CHRISTMAS MORNING

Good Morning Santa!!!

AZ will hate me later for the bed head picture...but I just think it is so darn cute.

Dade had to inspect all of his stuff first.

I love that all three kids are in this picture.

Grayer opening his first Christmas present.

Look at her sweet face.

Dade, careful and calculated.

The only proof of Christmas Breakfast. The homemade whip cream mustache.

CHRISTMAS EVE FEAST AND FESTIVITIES

Christmas Eve Feast has become one of the first family traditions that Dain and I have established in our family. You see, Dain hates all holiday food. Yes, it is true...turkey, mashed potato (all potato for that matter), green beans, ham, yams, etc. (and the etc, includes so, so many more things). So, to make him happy we have turned Christmas Eve into our own unique feast. This year Oma, Opa, and Aunt Katy joined us.

(The above picture is of tempura vegetables)

Asian food all around. The meal consists of mostly Korean food with a few hints of Japanese and Chinese foods.

So, after we stuff ourselves we open two presents...pjammies and a Christmas Book.

AZ opening her first present.

Followed by Dade.

Grayer tried to open his, but the darn ribbon was just too tasty to continue.

Christmas Monkey PJ's.

Dancing Christmas Monkey's.

Too cute!!!

Family Dancing Christmas Monkeys.

Putting out the Reindeer treats.

Santa's milk and cookies (taste tested by AZ).

We are FIVE...I still can't believe it.

Grayer Christmas Monkey.

Last night of the advent box.

(One of my favorite purchases from Nevada City).

Off to bed for Christmas Books and dreams of Santa.

COUSIN CHRISTMAS

Our little cousin crew is growing!!!

This year we all got together at Oma's house for our Cousin Christmas Exchange.

AZ got a new doll house.

Dade got a castle.

Grayer couldn't take his eyes off everyones loot. He is going to be all over it next year.

It just makes we want to sing "Here We Are Together".

After presents we went out into the garage for the PIÑATA. This tradition actually comes from my Aunt Loretta. I have many wonderful memories of the the Christmas Piñata.

These kids are getting pretty big.

The best part....CANDY.

Another successful Christmas Piñata!!!

A PRE-SCHOOL CHRISTMAS

It's always so fun to get dressed up for programs at school.

Big smiles!!! His class represented Mexico...doesn't he look cute in a sombrero?

I don't think Dade liked having to stand next to the angel. Maybe we are starting the "Girls are yucky" phase.

Class Picture.

AZ had a great time joining the class party.

Grayer, as always, just chilling in the car seat. It was the best way to keep the other kids from touching him.

Book trade. The best part of this story is that Dade saw his friend Elaina crying about her book and he offered to trade.

Dade and AZ took over the reading corner. I love these guys.

BATHROOM REMODEL

We have been wanting to remodel this bathroom from the day we first say it (yes, we talked about it before we even bought the house).

The wallpaper was a royal blue/maroon/forest green floral pattern. I don't like one word in that sentence.

The linoleum had water marks and the brass fixtures had to go.

So, after Uncle Quin got here they removed the toilet, fixtures and linoleum.

Dain tried and tried to get the mirror off...even by hammer (no, it didn't work).

Here is the tile after being cut.

"Little Helper"

Now Complete!!!

Doesn't it look fantastic. I can't believe we waited 3 1/2 years to do this project.

Thank you Uncle Quin.