Even though the Christmas season wipes us out....we packed it up and off we went!
Sahaguns. Moshers. Vincents. Grandparents.
Who knew the weather would be this gorgeous in the middle of Winter? NYE in California! Gotta love it!
Our first night...
And in the morning.....Spencer's Special pancakes! (Dancakes!)
The Spot. Chocolate Chip Milk shake anyone? Yes please.
The Palms is a must.
We visited the Santa Barbara Mission....preparing for Emma's 4th grade project. Fun and educational!
Preparing our NYE Dinner....dutch oven cooking....Spencer loves it. So do we.
Bust a move. Two peas in a pod ^^
Happy New Year!
The Happy Campers minus Spencer. He had to take the picture.
Last stop. Fruit Stand off the 60 fwy before home. Delicious.
Safe and sound. Memories Made. PTL!
Until next year!
Our family signed up to make dinner for the folks at The Cold Weather Shelter.
Green beans and meatloaf were on the menu.
Snapping beans.
Getting their hands dirty!
Now they're smiling!
This really was a great experience for all of us. The girls were at the perfect age (9 & 12) to partake in this type of serving. It always feels good to bless others. We can't wait to sign up again.
So this is Christmas...
Pajama Day at Macy is always a favorite December activity.
Decorating for Christmas is still on top of my list.
And a little baking with the girls. We make the simple stuff.
Bernie the Elf was continually up to something. Much like Emma.
Christmas Program.
Women's Ministry Christmas Party. I love these faithful women.
Even though its a busy time, Lola still gets groomed, complete with Christmas bows.
Receiving Christmas cards in the mail always brings a smile.
This is our 2012 Christmas Card.
Emma made the cutest gift in class. I love this snowman. Handmade with lots of love.
I made time for my friends. Downtown Brea. Ladies night.
Grampa ended up going to the hospital on Christmas Eve, so we made sure we visited. We love him so much and he was so thankful we visited.
We are blessed to spend Christmas Eve with our family and friends alike. Our door is always open.
AND our good friend Carleigh came for a visit from Oklahoma! What a great surprise!
We exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve, our usual tradition.
Our family is fun and wild and loving a crazy...and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Happy Birthday Jesus! and Merry Christmas too!
Smiles all around. Next up...
Christmas afternoon in Murrieta at Gramma Karen and Papa Dave's. Beautiful and peaceful and calm. Much needed time of relaxation.
Time with Matt. Always special.
Tired and Happy.
We always spend the night in Murrieta on Christmas. And the next day, Gramma and Papa took the girls to the movies.
So, Spencer and I got away for a few hours.
Blessed and Grateful.
Goodbye 2012.
