Disneyland

We had such a great time at Disneyland when we went in September, that we decided to go again. Dave had two weeks off for Christmas and we wanted to pack in as much fun as we possibly could. It was a super short trip (drove down Sunday, went on Monday, then drove home Tuesday), and we stayed at Sara and Ben's beautiful home (thank you so, so, so much!).
We heard that Christmas time is a great time to go, and it was. Lots of people thought that too...they actually turned people away on the day we went. Disneyland was sold out. But with the beautiful weather, the whole place decked out in Christmas decor, and the fake snow, who can blame the thousands of people who were there? Disneyland did not disappoint.
Two big differences from the last time we came. The first being that Audrey was Aurora instead of Cinderella, and the second being that Memor got to come this time. It was so fun to have her come, help so much with the kids driving in the car, entertaining kids while waiting in line, and spoil all of us rotten. Thanks so much Memor.

Christmas with Memor and Fafa

The party continued as we went to Memor and Fafa's home the day after Christmas for more fun. I love having both families so close.

It's Christmas!

Cute kids in matching pajamers,

talking with Grande about if Santa really came,

watchign her open her "cosmetics" from Santa,

her being thrilled about her cosmetics from Santa,

watching her play with her cosmetcis,

and her dress ups,

while Joshua played with his favorite new toy,

made my Christmas day a perfect day. I am so grateful for my Savior and what this holiday represents.

Twas the night before Christmas

Christmas Eve was at my parent's house this year. The food was fabulous, the company even better, and could you ask for a sweeter "Mary" and cuter "baby Jesus"? Audrey took her role very seriously.

Matching pajamers (as Audrey calls them).

This was our first year of officially being Santa's helpers. It was so much fun, although it made me feel really old.

Merry Christmas

I have lots to catch up on, but for now, we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! This was our Christmas card I sent this year. If you didn't get one in the mail, it's because I was too cheap and I figured you could see it on my blog. Sorry.

Merry, merry, merry Christmas

Trolley Train Ride

Lots of friends and family, hot chocolate, yummy treats, riding a trolley car around San Francisco singing Christmas carols to all the busy shoppers, a stop at the Fairmont hotel and Ghiradelli, and celebrating Jessica's birthday, do the holiday festivities get any better than this? This has become one of our favorite traditions. Thanks for organizing it Mom and Dad.

Santa Visit

Audrey: "Santa, may I have cosmetics please?"
Joshua: "Who is this weird man?!!! Get me off his lap!!!!!!!!!"
Santa: "Is it lunch time yet?"

Third Annual Christmas Party

Jocelyn hosted our third annual Christmas party this year and the whole night was fabulous. Earlier, Dave and I took the kids to Outback to celebrate (and mourn) him being done with another quarter of school. Then we came home, I changed my clothes and then left for the party while Dave put the kids to bed.

Third annual Christmas party- 2008
Jocelyn's house. We had an ornament exchange with the hot ornament being the Golden Gate bridge ornament from Restoration Hardware. Can you blame us? San Francisco pride.

Second annual Christmas party-2007
Regan's house. We had an ornament exchange and then went to see the movie "Enchanted". Great night.

First annual Christmas party-2006
My house. We did a white elephant gift exchange (some of the girls had already left by the time we took this picture). Our husbands had just started school a few months prior and we were all still getting to know each other. This picture almost makes me cry. I had no idea at the time that these girls would soon become my dearest friends.

What the hail?

Dave called on his way to school and was so excited telling me it had "snowed in San Francisco". We heard the crazy storm the night before (it actually woke me up) but I never would have guessed it had snowed. I hurried and threw the kids in the car before this precious snow melted so they could experience first hand this miracle. While it was actually hail, it looked, and felt like snow. I feel as though I have now seen everything...

Dave must have called four times on our way to the "snow" to see if we were there yet. He was already in class, but was so excited for Audrey to see it so she called Dave once we got there. Yes, she is wearing footed pajamers, boots and her jacket. We had to hurry out of the house. No time to get dressed when it snows in San Francisco!

Joshua's first hand experience with the snow. It was so slippery I didn't trust myself to hold him while standing on it. This is proof that he really was there.

Dear Santa,

Watching old 30 Rock episodes with my husband while cuddling our sleeping baby, knowing that Audrey is tucked nice and cozy in her own bed, with the lights of our Christmas tree lighting up our tiny little family room, is all I want for Christmas.