Christmas Day

I loved Christmas. Loved it. Chloe actually got it this year. It was great. As usual, the girls woke up right about 7am. Chloe ran down stairs and I called down to her "to get back up here!" I had to take pictures!! Growing up, my parents would let us "open" our stockings in the morning while we waited for everyone else to wake up. Then we would all come down the stairs together. This tradtion must be passed on. Santa left a few goodies in the stockings, including some goodies-- Charlie's main and only focus.
It was so fun to watch the girls open their presents and start playing with their new toys. After a little play time we all got showered and dressed to have breakfast with my parents and spend the day with my side of the family. All the girls got new outfits they got to wear. So darn cute!

Christmas Eve

This year we spent Christmas Eve with the Andrus clan. We spent most of the morning cleaning the house to prepare for Santa to come. Santa doesn't come to dirty houses. :)

We went over to Don and Karen's in the afternoon and mostly just hung out and relaxed. That night we had prime rib followed by a frenzy of presents and wrapping paper. The night ended perfectly- Charlie going potty on the toilet! She wouldn't let me put on her diaper until she sat on the toilet and took care of business. My little girl is growing up!

Fashionistas

I'm not sure who was in charge of wardrobe this day - Kevin or Chloe. Either way, these are some FAB outfits.

My Little Cow Girl

How can you not smile when you see this picture?

Decorating the Tree

The week after we got back from Tahoe we got a tree-- Thanks Costco. While it is a great looking tree, it doesn't smell at all. I am more than disappointed with the lack of pine in our house now. Why have a tree if it doesn't smell? Anyway, half the lights from last year didn't work so I sent Kevin to Walmart while I ran some errands. When I came home, not only was the tree set up with lights, but so was half the front yard. When I told Kevin to buy three boxes, I assumed he would buy the same kind, same count. WRONG-O! He bought about 6x more lights than we needed for the tree. O well, at least the front looks great! The next morning the girls and I finished decorating the tree. It looks great and I love it!

Chloe and Charlie didn't quite get the concept of spreading the ornaments around..he hehe

I love the glow of the tree at night with all the lights off and the tree lit. It's magical.

Deacon Dave's

Every year there is a man in Livermore - Deacon Dave - that creates a Christmas village at his house. It is massive and the glow of the lights can be seen for blocks. This year we took a little walk with Peter and his boys (Kevin's brother) to Deacon Dave's house.

I think Peter was a little excited for the photo, what do you think?

Ella is the newest Andrus and looks EXACTLY like Peter!
It really is quite impressive and very pretty.

little ice rink with "skaters skating"

The reason for the season

Total light count - CRAZY!

This is a shot... from about two blocks away. Talk about BRIGHT!

My Big Girls

Chloe is getting so big. Actually, all my girls are getting big. Time just seems to be flying by. One Sunday I decided to round brush and straighten Chloe's hair to see how long her hair really is. It is long! She looked so much older with her hair straight! I don't think Charlie's hair will have much curl, but maybe Chantelle's. Such Cuties! I can't help myself!!