Second Christmas in Cali

The month of December was full in just about every way. Our calendar, home, fridge, and lives were packed to the brim.

While Traever studied for finals and wrapped up his first half of seminary the kids and I stayed busy with school work, park days, parties, and preparing our home and minds for the season.

An ornament making/playdate that we hosted for the Westminster moms ended up with a turn out of 9 moms and 20 little ones three years old and under + a four year old. At one point I saw a friend walk by with a baby strapped to her back and one strapped to her front. It was less chaotic then you might think. In the end everyone survived, ornaments were made, bellies were filled, and frazzled moms (myself included) got to talk and laugh amongst the craziness.

The days of December marched on and the Christmas festivities continued with Gingerbread cookies, card making, advent readings and nativity books, watching plenty of Christmas movies, visiting with the neighbors and the postman, singing, dance parties, and decorating.

Cookie making, baking, and taking

The  California weather was just chilly enough for a winter cap and a fire in the fireplace.

All geared up for damage control and excited to make and mail hand print cards for the family.

The few days leading up to Christmas day Traever's siblings began flying in from South Korea, Chicago, and New York City. All of the siblings had arrived by Christmas day and so we had a traditional family gathering and opening of presents. Our families were very generous in bringing and shipping gifts. Thankful to have such thoughtful and sweet families.

A day or two later the girls received a surprise Christmas gift from Uncle Bryce. Adalai thought that a friend was coming over so when she heard the doorbell ring she rushed to get the door and there instead of her friend was a... http://youtu.be/1eS_3egpnrY

Later she asked me "How did Uncle Bryce know I wanted a horse?!" Rewind to a month prior... I had asked Adalai what she wanted for Christmas. At first all she could think of was "to have my cousin Livie with me this Christmas" when I broke the news to her that Livie couldn't come she settled for "a horse". This 5 year old already has expensive taste! So to get a horse even for a few hours was quite the gift for her. A gift that she won't forget!

Thatcher wasn't a big fan.

Even without the babe I still got suckered into a ride.

This poor pony.

The girls and the giver of the gift.

No trip to California would be complete without a trip to the beach so the guys braved the chilly 60 degree weather and went surfing.

The kids got to have lots of tea parties and horsey rides with their uncles and aunt around. We built lots of fires, stayed up til the wee hours playing cards and watching movies. It was a sweet time together. The kids were so sad to see their Aunt and Uncles leave. They asked if we could "adopt them so that they could live with us forever".  Bryce, Blake, Torey, and Jake you are loved.