Train Park Winter Wonderland

We didn't get the chance to visit the train park before Christmas because of the kids being sick and everything else going on. SO, after Christmas Eric and I both had off so we took the kids one night to the train park to see the lights and ride the train. We had to wait an hour in line, but they had the characters Elmo, Pooh Bear, Tigger, and others walking around visiting with the kiddos. Julian and Bella really loved seeing them, although Julian made sure that I was holding him when they came over to him. We had coffee and snacks to keep us busy too. The wait was worth it and the train ride was so much fun. It takes you slowly through lots of different cool stations like Dora, Bob the Builder, Snoopy, etc. You also get a little bit of snow that comes down on you. The kids were in absolute shock with all the lights and fun they had on the train. I'm sure we will do it again next year!

Tamale Fest 2011

Every year, my dad's side of the family gets together the weekend before Christmas to make tamales. It's always such a fun day complete with lots of snacks, food, drinks, and fun! Cassy, Gabe, my Dad, and Sandy came from San Diego, and Gabe was able to meet the entire family. It's a great time to catch up with everyone and let the kids play with their cousins that they don't get to see each other very often. The funny thing is, it used to be me and my cousins being the small kids running around and now its my kids! This year, my cousin decided to have shirts made for the special day. There were over 50 of us helping to make the yummy tamales. They turned out sooooo good! After dinner, we play a dice game called CLR. Guess who won the pot of $90. ERIC DID! The day was SO much fun and ends up being my favorite tradition of the Christmas season.

Christmas 2011

This Christmas was different for us. It was our 1st Christmas not in Mom's house and our first without Cassy and Katherine. Despite the changes, we still had a fabulous Christmas. Christmas Eve, we had dinner out with my mom at a yummy Italian restaurant. It was fabulous. We then went home and put the kiddos to bed so we could start building the toys. JEEZ,we had lots of stuff to put together. The 4 of us built Bella's car, a train table, and a work bench. We were up til 1:30 in the morning, but with some wine and beer, it went fast :)
The kids loved their gifts Christmas morning, they got so many awesome things. Their favorite things included: the car, train table, a Dora microphone set, a MobiGo, art activities, movies, college fund money, clothes and shoes, etc etc. Nino came over and joined us in taking the kids on a ride in the new car.
The Hoover family joined us for a Christmas brunch. I made an egg casserole, cinnamon rolls, Eric made waffles, fruit, and bagels. We all exchanged gifts and enjoyed each others company.
For dinner that night, I made a prime rib which was absolutely fabulous! We had such a great Christmas and surrounded by the best family and friends.

Decorating

We were super excited to decorate the house inside and out for Christmas this year! Julian is at an age where he likes to help, and Bella knows all about Christmas and loves everything about it. Me, Steve, and the kids helped Eric put out all the decorations and lights outside. Like every year, I made hot chocolate and cookies. We sat on our chairs and ate our cookies and looked at our beautiful hosue :)I'd say we did a great job!
A few weeks later, Eric brought home our fresh tree. The tree is my favorite part! I made homemade cranberry/orange muffins and the 4 of us went to town decorating the tree. That day was by far one of my favorite family moments to date. Everyone had a big part in it and had a lot of fun.

Glendale Glitters 2011

This year we decided to try Glendale Glitters again because the kids LOVE looking at lights, especially Julian. We have to drive around our neighborhood on our way home so that they can see all the lights in our neighbors yards. Glendale Glitters had snow to play in which Bella absolutely LOVED. There were way too many people there, but still fun.

Thanksgiving 2011

This year was a different Thanksgiving for us. Normally, we eat with the Hoover family in the morning/early afternoon and eat dinner with my Mom and sister and my mom and I share the cooking. This year, we ate at the Hoover family's house with Grandma, Grandpa, Great Grandma, and Eric's brother, sis-in-law,and 5 kiddos. It was a great time, we all had a fun day and a full belly :) Bella and Julian got to hang with their 5 cousins and play.

Anthem Tree Lighting 2011

We decided to go to the Anthem tree lighting ceremony again this year. We invited Nino Steve, The Tortora's and Amy to join us. It was super fun, the kiddos loved seeing the tallest Christmas tree in America being lit. Michelle Branch sang and we even got to see her up close and personal. Afterward, we let the girls run around in the grass to avoid the traffic, and it was a great idea. We got some good pictures of us in the sleigh, and some good play time. We look forward to doing it again next year!