Christmas in California

Well, this marks our first Christmas out here in the Bay Area as a family and it was a real treat. Why my pics posted to the side, I don't know, just bear with me for this. While we missed family a ton, I do admit that I would stay here again in a heartbeat and enjoy it just the same. It was pretty awesome to have Reagan wake up to presents under the tree and also not having to travel on Christmas Day. We just lounged around, played with toys, it was a ton of fun.

For Christmas Eve, Matt arrived home earlier than usual, around noon and we headed over to the Michaels for a little Christmas shindig filled with apps and Settlers. Marisa had set aside stuff for the kids to make some gingerbread homes and Marisa, I am obeying your wishes and not posting the pic of your hand in the candy cup!! ;)

It was late and the kidlets were tired afterwards, so we headed home and just unwrapped jammies and one gift for Reagan. She opened her Rosetta doll from Disney fairies and had a hard time calming down for sleep, she was so excited. She finally did, though and Santa got to work. Or rather, Mrs. Claus worked and Santa watched ESPN. I have recounted our "Daisy" story to some of you, so here she is in the front row, in all her purple bow glory.

The kids slept great except guess who didn't? Yeah, me. I was up most of the night, picturing the Christmas morning excitement. I finally heard some peeps from Nolan around 6am and said "its time." Reagan went through her stocking first, she was pretty jazzed.

Nolan was stoked about the new binkies.

Matt and I were spoiled as well, me opening my new running shoes from his parents and the new book my parents got him, the American History Almanac.

Let's not forget the beautiful dresses. Selly, your mom has impeccable taste, too kind!! I can't wait for her to wear them :)

We spent most of the day playing with toys, like building huge towers and trying to not make them fall.

It was really nice to just play on Christmas, then in the evening we headed over to the Hart's home for a Christmas feast. Thanks Liz and Kupaa for inviting us again and letting us crash the Muhlestein get together. We always feel at home there, such a blessing when you are away from family.