Celebration Number Three

Celebrations number three took place at Papa's and Grandma J's house. So many good pictures I decided to lump them all in one collage. We were warmly welcomed by a Christmas Village, stuffed stockings (which we stuffed some more) and a blazing fire with the biggest log you've ever seen. We were treated to a talent show by the younger set. "Twinkle, twinkle Little Star" sung by J, a Princess Dance performed by A, a magic trick by Conner, The first half of "The twelve days of Christmas" by Aidan, and a melody of seasonal tunes by Ben. It was a warm, cozy & delicious afternoon/evening!

Birthday Afternoon

The finished Volcano Cake. It was supposed to have sparklers as well as candles but the sparklers I smuggled in from Canada were duds after sitting for two years in the cupboard...

We were joined by Papa, Auntie K, Uncle D and cousin B for present frenzy of "Birthday Afternoon"...

Needless to say the boys were a bit amped by this second celebration of the day...

This picture is an illusion. I don't remember them being so calm and sweet looking...

Between Christmas Morning and Birthday Afternoon

The time between Christmas morning and what we determined as "birthday afternoon" was spent playing with some of our toys from the morning:

Aidan and Conner on their new go-carts courtesy or Daddy (and Mommy but mostly Daddy)...

I spent the morning decorating the cake for "birthday afternoon"

Some quality Wii time...

Playing with their new racetrack with cousin B. Euan can be seen in the mirror using my Christmas present, a new camera, which I've also deemed his present since he didn't find the robot vacuum I gave him romantic enough...

Some festive artwork by Conner...

Christmas Eve/Morn

The boys opened there first gift on Christmas Eve so they would look bright and shiny for pictures on Christmas morning. Their Daddy got them matching PJ's with their names on them.



Aidan woke up a few times in the night in anticipation of Santa's arrival. But once morning did arrive they sat reading books for a little while before they decided it was time to come down and see what Santa brought them. Skateboards! Along with knee and elbow pads (that Santa is so safety conscious.)

This was followed by stocking emptying...

Then after breakfast, present opening...

It was a merry morning all around. Thanks Santa.

Bits & Bobs

Last weeks showers left us with a morning of rainbows! (Ignore the Target parking lot)

Intermission at the Marin ballet's Sophie and the Enchanted Toyshop. Despite what it looks like, Conner really enjoyed the show. Aidan was impressed when the dancers did the splits but otherwise he was thirsty and hot.

Conner loved to see Nativity Scenes last year. So this year, I put together one with wood pieces and felt. Very shortly after this picture was taken, it was invaded by large white fluffy monsters and the hay from the manger was spread across the house.

The Monsters! Or are they just adorable Christmas presents?

An invitation

A lovely invitation from Aidan to the Scottish grandparents. He asked me how to spell breakfast and Christmas (the second time). The rest he sounded out himself. It translates to:

"To Grumpy and Grandma Mac

Can you come to our house for Christmas breakfast and happy Christmas

19 Moore"

Hard copy will be sent via snail mail.

School Birthday Celebration

Last Thursday, the boys celebrated their birthdays at school. We made A, C and 6 gingerbread cookies to be passed out to their classmates at snacktime. They are always really excited when it is someone else's birthday so I was glad they got a chance to do it even if it was a week early.

The Great Christmas Tree Search

We've had our Christmas tree for a few weeks now but I'm finally getting around to posting some pictures.

The search is on...

and on...

And found...

The final product...

snow

So, we came over the overpass on the way to school the other day and what should appear before us but snow! The top of the hills west of Novato were covered in snow. By the time I'd dropped the kids off, the clouds lowered and covered the tops of the hills. So, I have no documentation of the snow. But it was there. I promise. Instead, I've included some pictures of our two winters in Vancouver. When we got a lot of snow for a little amount of time. It was amazing to a California girl like myself.

January, 2005 the boys first snow experience.

December, 2005 A sledge ride...

and fall.

Hopefully, we'll be able to see a little more real snow this winter.

tis the season of giving

In lieu of Christmas presents to the cousins, we decided to instill the "other" gift of giving to the kids. We joined up with cousins A and J (and their moms and grandmom.) To shop for food at the Safeway. We then wheeled our carts over to "feed" the turkey. Of course, this was during 30-something degree weather and rain!

Afterwards, we gathered for hot chocolates and coffee to warm up and talk about the meaning of what we had done and how it is important to give to those less fortunate than ourselves at Christmastime (and all year round).

Then of course to negate everything we'd just done, we headed over to visit Santa and ask him to give to us!

It was nice though. There was no one there so we could spend some time chatting with Santa and he got out his guitar and everyone sang and danced to Jingle Bells.

Despite the rain and cold, fun was had by all and hopefully a little bit of the meaning of Christmas sunk in.

Gingerbread House

I wasn't going to do a Gingerbread house this year but I saw the kit at Costco yesterday and threw it in the cart (that happens a lot at Costco.) It was surprising calm and easy this year. Maybe because I got only one house to decorated together instead one for each of them. They worked well together, the mess was kept to a minimum and only a medium amount of candy was eaten. Things do get easier as they get older!