Let the Christmas Festivities Begin....

 We had a very nice weekend...kicking off the Christmas Season. We went to the Old Town Stroll for the lighting of the big tree and to see Santa. The weather was perfect. It was cold...but not too cold. We bundled up and walked around for a bit. Got some hot chocolate and some yummy bizcochito cookies. Saturday morning we got up and took all the decorations out. Dad did a great job hanging the Christmas lights outside with Jake's help. Our house looks beautiful. 

Jake was ready to go. Wanted me to take a picture of him on this big rock

Mom & Sophie Linda. I love her in this jacket & hat...so perdy

Well, this would have been a good picture...if the guy hadn't moved. 

There's the tree. Old Town is so beautiful at Christmas. I love the luminarias. 

Dad & Jake checking out the luminarias. 

Love this picture...

Waiting for Santa

Jake--always posing. 

Jake went right up to Santa and told him what he wanted for Christmas. Sophie wasn't sure!

Handsome boy! 

Sophie was definitely SURE she didn't want to take a picture with this old guy. 

A very nice evening. We are looking forward to Christmas. Maybe we'll even get a white snow covered Christmas? The kids can't wait for Santa. Have a Happy Holiday everyone. 

California Turkey

We spent Thanksgiving in California. We left Tuesday evening and decided to drive all night. Um, not such a good idea. We figured Jake & Sophie would both sleep most of the way. Jake only slept 1/2 way because he was so excited and Sophie hardly slept because she was car sick. But once we reached Oxnard, it was all good. Deon & I went to sleep and Jake & Sophie got to go to the beach with Grandpa Bob. We spent our days relaxing, eating and spending some quality time with Bob & Pat. We got to see Maya & Eli the first 2 days and had Thanksgiving dinner at GG's. And, my husband wanted to go shopping on Black Friday. So, we hit the outlets at 6:30am. It wasn't that bad...got some really good deals too! The last night, Sophie's Ninos, Sarah/Fred, Cyndi & Natalie came to visit. We had dinner and lots of laughs. We had a great visit to California. The only thing is...there's never enough time. There were lots of other family members and friends we wanted to see but didn't have the time. Next time, I hope! On our way back, Jake said he already missed Bob. 

Jake & Maya working on a puzzle...he loves his cousin! 

Sophie, Maya & Jake hanging at the beach

Cousins! When we drove into California and Jake saw the palm trees he said, "hey look at the L.A. trees"

On the beach with Grandpa Bob

Eli, Alec & Jake having fun

Alec playing the Jake guitar (he's been doing that to Jake since he was a baby)

The next KING

Sophie found the step stool and pushed it all over the kitchen. She was in heaven...Nana & Bob's house is NOT child proofed at all. And, everything was at her level too. 

I love my family

Jake and his cousins, Jayden & Joaquin. Jake also found GG's stash of  toys (see the tractor he wouldn't let go of)

Love this picture of Uncle Albert & Michelle

Bob & Pat...getting dinner ready. Mmmm, they made Caldo de Gallo for us...it was so good! 

Oh Miss Sophie...you wouldn't go with anyone (just Bob & Pat)...you stayed glued to me...what's up w/ that! 

Look at Miss Natalie...all grownsed up! And, Nina Anna...lookin' good girl. We love you guys! 

So much to be thankful for, especially our families. Thanksgiving is done...Now, let's get ready for Christmas.
 

Jake's Thanksgiving Party

Jake's class celebrated Thanksgiving with a play and party. It was too cute. Jake was a turkey! They had lots of yummy food. We got to meet Jake's friends and other parents. It was fun! We love Jake's teachers and are very happy with his progress so far. He's learning his numbers, letters, prayers, songs, pledge of allegiance and lots more! 

The turkey's waiting to start the show...Gobble Gobble

Jake really loves school

Mrs. Zimmerly...she's awesome! 

Sophie found the girl toys...she made herself at home and had so much fun! Every morning when we drop Jake off, she wants me to take off her jacket so she can stay too. It's really cute

Jake & Dad enjoying some juice

Jake & Mrs. Millican...she's so sweet

We are so blessed that Jake gets to attend a really awesome school like Hope Christian. This Thanksgiving we felt very thankful for such a great place, with loving teachers, the Christian faith surrounding him and his happiness there. Mrs. Millican told me the cutest thing Jake started at school. She says every day when someone gets picked to hold the flag or lead something, Jake starts a chant for that kid, "Go Sammy, Go Sammy". And now they do it all the time. 

Putting up the tree

They put up the Christmas tree in Old Town this weekend. So, Jake & Dad went to check it out. We heard there were lifts and cranes and we all know those are some of Jake's favorite things. Jake was amazed and posed for pictures too! He even brought me back a piece of the tree...it smells so good...Christmas is coming! 

 

Love you Jake

Albuquerque Turkey

Today we celebrated Thanksgiving with Pa & Coco since we will be in California on Thanksgiving day. I made the turkey and all the trimmings...and it was delicious(if I do say so myself)! 

Jake & Sophie helping me get things ready for the Turkey

Big Brother & Little Sister...matching shirts

I tried to get them to pose together and by themselves...

Sophie was amazed by this pinwheel

Whoa Pa...this is fun! 

Love to see that smile! 

Look at Jake...cracking up! 

Look at them, whatever Pa's doing...they think it's hilarious!  

 We wish we could be in two places at once when it comes to celebrating holidays. We are looking forward to our trip to California. We haven't all been out there since Christmas, last year. It will be nice to see everyone and spend some time together. Lots to be Thankful for!