Ladybugs!

Auntie Cynthia helped get our new year off to a good start by asking us if we wanted to go on a ladybug hike. We had been wanting to do this for weeks and this was our last dry day in the forecast, so we hopped on it. 

I told Cynthia where the ladybug viewing was supposed to happen and we joked for a good solid hour before I asked about the trails. Cynthia had misread the trail names and we turned back to find those little guys. 

Once we got to the right spot, we saw them everywhere! The kids had so much fun spotting ladybugs, and us grownups were pretty amazed as well. 

They were on the ground. 

On sticks and tree stumps and hiding in every little crevice imaginable. 

The kids were caught stuffing ladybugs into the zipper pockets of Easton's coat 

But mama, they're our children. 

A couple days later, we found their son, Charlie flying around inside out house poor Charlie. 

It felt so invigorating to be on such a long and difficult hike (before we backtracked to the ladybugs). The kids took turns walking Sam and it just felt so good to be outside, even if it was super chilly. 

Since we were right around the corner. We stopped at Nate and Meliss's house for a short visit, some gift exchanging. Lego building, dolly making, cousin wrestling fun. 

Easton excitedly told Beau, "and guess what?! Santa bringed me presents even though I punched my sister!!!!"

New Year's Eve

A mama in our homeschool group graciously hosted us all for a New Year's Eve party for kids and parents, alike. Games were played, delicious food enjoyed, dance party mania, and of course, a countdown... Eastern Time. There were kisses and tears (all mine). I've always been a New Years Sap. But there is something extra sad about leaving Simone's memory behind yet another year. And those happy family moments make me cry too.  Because she isn't here. 

After dancing their hearts out, the kids watched a movie on the projector while the grown ups played Cranium. We haven't played that game in nearly ten years. It was so fun to play again. I am glad to say Lane and I haven't lost our cranium touch. 

It was so enjoyable to have grow up fun with our homeschool family. I look forward to more game nights. For the countdown, as we all got our celebratory beverages ready, I told Easton he had to wait until we said happy new year to sip our drinks. He looked at me, said, "happy new yeawh" and chugged his sparkling cider. 

The kids had so much fun dancing and running around with each other. Easton was especially disappointed when it was time to leave. He promptly passed out on the five minute drive home. 

Gabriela, on the other hand, had grand plans of staying up until it was actually midnight. We played her game of choice, Monopoly. That little party animal stayed up until nearly 1am. She was so proud of herself and so excited too. She insisted we get toasting beverages and eggnog did the trick. 

Willow was a little unsure about staying up this late after her bedtime. 

Christmas for the cousins

The day after Christmas, we loaded everyone up in the car to spend a daycelebrating  Christmas with the cousins. 

Nana finally got some baby time. She was really not feeling well over thanksgiving and didn't hold Willow at all. Willow was happy to have her Nana time too. 

Bows and arrows seemed to be a popular gift this year. Wes and Easton spent the afternoon outside practicing their archery and giving each other tips. 

After a delicious grilled pork loin lunchtime feast, the kids all opened their gifts from each other. Easton was a very happy pirate. They spent the rest of the day playing with their gifts, building Legos together, and ended the evening with a movie and hot cocoa. 

Papa was a very busy elf in his workshop this year. He built Willow her own cradle. Obviously, we had too put her inside for a photo. 

Papa also made Gabriela a cradle in memory of Simone, since he has made cradles for all his granddaughters. 

The bottoms says, "Gabriela, may you honor the memory of Simone always. Her Papa will love her forever". Gabriela gets to keep and treasure her sister's cradle. It warms my heart that Papa included Simone in Christmas. Auntie Cynthia did too. She made a donation to the International Rescue Committee in Simone's honor. Thank you for remembering our daughter at the holidays especially. 

We had an impromptu slumber party. The ladies planned for Cynthia's baby shower and did some shopping, the kids played, and Lane got some football watching in. 

Papa also built Gabriela a giant bookcase, which he is delivering this week. That's one lucky little lady and one generous and talented Papa. 

Christmas

Well, it looks like Santa enjoyed his tamales and eggnog. What, you don't drink eggnog when you eat tamales? Neither do I. 

Gabriela woke up excitedly and couldn't wait for the moment Easton opened his eyes so they could check out Christmas. I loved hearing Easton squeal, "he came!!! Santa came!" 

Willow got a little baby doll just her size. And Easton's favorite gift was his bow and arrow. 

Gabriela was a little excited about her dollhouse furniture. 

And then we spent a lazy day at home together. 

At first, Easton had no idea how to shoot his bow and arrow. After some lessons from Daddy, Easton effortlessly reached behind his back for arrows and shot them straight to the target. He's a Grover, alright. 

Melting my heart, this guy, with the love he's showing his Daddy. 

Here is Willow modeling her headbands and sweet chubby cheeks. 

And here I am with a little Christmas morning tear running down my face. These kids of mine are such loving, happy beings and they are mine and Lane's to love forever. Ian and Adrienne sent a gift for Simone, a new ornament for our tree. It means so much to me that some people have made a real effort to include Simone in the holidays - whether it's by giving her a gift or asking about her, or including her name in a card to us, it all means that people know she's heavy in our hearts, and in theirs too. 

Of course, we ate tamales and posole all day. One day I will have my act together to cook something grand and fancy, but I'm not gonna lie, that tamale plan was pretty fabulous. Do all the work at once and reap in the benefits all day long. 

