CHRISTMAS

christmas eve.our tree

1st christmas with adella

little miss photographer adella snapping a photo

katri locating santa with jake's compass

the girls

We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my family and had a wonderful time.  We carried on the traditions of my family and started a couple of our own. I just love this time of year! We enjoyed all the time spent with family and close friends. It came and went way too fast!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

WISHING EVERYONE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. MAY YOUR HEARTS AND HOMES BE FILLED WITH LOVE,HAPPINESS, AND THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST.

WITH LOTS OF LOVE FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS

DATE NIGHT

MERRY CHRISTMAS

CANDY CASTLE VILLAGE

I would love to live here... I would eat candy all day long

Nic.Sahba

With all the Christmas festivities going on around us we finally took a little break for just the two of us... Date Night with some close friends. The night started with some relaxation, venting, gaming, chilling out our place followed by a yummy meal at Claim Jumper with appetizers and a filling dinner.  For many years Timmy has taken me to the Ritz Carlton to enjoy all the Christmas decorations especially the life size gingerbread house. The decor was Beautiful with all the vibrant shades of purple, the company was good but honestly I was disappointed at the gingerbread house. Is the Ritz feeling the economic crisis too? It sure did look like it!  I understand the theme was build around sandcastles, it was just not what I anticipated and expected out of a gingerbread house. But it sure did look pretty! All the treats looked really yummy and the artist did do a good job at creating the sand castle effect.  We had such a fun time all night! I do not want Christmas to end.

CHRISTMAS PARTY

This year I hosted the annual high school Christmas party with all the girls. I was super excited to have a home to hold the party at. This is the first year I have had the party at our home, which worked out great since so many of the girls are living with the parentals. The day was a blast with lots of eating, talking, laughing and being entertained by the kiddos. I still can not believe that so many of the girls have children... are we really old enough and mature enough to parents? It is so fun to see them grow up and change. My favorite of the day was Emma, I am loving her and did not want to give her back to her momma. I really enjoy having friends over, I just love entertaining!

Chillin

The only accessory I'm missing... a baby

Is she not the cutest? Look at all that hair!

Go FISH

one fish two fish red fish blue fish

The gang

M&H CHRISTMAS FIESTA

Love Birds

BBQ'n it up!

We have had a week full of parties! Every night we have had so much fun seeing friends and celebrating. Luckily for us the parties continued right into the weekend. Friday night we headed over to Corona Del Mar for the Milk n Honey annual Christmas party.  This year Nic hosted the bash at her Shabby Chic home with a Fiesta. The food was yummy... thanks to Timmy's skills on the bbq! I forgot how much I love hanging out with Nic and Ali. It seems like forever ago when we had late nights of food and studying through out our college days. I sure do miss all those fun times with Ali.

BIRTHDAY GIRL

BIRTHDAY GIRL WITH THE CAKE MAKER

THE GIANT CUPCAKE

In celebration of Katri's birthday we enjoyed a yummy bowl of chowder on the pier. Lots of laughs on a chili winter night all while being in good company. I can not believe how fast we have grown up, it seems like just a couple of years ago we were singing karaoke in Kate's backyard celebrating her 16th birthday. The years have gone too fast. I love this girl. Happy Birthday Lil Sis!  Even though most of the time I think you are way more mature and sophisticated than I will ever be. I tend to forget I am the eldest, you should be looking up to me, when instead I am always looking up to you. XOXO.

decorated

The final product. We have too many ornaments so I only put a few on, most are still in the box. I love the .99 cent tree topper!

LIVE NATIVITY

This was a great start to kick off the first weekend in December.  We attended a live nativity with my parents. I enjoy reflecting on the true meaning of what Christmas is really all about. We had a fun evening reminiscing with familiar faces, pondering love, service, Christ and spending time with my parents. Each day I am so grateful to be living here.

Christmas Tree

I have been anxious for the Christmas season to arrive, ready to decorate, shop, bake, eat, wrap, give, love, hang lights, sing and enjoy the smell of the tree. This is the first year we have gotten a tree and been able to decorate. I finally was able to put up all our fun ornaments and decor. I even made wreaths and decorated pine cones from the yard. I just LOVE this time of year!

TINSEL TREE

ITS STANDING! THANKS TO THE HEAVY DUTY TREE STAND.

TIM ENJOYING CARRYING THE TREE. WELL NOT REALLY, HE WAS TOTALLY FRUSTRATED WITH THIS FAT, HEAVY TREE. AND HE WAS OVER ME BOSSING HIM AROUND.