Christmas 2010

Christmas to me is just not Christmas Eve, or Christmas day. It begins about the day after Thanksgiving, when the decorations go up. I love all of the parties, celebrations and get togethers. Here are just a few pictures from Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, I didn't get many pictures, but more enjoyed the day. Sometimes trying to get that perfect picture takes away from the celebrations.

Our Family picture from boat parade day.
Raif on his new chair at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

My mom opening up one of her gifts

Colby opening up his beautiful new wine opener

Eli was very excited about his new gaming chair

Kelly and Lexy traveled to my mom and dad's still in pajamas

Jaymee was also still in her new favorite footed p.j.'s

Say cheese, Raif!

Bailey wearing a crown from her stocking.

Colby and Raif opening up stockings, and yes, the dogs also have stockings.

Coming down the stairs Christmas morning. Raif was still a bit sleepy since his sister woke up at 6:30am.

Christmas Eve with Grammy and Papa

Their gifts from Grammy and Papa, they had to find t hem down the stairs.

Christmas Eve, our tradition is you get to open up one present. Raif got new rain boots

Raif opened up his gift piece by piece, handing each one to Bailey

Bailey and her unopened present

Cuddling up with new pillow/blankets.

The Cuteness Continues

Raif sporting my new hat, a gift from my sister's much appreciated gift card to Nordstroms!

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!