Pictures with Santa

I'm really not sure how long Zoe will believe in Santa Claus. She keeps saying, "This Santa looks different." "There are a lot of Santas, mommy." And, "This Santa looks different." 

At the Natural History Museum - that badger in the bottom right doesn't not look very happy.

At Zodo's, for the Little Piggies Christmas party

Maddox, on the hand, wasn't so sure about Santa. Maybe he's already suspecting something fishy..?

Asking for a CareBear

Merry Christmas (#2)!!!

I can't believe it's already Christmas and the year is almost over!  This past year has been pretty exciting for us. Francis and I both started new jobs (I now work from home!), Zoe turned 4, Maddox turned 2, we got a new dog and took trips to France and Disneyworld. I wonder what this next year will bring!

Zoe was so excited for Santa this year, I've never seen her go to bed so fast.

"Dear Santa, I love (heart) you.  - Zoe"

It took all of 5 minutes to open up all their presents in the morning. Maddox still doesn't fully understand what all the fuss is about but he seemed pretty excited about his new toys.

Opening their stockings

Even the doggies got stockings

Too bad this one is blurry, this was the best expression.

All that unwrapping is exhausting!

We took our annual xmas walk on the beach - it is almost 80 degrees today.  No complaints here!

  

Tonight will we plan on making a fancy dinner and playing a couple of board games with the kids. Tomorrow, my parents arrive for celebration #3!

Merry Christmas everyone!  We hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Christmas Celebration #1!

We went to Bakersfield last weekend to celebrate the holidays with Francis' family. Auntie Shay was nice enough to host this year - yay! Unfortunately, we were having so much fun we forgot to take pictures of everyone  :(  Here are the few we managed to get.

Zoe slept with McKenzie both nights - she was in heaven!

These two are too cute.

Getting ready to open presents!

 These kids were obsessed with their lollipop rings.

 Selfie my two favorite kids in the world.

  

Jagger passed out

The rare cuddle and nap with my little man

Thanks again Shannon and Sandra for hosting!!  

BFFs

These three have been together for 3+ years, which is saying a lot considering they're only 4! I will always wonder what kind if trouble these three would have gotten into if they could go to the same elementary and high schools. 

From left: Zoe, Charlotte and Claire

School Pictures 2013

School pictures came in today and I have to say that every year is just as cute and funny as the last.

This cracks me up.  Love them!

Zoolander face

When did she grow up??

And the class picture. When given a choice between the posed or the crazy class picture, Tami chose the crazy one.  So glad she did!  I imagine this is how the kids look like most of the day.

Clockwise from top left: Alex, Mia, Sammy, Maddox, Marreck, Levi, Zoe, Claire, Gwendolyn and Charlotte

It's crazy to think that this time next year Zoe will be in kindergarten with all new friends. These kids have been together for 3 years and have such a tight bond.

Bowling

It was actually raining (gasp!) in Santa Barbara last weekend so we decided to take the kids out bowling to get some energy out.  I don't know what they liked best -  the bowling, the music or the arcade.  Maddox kept trying to show off his dance moves in other people's lanes and thought it would be fun to chase the ball down the alley. And Zoe I think is taking after me and is starting to show signs of competitiveness.  ;)

Festival of Lights 2013

Every year Santa Barbara puts on a Festival of Lights. It takes place at the harbor and the boats are decorated in tons of holiday lights.  The kids and I met Aunties Kim and Jen at Longboards to watch the festivities.

Maddox couldn't get enough of the boats!

Zoe discovered peanuts in the shell. She must have had at least 3 dozen to herself. Entertainment at it's best!

Fireworks! I totally forgot about the fireworks. - they were great considering how small this event is.

Maddox was really scared of the fireworks - he jumped on me and was holding on really tight.  Pretty funny considering this kid is not scared of anything else. 

Pretty little Zoe bundled up