Merry Christmas

We kicked off a lovely Christmas celebration on Christmas Eve with a family gift exchange.

Christmas morning we had cinnamon rolls for brunch and opened presents after the traditional picture of all the kids in front of the tree.

There was plenty of time for enjoying new gifts.

We also went on a nice walk.

We had three delicious pies after dinner, including trying a shoofly pie.

The following day we drove up to Modesto to celebrate with Dave and Gayle. David got to sit on Grandpa's lap for the reading of the Christmas story.

Mary got this collapsible tunnel which was promptly explored. 

We had a delicious dinner followed by pecan pie and tea of good tidings to complete the celebration.

Holiday Home Tour

We had a fun little holiday home tour this year. It started at Jonah and Michelle's house with appetizers and hot drinks.

Everything was so festive.

Photo: Michelle

They led us in Christmas carols.

Then we went to Isaac and Heather's for dessert.

Isaac read the Christmas story from Luke, then Natalie and Evan finished off the evening by reading some of their favorite Christmas books.

Photo: Heather

Mondays at Michelle's

Mom has been going grocery shopping on Mondays lately so we often go in with her and spend the morning at the Trevinos' house. Sometimes the older cousins come too.

First Christmas Ornaments

We made David's first Christmas ornaments today. Natalie helped me and Heather photographed the occasion.

Things started off well, but it's hard to get baby handprints and we had a few challenging moments.

David managed to get his hand on his face, but thankfully didn't get paint in his mouth.

 We ended up with three handprints on our tree rounds and a happy baby in the bath.

Train Time

 Mary was excited to ask Grandpa to show her the train and loved to watch it go around on the track.

Christmas Cookies

 

We headed back down to California to spend the holidays sheltering in place with family. On Saturday, Heather and I baked cookies together.

We made names for all the cousins and lots of fun shapes.

Photo: Heather

Photo: Heather

Photo: Heather

Photo: Heather

Photo: Heather

The kids had lots of fun playing with Squigz and Natalie.

We decorated the cookies together on Sunday.

Mary enjoyed decorating and eating her cookies.

Cheerios

 Mary has been finishing breakfast quickly lately so that she can help feed David finger foods. Of course, she also likes to help herself to a few, while happily announcing, "Mary and Bubba eating Cheerios together!"

Spreading Christmas Cheer

Mary helped me make fudge; she's a fan.

Hopefully our other recipients will enjoy it as much!

Fun in the Box

We got this box when we had an order of diapers shipped to our house. It has been a huge hit with the kids. Sometimes they have it upright and go in and out like it's a little house, other times they have it on the ground and push it around or fill it full of things; at one point it was a dancing box.