Hi – Happy Holidays everyone! The busy weeks continue… James’ parents came to visit Christmas weekend. On Christmas eve, we went to a neighborhood get-together where we put together luminaries and shared desserts/appetizers. I really like how the people in this neighborhood are so proactive in setting up social events – it makes a big difference when you know and like your neighbors!

Of course, Zachary was the only child, so on Christmas day, all eyes, camcorders, and cameras were on him. Zachary would open one gift and want to play with it. I had to prod him all day to get him to open all his gifts. From start to finish, the present opening process took 12 hours. James’ dad used up 3 reels of tape.

<warning: boring list of Christmas loot>

He got lots of Thomas toys from James’ parents – tracks, battery powered Lady, a clock tower, leapfrog cartridge, a t-shirt, and lots of books. From Larisa, he received a Little Einstein DVD and a game (Hullabaloo). We gave him a toothbrush, some snacks, a play kitchen, a math game, and the Rainbow play structure. My parents gave him 3 sets of wooden food and place settings – he loves feeding us pizza, but doesn’t have the dexterity to be a good sushi chef yet! His friend Will sent him a book and some cute finger puppets. I gave James Starbucks coffee beans and 5 books (randomly chosen from Costco.) He got me a necklace, enJoy perfume, and a phone system for the house. James’ parents gave us a new camcorder – a really tiny one that’s smaller than my camera! (This was technically not a Christmas gift but a thank you gift) 

THANK YOU to everyone for thinking of us!

For Christmas dinner, I made a ham, sauteed asparagus, and mashed potato dinner. The day after, James’ aunt and uncle joined us for dinner – grilled flank steak, steamed carrots (with dill), and mashed potatoes. (Can you tell I love mashed potatoes?) At the end of the visit, Zachary was really attached to Grandpa. He’d ask,”Where Grandpa go?”  Later in the week, James’ friend Rad and his boys came over for dinner (tacos) and games. They stayed at our place overnight and then headed off the Tahoe the next morning. Zachary loved playing with Tristen!

Last week was pretty busy and fun! On Friday, we went to Zachary’s daycare holiday show. To be honest, the singing was down right terrible. But it was cute – and there were cookies afterwards.

That Saturday, we went to Alex’s Christmas party, where kids decorated gingerbread men and played stick-the-button-on-the-snowman … all in their pajamas! The youngest kids couldn’t be effectively blindfolded. But it didn’t matter – they were just as bad without blindfolds. The adults mostly stood around and gorged themselves on appetizers and turkey sandwiches. Yum!

That evening, we dropped Zachary off at a friend’s house for the night, and went to Joe and Sara’s for Christmas party. We ate (of course!), sang carols, and participated in a white elephant gift exchange. I save up junk all year in anticipation of this event!

On Sunday, we went to Jonathan’s 4th birthday party at a gym. HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY JONATHAN! James and I decided that Zachary would have all future birthday parties at a venue. It’s a heck of a lot easier to write a check than to clean up after 20+ toddlers!

Two busy weeks in December! Last Friday, we got our new car; a V70 Volvo station wagon!

That weekend, we went to Austin’s 1st birthday party. HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY AUSTIN! In the evening, we co-hosted the annual neighborhood progressive dinner party. I know I mentioned it last year already, but one of the neighbors does an amazing job decorating their home. The amount of detail and effort is incredible! I ended the weekend with dinner out (Thai food) with my friend Dana.

On Thursday, we dropped by our realtor’s open house, where she gave us a bottle of wine. Zachary got his obligatory picture with Santa for this year, so now we don’t have to wait in line at the mall! On Saturday, we went to a family holiday event at work. The line for Santa was so ridiculously long – and just when we got there, Santa went on lunch break. Since we already had the Thursday picture, we just left. In the evening, we had Dana and Dave over for dinner and games.

On Sunday, we went to Megan’s 4th birthday party. Wow – what a feast … including a full pig! It was a big celebration since Megan is a cancer survivor. HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY MEGAN! We wish you many more years of good health! Right after the party, we went to visit my friend Shan and her family (including twin boys!) We haven’t seen them in over a year- the boys have grown up so much!

This weekend, we also bought a Rainbow play structure for Zachary. It has a trapeze bar, covered fort, picnic table under the fort, wave slide, 2 swings, and a rock wall w/rope. The fort has a steering wheel and telescope (perfect for spying on neighbors.) Once we get it set up, I’ll be hosting a playgroup at my house!

With the new car, landscaping, the play structure, 3 plane tickets to a wedding, and property taxes on 2 homes, we’ve found ourselves in a bit of a financial bind. Luckily, I have 2 sisters to help out until February bonuses. Whew…