December

Well, I had big blogging plans for this month- as in making up for lost time and really trying to get back into regular posting to keep you avid readers abreast of all our holiday hoopla. What I didn't really factor in was how time consuming said holiday hoopla is. And while I love the holidays- the crafting, the gift planning, the decorating etc., I am just not that too good at documenting it. For example, this year we went to an absolutely adorable, family run Christmas tree farm and chopped down our own tree. There were so many picture worthy moments, it was kind of ridiculous. Good thing I handily left the camera at home, where it was nice and safe. We did take a few pictures on Jeff's camera phone, which is no iphone, if you know what I'm saying.

See?

Not so great. But there we are, anyway, with axe in hand (not that you can see it), ready to chop our tree down.

The tree is now cozily ensconced in our living room, fully decorated with our ornaments and popcorn/cranberry garlands, another festive occasion I neglected to capture on film.

Oh well, there is always next year, I guess.

But anyway, this month has been full of fun activities and we are having a lovely time of it so far. This past weekend we went to a family holiday party at the Mondavi winery, where the kids decorated cookies, watched a very entertaining puppet show, and sat (begrudgingly) with Santa. And I remembered the camera!!

Cookies and coloring.


The five of us- not the greatest picture, maybe, but it is rare that we all get in one photo together, so there it is!

Grannie came too!


There was also face painting. Is that just the cutest ever or what?



In case you weren't sure...



The big boys, waiting in line for candy canes... Oh, I mean waiting to meet Santa.

SO psyched for Santa!!!


Awkward photo with strange man dressed in red.

One more cute shot of Grannie and Atti just for good measure.

The view behind Jeff's winery. Pretty nice, huh?

Quote of the Day

This morning, while snuggling in bed, Patch asks me if I like "pretty things?" "Yes. I do- like you. You're pretty," I tell him. "I know, " he replies. "I'm pretty like flowers."

Indeed.

Tree Climbing

Yesterday Sam comes running into the house calling for me, saying "Mom! I have some good news. Patch can climb trees now!". Now, you mothers out there will probably be with me in doubting the intrinsic goodness to this statement, but there was no denying the excitement in my son's voice. So outside I go to find one very proud Patch, perched about three feet off the ground on a couple of low branches. They were both so pleased. And so was I.

He may not sleep that well,

but, dang, is he cute!