Gabriela wanted to play monolopy, one of her favorite Christmas gifts. And then she insisted we all watch The Sound of Music together, because it's our tradition!!! (We watched it last year and she remembers). Grandma and Grandpa stopped in quickly that afternoon for a little gift exchanging before heading to Nate and Meliss's house. 

And here is Easton all ready for bed.  He announced to us that he wanted to snuggle with his presents. I had trouble convincing him that you can't wear a quiver to bed. Obviously, he has to try it before agreeing to remove his beloved gift for the evening. 

Christmas was a mellow, quiet affair for us. I'm liking it better this way. The holidays are so complicated for us, at least for Lane and me. I treasure the time we spend on days like this with our excited, loving and living children. 

Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning

Gabriela had Christmas Eve all planned out. First and foremost, we had to make tamales. Her plan was for us to make them on Christmas Eve so we could eat them all day on christmas, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Now, that's a plan I can get behind. 

Easton always comes running and asking to help whenever I am in the kitchen. Christmas Eve was no exception. He helped me make the chile ancho sauce for the carnitas meat I had cooked for tamales. 

Easton put all the hojas in the sink to soak. Here he is, saying, "good thing I wore short sleeves today!" Ever the optimist, my Easton. 

The kids enjoyed tracking Santa on his trip around the world. Being the homeschool mama that I am, I got out our atlas so the kids could look at the countries in more detail, but I don't think they even opened it. Worthy a shot, right?! I love their elf hats from Nana. 

Gabriela helped with the tamale making by mixing up the masa. She enjoyed the messy gooey mixing by hand.  

Making tamales was a family affair. We also had to read Too Many Tamales, of course. 

Later that afternoon, the kids did a round of ornament decorating. They took this very seriously. Gabriela wasn't satisfied with the many colors available, so she mixed her own. And here's what we were left with by the end of the night. 

Gabriela's other special Christmas request was to have a fire in our fireplace. Lane normally doesn't care to use the fireplace. It gets smoky and doesn't generate too much heat. But he happily fulfilled Gabriela's request and built a raging fire.  We stayed cozy next to it and read some Christmas books together before settling in for bed. 

I was so grumpy on Christmas Eve. I was snappy at the kids and unable to enjoy the excitement and love of Christmas that the kids felt. Then, at some sappy Christmas song, I lost it and just sobbed and sobbed. I realized I was touchy and upset because I was missing Simone so much more than normal. Then I felt guilty about being grumpy. I mean, it's bad enough that Simone isn't here with us, I didn't need to let that take over and prevent me from enjoying the special day with my other children. So, naturally, I cried more out of guilt for snapping at the kids and not making our day so memorable and magical. 

But, as usually happens, letting out all those tears gave me some relief. 

The kids brilliantly decided to leave Santa a tamale for a Christmas Eve snack and this is what our tree looked like when I went to bed that night. 

Aunt Patty comes to town

We were all thrilled that Aunt Patty was in town from Hawaii over the Christmas holiday. She is my dear friend, Malia's mama. Gabriela says we are like Aunt Patty's grandchildren and she certainly treats them as such!

Aunt Patty spent some time with the kiddos, reading books and listening intently to all the kids' stories. She immediately got her baby snuggles in. The kids now have darling Hawaiian outfits. I just can't wait for Willow to wear hers. We gave Aunt Patty some hot chocolate mix that we made, a plate of cookies we baked, and some ornaments the kids made and decorated. 

We are so lucky to have so many people who love on our sweet babies. Aunt Patty couldn't resist one last snuggle, taking Willow back one last time before heading out the door at the end of her visit. I can't blame her, who can resist that Santa butt?!

Christmas happenings

I am really happy to say we had so much Christmas fun this year, more than I thought we'd be able to manage with a newborn baby. 

First, we got our new ornaments from Auntie Liss. She made each of my girls their own ornament, including Simone. It means so much that Simone is included in our holidays. Our baby girl will always be a part of our family. 

We certainly watched our share of Christmas movies. Sometimes, it's more fun to watch your kids enjoying the movie, than to watch the actual movie. Gabriela introduced us to Christmas With The Kranks this year, and we will be adding that to our annual list of December movies. 

One day we made snicker doodles. Easton was so excited to help every step of the way. And then came the moment of enjoying his hard baking work. He took one bite and declared that he didn't like snicker doodles.  Poor baby. He wanted to make the cookies with the shapes, he said. So sugar cookies it was! Lane helped the kids bake their sugar cookies. 

Gabriela with her artwork. 

We promised Easton some Star Wars snowflakes. Princess Leia has been up since last Christmas. She is now joined by Chewbacca, Yoda, a storm trooper, and Obi wan Kenobi. Easton chose the patterns, I did the initial cutting, and Lane finished them off with the exacto-knife. Teamwork! 

One morning Willow and I got out of bed to find this - little elves polishing and hammering toys they were preparing in their workshop. They played all month with their wooden Santa toy set, their play mobile Christmas toys, and tons of Christmas pretend play including countless games of "Santa's children" and play dough Christmas cookie making. 

I was determined to make Willow a Christmas stocking this year. I sat down one Saturday and just did it! Willow seems pleased with the result. 

We also attended a Solstice party hosted by some homeschool friends of ours who are now our neighbors. We all enjoyed hot cider, delicious stew, setting off candlelit wishes and making beeswax candles. 

Easton can sing tons of Christmas carols after listening to Christmas tunes all month. There were things that we didn't do this year like we normally do, such as walking down Christmas Tree Lane in Alameda. Our house has been a total mess this whole holiday season, but we've managed to create some fun memories, nevertheless.