Happy 70th Birthday Poppy!

Is there really a better place to celebrate your 70th birthday than John’s Incredible Pizza?  I think not.  And we have the photo evidence to prove it!

Happy Birthday Poppy!  You are VERY loved!

Christmas in Sacramento

We headed up to Sacramento after a relaxing Christmas morning at home!  The drive was quick and easy on the way there (the way home the next day, not so much.)

As soon as we got there, we got busy playing!  It was so fun to see all our “big girl cousins” that we hadn’t seen since Thanksgiving over a year ago!!  Which is really ridiculous since we’re less than two hours away.

We went on a great pre-dinner hike.

Mackenzie and Owen:

With drinks of course!

Nathan was directing traffic:

Mackenzie climbing trees.

Nana and Nathan:

Poppy in forest!

A little video of Nathan on the hike:

Nathan so happy with daddy!

Matt, Nathan & Nana:

Katie and Nathan:

Jaemie and Katie

A little leaf stomping:

Opening a ginormous bottle of wine that we had no problem drinking!

I love this picture because this in Nathan’s “hmmm, let’s see” that he does ALL THE TIME!

Brooke’s ready to open presents!

Poppy and his dogs, just like at home!

Katie loves her new boots!

The boys happily playing with their goods!

Thanks for hosting Rob and Mindy, we had a WONDERFUL day!

Merry Christmas!!!!

Christmas Morning

This year we were home for Christmas morning and it is nice to wake up and enjoy the morning in a relaxing, go with the flow kind of way.  We didn’t feel any pressure that people were waiting for us to get somewhere and we could really just sit and open presents at as fast or slow as the boys wanted!

Owen’s present from Santa was a castle. 

Nathan’s was a soccer goal.

Going through stockings.

Scooby Doo pirate figurines! 

A recorder!

And a super cool new pirate ship!

We had a delightful morning. 

Next we head to Sacramento to spend Christmas afternoon/night with Matt’s family!

Christmas Lights

So every year we walk Eucalyptus street here in San Carlos.  It’s the street where the houses are all drenched in lights.  We usually have the Broxterman’s over for dinner and drinks (mostly drinks), then we spike ourselves some delicious cider, bundle up and walk the walk! 

It’s a fun holiday tradition that gets better as the kids get older.  We don’t have to carry them as much and they are so excited with all the lights. 

I mean really, look at that madness.  That’s ONE house.

Me and my bestie Angela!

Owen just being super silly!

Fun was had by all!

Owen’s Pre-K Christmas Party

Owen’s school does a lot of great things.  Putting a on Christmas performance is NOT one of them.  These kids were horrendous.   It was so awful that it wasn’t even cute (and at this age, most things are cute or at least funny).  I do not mean to suggest that I could get 40 kids ranging from 2-5 to perform any better, I just was shocked at how bad it was. 

Lining up to sing.  Clearly thrilled.  The boy on the left is Owen’s best school buddy Christopher, who is nearly a full year younger and yes, a head taller!


WARNING: This video is four and a half minutes long.  It's painful, but I know Grandma Claudia would give anything to be able to come to these events, so here it is.


Nathan enjoying the crafts around the room.


Owen dancing to Andy Z.


Owen and his teacher, Miss Irene.  Owen loves her. 


Merry Christmas!

Jingle Bells!

A perfect rendition of the classic Christmas song.  I know it’s dark, but I thought you might enjoy it anyway!  We certainly did!