neighborhood christmas cookie party

Early in December we invited all the neighbors who live around our greenbelt and behind our garage to a Christmas open house at our place. We had a great turnout of those we see/talk to a lot and also those we've only said a few brief hello's to in the 8 years we've lived here. We have been so fortunate with such kind, trustworthy and fun neighbors. It's fun getting to know each of them more.

Reindeer cookies.

Warm apple cider.

Hot chocolate bar.

So this is Christmas

The picture of Santa with the kids turned into Santa with the family after Skyler bolted for the door, Wally told Santa not to touch him, and Charlie got a bit emotional. But we pulled it off.

We did Peltzer Farms again, in Silverado, hunting for our perfect little Charlie Brown tree.

Rian cooked me an amazing sun dried tomato, pesto and pine nut dinner under the Christmas tree after the kids went to bed.

And Leo returned...

We enjoyed so many magical nights at Disneyland this Christmas.

A night out for our annual Christmas dinner with the girls. Rian stayed home and gave the kids a fun night with games and hot chocolate.

Xander and Jax's birthday party at Disneyland. The kids had a blast! Here's Wally and Liv:

Mammoth

Rian and I dropped the 3 kids off with Gigi and Poppa Thursday night and drove to Mammoth to play with some of our best friends. Friday morning we were the first on the mountain.

Mammoth surprised us with "Free Friday"... lift tickets were free to all on the 1 day we planned to ride. The snow was actually decent and the crowds were light. So amazing!!

Each couple was in charge of a meal. Rian and I did a big Saturday morning breakfast to last us through our day of playing in the snow, taking walks, making sugar cookies, playing games, painting our nails, meeting a bear, things like that...

From left to right: Brian & Beth Jones, Rian & I, Sean & Sara Woolsey, Colby & Chelsea Long. The gorgeous home we stayed in was compliments of a family from Mr. Jones's school. So generous... this place was incredible.

Just snuggling up to check ESPN news.

Huge dinner at Angel's BBQ.

Last meal of the trip... Woolsey's Banana Pancakes.

Meanwhile at Gigi & Poppa's...

The kids went to disneyland (check out Poppa rockin the ergo carrier).

They saw Santa and his reindeer over by Thunder Mountain.

They made a gingerbread house.

They had lunch with their great grandmothers.

And on a neighborhood walk they came across Santa (on the OC Wine Trolley) and voluntarily sat on his lap!

Happy Birthday, RJK.

Rian got his Rum Cake.

And his dream gift...

The kids helped me make this back rub/racetrack t-shirt for him. Guess what he's been changing into after work each day...
Go here to make one for your loved one. :)

Thanksgiving in San Clemente

Thanksgiving was celebrated at my Aunt Sheri and Uncle Chuck's home. I love being with family. Here's the turkey being carved by my cousin, Scott.

And our kids playing with their second cousins. They are so lucky to have such fun and sweet older cousins.

Disneyland

Guess who got passes....GiGi & Poppa!!

Even Charlie enjoyed Mickey's Clubhouse on a quiet weekday morning.

On a good day, we're lucky enough to catch hairstyles like this. Check out his brother's curly poof on the left.

The kids finally got to drive their car on Autopia.

Waiting for the train to take us back to Main Street.