Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve tradition is to have a fancy family dinner, normally spent in CH, with all of my extended relatives and David's parents who come into town. With Nani's passing this year, all of my Aunts and Uncles decided not to come to CH for Christmas. While I can't blame them because I know it would have been extremely hard, it made for a much smaller crowd and we missed seeing everyone. 

To shake things up a bit David and I decided to host Christmas Eve dinner. We spent over $75 on beef tenderloin and since we couldn't agree on how to prepare it, or the sauce, we made it two different ways and with two different sauces! I was really worried about over cooking the beef and ruining it, especially since it cost so much! Luckily they both turned out delicious, although of course I think mine was better :). 

Poor Finley man was at his worst this night as his temperature sky rocketed and I had to run to the store for some serious medicine. Luckily after the meds kicked in he started moving around a bit and talking again. This poor guy was sick for an entire week! Earlier in the day Finley made these adorable place cards for our dinner. Each one has a symbol that represents the person. Mimi's might be the funniest. It looks like a person dancing, but is actually Hannah my parents dog! 

Now he is perking up! 

After dinner my mom had brought over this picture book called Angela and the Baby Jesus. The book is written by Frank McCourt (author of Angela's Ashes). The book was absolutely hilarious (especially since Michelle read it in her Irish accent) but also really sweet. 

We enjoyed listening to the story and then eating some delicious trifle! 

Although some of us feel asleep during the story. . . 

After a delicious dinner it was time to say good night. 

We put out some cookies and veggies for Santa and his reindeer, 

made sure our stockings were hung, and headed off to bed (well after we did some major wrapping). We went to bed hoping and praying our little man would be feeling better in the morning. I feel like he is always sick on Christmas. Poor little guy. 

Holiday Happenings

We've done a few fun things to get into the spirit of Christmas over here! 

First up we headed downtown for the tree lighting and festival!

Finley had a great time seeing a TMNT.

We saw lots of festive decorations and ran into our friends the Daughertys. 

We enjoyed playing in some fake snow, listening to music, and seeing Mrs. Claus. 

We also saw one of Finley's classmates too. 

At last it was time for the main event. 

We sang a few carols and counted down for the tree lighting! 

Next up our neighborhood club house hosted a breakfast with Santa. 

Finley brought his wish list to Santa. 

And we enjoyed skipping long lines and being able to take our own pictures with Santa for free!

The school that I work at also hosted a Holiday reading with Curious George. 

Finley had fun meeting George and hearing a few stories read by my principal in the library I work in.  

At the end of the reading each child was able to pick out a free book to take home! Score!

We missed our annual trip to the parade, but made up for it by adding new traditions to help bring the Christmas Spirit home! Just a few more days till Christmas! We can't wait! 

Fall Photos

A few of my favorites from our recent fall photo shoot with our good friend Toni Walker!

 

Thanksgiving 2014

This Thanksgiving, or sicksgiving as this year will be known, was spent in the thrill. We took Wednesday off of work and headed to spend time with my mom, dad, brother, and sister who were both in town. Unfortunately my mom, David, Donovan, and Abuelo were all sick with everything from colds, to sinus infections, to bronchitis! Abuelo was so sick that he and Grammie stayed away and didn't even join us on Thanksgiving :(. 

Luckily so far, knock on wood, Finley has been able to stay healthy and happy! Finley was especially excited to spend time with Auntie Michelle and Uncle Deez. Michelle convinced Finley to do a little ab workout with her.  

Thanksgiving morning we headed over to start helping set up and get things ready for dinner with the team. Or part of my dad's team at least. My dad's team is normally still in the NCAA tournament, but this year we lost in the sweet sixteen round, so we had a zombie thanksgiving as my Uncle Pete likes to call it (that's when we lose and we don't host the whole team but only those left behind). 

My dad and 'Uncle Kenny' (one of Pete's restaurant partners). 

David and Finley enjoyed snacking and watching the parade on TV while we got things ready. 

Mash and I waiting on Deez for our annual sibling picture.

I love spending time with my family! 

And in true Donovan fashion he can only make 'good' faces for so long. 

Uncle Pete was running around busting his butt the whole time, but I caught one picture of him! 

Mimi and Pop Pop!

Our little family. Apparently Finley has also taken on Donovan's tendency to make funny faces for pictures now. 

Post parade we started watching the dog show. 

It was surprisingly entertaining and we enjoyed trying to pick which dog would win each category. 

At last we sat down to dinner and ate some delicious food! 

Donovan taught Finley how to vogue. 

As is tradition, the day after Thanksgiving we decorated gingerbread houses.

We started with a large crowd, but by the end it was just Michelle, David and I putting on the finishing touches. Finley and Donovan were off playing Minecraft somewhere! 

Ta - dah! 

I think it turned out pretty well! 

It was a pre-made kit, but we did add a bit of our own flair. 

Even though so many of us were sick we still had a fun time visiting with family, relaxing, and resting up. We hope you had a happy Thanksgiving too!