What is Christmas?

I have a plethora of Christmas books, and I mean a plethora. Let's just say we could read a book a day for the 24 days leading up the Christmas and still need about another month to go through all of them. But, most of my books are from my teaching days, and are secular.

I bought this book the other day to help explain Christmas to Bailey and Raif. Bailey has a lot more knowledge of it from attending a mom's group at a church. She also went to VBS for a week, and has retained more knowledge than I can believe. Raif on the other hand, is just learning it's Christmas time, but doesn't know what that means.

This book does a great job of explaining Christmas, while still understanding that they are KIDS. It goes through all of the FUN of Christmas, while reminding them what Christmas is really about: God's greatest gift of love, Jesus coming to save the world. It explains that it's OKAY to love the decorations, the trees, the presents, Santa, caroling, etc., but the REAL reason we celebrate is the birth of Jesus. So, it's okay to love ALL things about Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving

This year we hosted Thanksgiving for my mom and dad, sister and her family, Colby's parents, and our neighbors. The Irelands stopped by before dinner for a glass of wine as well. I once again was not so good at taking pictures of everyone. When there are 19 people at your house you often forget to snap pictures. Here are just a few of a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Bailey worked hard making everyone a place card The kids table

Jaymee and Lexy

The Vega clan

A Thanksgiving must, squirting whipped cream from the can

I think Colby gave Eli a bit too much!

Soccer Party

Bailey's soccer team had their end of the season party at Cal Bowl (I was the team mom, can you tell?) The girls had a great time and Bailey got to have her first experience actually bowling. I know, pathetic, she's never bowled before. But, in my defense, she has actually never wanted to before this!

On the lanes ready to bowl.
50- not bad Bailey

Flowers and trophies!

Bailey and Reagan

Bailey and Reagan with Coaches Peter and Aaron

Thanksgiving Play

Bailey's class put on an adorable Thanksgiving play. The play was 5 minutes long, so I just put on a snippet of one of the songs they sang after the play. They feasted on friendship stew they helped make.

Stage decor
Bailey played a pilgrim lady

Place setting at friendship feast

Ready to eat!

Jog-a-Thon

Bailey's school had their annual Jog-a-Thon fundraiser this past Friday. Bailey did awesome and I can't actually believe how many laps she ran! Way to go Bailey!

15 laps, not bad Bailey!
I think we could have called it a prance-a-thon

Ready to go!

Cheer Clinic Game

Here's a clip of Bailey down with her big cousin Jaymee at the MHS football game.

Cell Phone Randoms

Every once in a while you have to clear off all the pictures from your cell phone. Here are a few from the last couple of months.

Boomer passed out
Colby's mom and dad have been taking Raif while I VIP in Bailey's class. This is a box they cut out to make a little house for him. He loves it.

We've been going to Yogurt Land after swim on Fridays. This is how Raif eats his yogurt after it's melted a bit.

I think they were both a bit tired.

No alcohol was consumed by Raif...maybe others, but not Raif.

Raif and I have been going to the park while Bailey's at school.

Lily could get out of there, but it does look quite daunting.

Bailey managed to coax Raif into playing dress-up.

Rainy days meant bring out the play-doh.

Another park, another day.

We don't really spoil our dogs...

Bailey (and Boomer) waiting for their daddy to come home after his 10 day fishing trip.

Soccer PIcture 2011

Purple Mermaids 2011

A Good Laugh

Bailey and Raif told me to sit down in the playroom so they could do a fashion show. That little boy sure does love his sister and will do just about anything she tells him to. These pictures are going to come back and haunt him, his sister will make sure of that in the years to come. I thought they were too cute not to share. So, enjoy a good laugh, on Raif!

Wardrobe #1
Wardrobe #2

Bailey decided to teach her little brother the cheer dance she had learned early that morning at the cheer clinic. I think he looks like a little old lady trying to walk in heals.

Cheer Clinic 2011

Jaymee's cheer team once again hosted a cheer clinic. Bailey had a great time since her big cousin was one of her instructors. There was a big turnout for this event and a great fundraiser for their cheer team.

3 of my favorite girls
Jaymee and Bailey

Ready for the routine

Shake, shake, shake!

Bailey's Routine

Bailey's Stunt

Halloween School Parade and Trick or Treating

Halloween was so wonderful this year. It started out with Bailey's Halloween Parade at School. Bailey's face lit up every time she saw us on her parade walk. Raif even joined his big sister on their last lap of the parade. The day ended with us watching two kids, who have never really wanted to trick-or-treat, become ultimate trick-or-treaters! Raif kept asking to go to the next house and Bailey was right there with him.

My favorite picture of Halloween!
Hi there Bailey!

A little class warm-up before the parade

I still can't believe he actually wore his costume

A little treat for after the parade

Trick-or-treat!

Raif had to make a little pit stop to check out the goods!