Merry Christmas!

I mean, really, how cute are they?

Long Beach Ballet Nutcracker

Last year Sarah and I took Reagan and Bailey to see the Nutcracker at the Orange County Ballet. This year we had a group of 9 attend the Long Beach Ballet. Tickets were a bit more expensive, but the show was worth it. There was beautiful costumes, pyrotechnics and a live horse! My mom along with our neighbor Anne and her two girls went to lunch at PF Chang's. We then joined up with Sarah, Shirley Molly and Reagan to take up almost an entire row at the theatre. It was a beautiful performance and can't wait until next year.

My mom with Bailey and me
Reagan and Bailey (Bailey is insisting on growing out her bangs, we are at an in-between stage!)

Birthday Dinner with Friends

When I turned 30 I was 8 months pregnant and in pain with Fred the Fibroid. I didn't get to whoop it up and have a big 30th birthday bash. I swore I was going to have a big celebration when I turned 35 to makeup for my lack of excitement at turning 30. I had many ideas of great parties, but as you get a bit older, sometimes dinner with a few friends is all you need. Sarah and Colby got a group of 15 friends and we had a delicious dinner at Park Avenue Restaurant in Stanton, CA. It sounds far but it's about 15 minutes from our house. We sat in the backroom the was adorably decorated for Christmas. It was a great evening and one I will remember. A few of us went down to 2nd street to Evo, Shannon's and Acapulco Inn afterwards. Just in case we weren't already feeling old enough...we decided to party with the 20nothing crowd! We ended up back at our house until 3 a.m.!!! Thank you to all who came, it was such a special birthday.

Colby and me
Rob and Laura and me

Rachel and Brian Anne and me

Sarah, Aaron and Kelly

Jami, Dustin and Colby

Our San Diego crew; Paul, Rob and Laura

Yvette and Curtis

Curtis, Yvette and me

Paul and Rob with me

Anne, me and Sarah

The afterparty at our house, note booze on bar

Somehow the eggnog came out!

My Birthday Dinner

This year for my birthday I wanted to take out the boat and go on a harbor lights cruise. My parents, Colby's parents and the Irelands joined us for a fun evening. We dined on open sesame and Colby's mom made a delicious homemade angel food cake. It was a beautiful evening and a great time!

Yes, there really are 35 candles!
Colby lighting the candles.

Bailey and Reagan and Bailey's new baby she just birthed!

Aaron having a little vino

Raif did not like the hot candles!

Bailey helped me blow out the candles, I needed it!

Paige enjoying a little Trader Joe's cookie!

Kisses for my little guy!

Colby's Birthday

For Colby's birthday we had a mellow evening at home. I bought shrimp, for only about the 3rd time in our 10 years together. We made shrimp and beef tacos for dinner and ice cream sandwiches for dessert. Afterwards we made our annual gingerbread house. Bailey, Colby and I made the house and Raif tried to eat it!

The finished product, Raif is still eyeing the candy!
Raif picking off the sprinkles!

Bailey and I icing the gingerbread house. Raif still eating it!

Boomer is trying to get a little something! Notice Raif's messy face!

Witt Family Christmas

This year we had the Witt Family Christmas a bit early, due to my scheduling error. But, my error allowed my cousin Jennifer and Vince and their family to be able to come to the party. Colby and I hosted the event this year and we had a pot luck of delicious food! The aunts brought a main dish and all the cousins brought the fixins', appetizers and desserts. The aunts all drew names for the kids and they were so excited to get presents early. Our family has grown by one this year with the addition of Keith and Carmen's baby girl, Molly. It was a fun party and so great that all of us (at least those in California) could get together to celebrate Christmas.

Sarah and Charlotte opening her new shopping cart
Bailey by the fireplace

It was such a beautiful day, we were able to dine outside

Lexy is so her mother's daughter, she does not like her picture taken

Lucas and Raif playing together

I've had the leaves in my table for a week solid!

Marissa on the slide

Say, "cheese!," Charlotte

Opening the presents

I mean, really, Lexy. I see your pictures all over facebook!

Couch potatoes!

Jaymee would smile for me!

Santa at The Grove

My mom and I made our annual trip to The Grove to see Santa Clause. This is our 3rd year going, and I still love it. The grove makes this fun video clip of the kids seeing Santa. Bailey already found the 2 previous years and we've watched them about 20 times each. Here are a few of the photos from our trip.

I, once again, had to have my picture taken with Santa.
The beautiful water fountain at The Grove.

My mom and the kids, Raif would not give up his pretzels...for anything.

Raif had his hair looking cute.....