Finally getting caught up a little more. This takes us through Christmas and then hopefully just a couple more posts and I should actually be entirely caught up.
With Chris. three suitcases and all our presents in tow, we headed back to LA on a rainy Saturday morning. We were headed down for two full weeks, staying with Ryan's family in Valencia and bouncing back and forth between my parents' places as well. It was a bit exhausting, but I'm always grateful that we get to see everyone, even if it does mean a lot of driving.
Westin had just bought his own Spiderman costume with Christmas money from great-grandma and grandpa Williams, so he was basically living in it. This was about the third day straight he was wearing (and acting as) Spiderman.
When we arrived in Valencia, my dad met us at the Rich's house to pick Chris up and to check out Spiderman, who spent about 20 minutes doing Spiderman tricks on the grass. It was quite the show.
That night, when Doug's family arrived, Rick took the kids to Toys R' Us to help pick out toys for a secret Santa gift they do every year for a couple families. While the big kids actually helped find gifts, Emery and Westin enjoyed testing out the different toys.
Sunday morning with the cousins (minus Emery who wasn't interested in a photo shoot at the moment)
On Sunday evening, we went to my dad and Loni's house for our annual Christmas cookie decorating contest. We also had an amazing dinner and did a little Christmas program.
As usual, dad was the judge.
We had about ten or eleven categories... and while, these amateurs did alright...
the 2011 reigning champ took home the title yet again... with six category wins, including Best Overall.
Who doesn't love a little friendly competition with your siblings ;) Trevor is still trying to cope with the loss.
We loved having Kenzie back in the country to celebrate the holiday with us. We certainly missed her at Thanksgiving!
After the fun and games, we read and acted out the Christmas story. Kenzie was supposed to be Mary, and Westin Joseph, but Westin decided to play both...
Pretty sure he just wanted to ride the donkey.
On Christmas Eve, we went to my mom's house for a lunch-time Christmas party with our family and Garry's family. We all split up in groups to decorate gingerbread houses.
Our final product
Before we had to leave, we slipped away with my mom to exchange gifts.
Grandma gave Westin a new book, along with a new helmet, elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards - which all went on immediately and were worn the entire car ride back to Valencia.
Back at the Rich's, the chefs were hard at work preparing Christmas Eve dinner.
It was such a lovely meal, and one we look forward to every year!
The kids' table
Christmas morning came early, as it usually does with these eager beavers. It was so fun being with all the cousins for the big morning. There is so much energy and enthusiasm among the kids.
Santa's big gift for Westin, a balance bike.
We spent a couple hours looking through Santa's gifts and then opening all the presents under the tree. Afterwards, we had the Rich's traditional Christmas morning breakfast (homemade chocolate chip scones, cooked ham, hashbrowns, fresh squeezed OJ, and eggs). It's nothing short of delicious!
That afternoon, we went back to my dad's for more presents, more food and more fun.
Westin got new PJs, along with some new dress ups he was very excited to put on right away.
We also decided to get out and do something active for the afternoon, so we headed over to the bowling ally...
With Captain America
The days following Christmas were not any less busy. The kids got to go ice skating with grandpa Rick...
We had a family night in Westwood at 800 Degrees, the temple and Sprinkles...
Westin got to go miniature golfing with uncle T, uncle Chris and grandpa Steve...
And we had an afternoon at Universal Studios with my dad, Loni, Chris and Trevor
Sites from the back lot tour
Waterworld show - Westin's favorite part of the day.
Goofy pic
While waiting for the big boys to get through some of the "big boy" rides, Westin and I spent some time with Dora...
And taking more silly pictures.
Bumblebee from Transformers
The Grinch
Playing in the snow
So that pretty much takes us through the Christmas break. We had such a blast being with the entire family - both sides. It's always a bit painful to leave everyone and to leave LA, but we eventually made our way back to SF after the new year. Westin has started preschool and loves it. I love it too, especially his teacher. She's fantastic. We're excited to have shared the baby news and are looking forward to baby's arrival in July. Westin asks me almost every day if he can see the baby and points to my belly. He's started asking a lot of questions about how the baby comes out... I'm not always prepared to answer those types of questions yet. How much info is too much info? I also have my SLC girlfriends coming to town in about a week and a half, and then it's Ryan's 30th birthday. Really looking forward to celebrating his big day... especially with the little surprise I've put together ;)
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