going to see the Christmas tree at the Hotel del Coronado.

 We started off the morning with a few presents.

 Then headed over to see the tree. We enjoyed watching the ice skaters outside first. Maybe next year the kids will be big enough to try the outdoor rink!

 Obligatory shots beside the amazing tree.

 Staring at the window display outside a store in the hotel.

 Then we headed over to Miguels Cucina for lunch. Miguel's is our favorite mexican restaurant!

 Wearing our best shoes.

 Then we helped grandma blow out her birthday cake. She needed help eating it, too.

Mom, you are without a doubt, the best mom and grandma ever. We are SO blessed to have you in our lives and hope you know how special you are to us. We love you!