Christmas Eve and Morn!

Christmas Eve was a majestic day in Carlsbad, CA. The weather was clear with a high of 68 degrees. The kids woke up and watched a little "White Christmas" after breakfast. We also played outside quite a bit and rode bikes and scooters out front. The kids were having a blast!

That night, we headed down to pick up Nana and went on over to her cousin Jim's house in Grossmont. Every Christmas Eve we go to Jim's historical house and listen to the recording of Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink's "Silent Night" at 4:00 pm. This historical house, having been Madame Schumann-Heink's home at one time, is a magical place to celebrate Christmas Eve. Adele was so happy to be back as she had missed last year's event due to being hospitalized for infection. Unfortunately, Ralph had to miss it this year as he was in the hospital recovering from surgery. We missed you, Ralph! 


After our Christmas Eve visit with that side of the family, we headed to the Roblee House in Pacific Beach to open Nana, Granddad, and Uncle Mark's gifts. The kids were excited, but were extremely exhausted. I think you can tell in the pictures!


It was time to head home and get Santa's cookies and milk ready, so we did just that. The kids were all nestled warm in their beds, while Mike and I had more wrapping to do and martinis to drink:) We had a nice time just chatting and watching "A Christmas Story" together. Some peace before the storm, I think!


Christmas morning was a whirlwind. Dane woke up early, of course, so we let him open presents first. He went so fast that he barely saw what he got! He was more thrilled to be OPENING presents than to see what was inside them. It was hilarious. Once Ryan woke up, he was so out of it that we got a kick out of watching him walk around confused. It was like he couldn't believe he was actually allowed to open the presents under the tree - the same ones that he hadn't been allowed to touch for a month! Mike made us some wonderful breakfast burritos and then we headed off to the Nocita house in Sierra Madre for the Christmas day fun. Stay tuned for that blog...coming right up!

They're dreaming of a...sunny Christmas?

A little "mote" control car fun on Margaret Way.

And the Lord looked upon his hair and said, "YES, my son. You are my chosen one."

The view from the Grossmont House.

This is only two of the eight dogs that were in attendance.

About to "hand" out presents:) Hee hee...

The Brothers Roblee!

"Here ith a prethent for mom!"

Look! More cars! Can't get enough of those...

Ryan will drive his truck on any terrain.

Oopsie, gotta poopsie!

A marble track from Nana and Granddad!

"Let's see here...was I naughty or nice?!"

And it's....A NEW CAAAR!

He's checkin' out that undercarriage.

Oooooh yeaaaahhhh...

A little tired.

But still kickin'!

Look at that cool BBQ from Uncle Mark! Ryan definitely wanted to eat that burger...

Tired boys.

Think he's excited?

Santa, leave the martinis for mom and dad, please.

The setup.

Let the mayhem begin! And don't let devil dog bite you!

"Dad, I don't want to slow down!"

Merry Christmas, from our little Snow Cone:)

"Lemme fire up the grill!"

"What in the HECK just happened?"

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good MORN!

OFF TO THE NOCITA HOUSE....

Putting the "Mas" in Christmas

So many things going on these days! It's such a whirlwind in December for everyone and I appreciate you checking in with us. Just a few things to report, but some GREAT pics!

First, Mike has officially become SCUBA Certified! WOO HOO! He took a class in November and is now able to scuba dive for my lobsters:) Plus, it's nice because he looks good in a wetsuit, too...

My sister Erica came down to visit a couple weeks ago so as to continue the gingerbread house tradition. Let's just say that MOST of the candy made it onto the houses, but these kids did not miss any opportunity to sneak a piece here and there. After a few days I had to finally throw them out because my 1st son Blizzard decided to eat most of them while we were away. Boys will be boys!

Only a couple days after auntie Erica's visit, auntie Kimmy came over especially for Dane's Christmas program at school. We were seriously hoping for some preschool madness at the program and BOY did we get what we wanted! It was a ZOO and it was fantastic! We were all cracking up at the kids singing their songs and the parents frantically running to the front to take pictures. For our first official Christmas program, I have to say this was the perfect experience. Afterwards, we went to KoKo Beach (Dane's request) and had some family "reflection" time. Good stuff...

Since our dear friends, the Canatsey's are moving to Italy in January, Claire opened her home (poor Claire) to all of the kids in their lives and had a cookie exchange. This was a chance for Ruby, Nova and Onyx to spend some time with their friends before they leave. I will just say this: Claire, thank you so much for that opportunity as the kids had a wonderful time. Also, I hope you didn't incur too much damage to your home! HOLY COW! There were SO many children running around and crafts going on...it was incredible! Much love to you all and your family. We're going to miss you so much!

Lastly, I have some photos from a very special trip that Mike and I took with the boys down to the tide pools. We decided to hop in the truck and go as it was nearing sunset, and I have to say this will be etched in my memory as one of my FAVORITE family moments. Not only was the sunset electric and colorful, but the boys enjoyed looking at all of the sea life so much. There were some insane tide pools to look at! 

Anyhoo, that's all for now. Merry Christmas everyone, and thanks again for reading!

I love our tree.

I wish I slept like this!

Gingerbread house time.

Took this pic with the "fro cam."

Aaaand the eating ensues.

Thanks auntie Erica!

I think Erica and Dane's house was the winner. Ryan's never really got off the ground.

Wearing daddy's beanie.

He's only 21 months, but he already looks so old!

Doing a little Dr. Seuss reading time.

Gearing up for the mediocre Santa pic! LOL!

Dane's thought: "Wow! Is this really happening? SQUIRREL!" Ryan's thought: "Wow, is this really happening? SAVE ME!"

Dane missed the memo that he was supposed to do the Scrooge face.

Entering the rec hall...where the magic happens!

Ryan could've already been in bed at this point.

That's a happy reindeer!

Getting out the performance jitters!

Big finish!

Time to go to KoKo Beach!

Cheers! (That was for you, dad)

Commence cookie exchange extravaganza!

Ruby's picture perfect!

"Did you see that?!"

There's Della, the ringmaster!

Nova the princess:)

What's up, doc?

Time to shop.

Madness! Here is what we heard THE ENTIRE time they tried to watch tv. "STOP TALKING! I CAN'T HEAR!"

Time for pizza!

Yeah, Ryan...um, you're not supposed to EAT the marker. You look beautiful, though, dahlink.

Ruby and Dane...buds for life.

Are we done yet?

This was so cute. Caught them looking at a book of old airplanes in the garage.

Telling Dane where to look....good luck, Mike.

Walking to the tide pools...

Found an awesome starfish farm!

This one had lost half of its arm.

Mikey found a crab! And then proceeded to stick his finger in its claw. Smart man:)

"Help meeeee!" A sea anemone eating a lobster! TOO COOL!

Ryan: "Who am I?" "I don't know."

I took this with the "sunset fro" cam.

Epic sunset.

Mele kalikimaka, everyone.