Christmas

We spent Christmas in Pittsburg (CA). Thanks to Grams and Papa for hosting us, we had a great time and enjoyed great food.

The obligatory "baby's first Christmas" outfit.

So serious. (hats by Aunt Amy)

That looks like enough to go around.

All I want for Christmas is...

Sorry, Dad, this is the best one I got.

Santa Claus...What a Joke!

Okay, so I told Jenni after Avery was born I didn't want to do the whole "Santa Claus Thing" with our kids. Not because I'm a grinch like my sister in law says, but I just don't think we need to go out of our way to deceive them when there is plenty of fun to be had at Christmas time without needing to get Ol' St. Nick involved. I guess I'd just rather focus on the "real meaning" of Christmas. However, Avery watches her share of TV and movies and started telling me all about how Santa comes down the chimney on Christmas and brings us presents...she left out the part about the birth of our Lord and Saviour. Since Jenni is far less spiritual than I am, she gave into the whole deal and assisted in leaving out cookies and milk for Santa. :)
Probably the real reason I'm not into Santa is that if I'm gonna spend money to buy gifts for my kids then I want to get to credit for them! LOL

All jokes aside, Avery knows Christmas is the day we celebrate Jesus' birth. She loves opening presents. She loves seeing her cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. She loves the candy. I think that is plenty. I'm okay with her being scared when we walk by the Santa Claus at the Mall. I don't feel the need to share time with a fat guy and flying reindeer.

Luke Chapter 2 verse 10-11 (click)
...I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Bi-annual Dollar Tree and Dessert Festivities

So it's quickly becoming tradition. Leave the kids with grams and papa, and go out with Derek and Amy to shop for stocking stuffers at the dollar tree and then have dessert. Let me tell you, the dollar tree in Pittsburg has some high quality and highly affordable treasures to be found. Since we are shopping for each other simultaneously, the key is to be discreet, keeping your purchases on the DL...the second key is to lather up with hand sanitizer after leaving the store. For some reason we did not take pictures at the Dollar Tree, but I will let you use your imagination.

For dessert we headed to Mimi's Cafe. The waitress said they were out of bread pudding, but after Amy gave her the death glare she rustled up a fresh batch.
That's Jenni's breastfeeding privacy device, not a fashion acessory.

Derek and I had an appetizer platter for "dessert". I'm not sure what's happening here.

Here's some of the Dollar Tree booty from my stocking...I haven't tried the Gas Relief pills yet.

Joy to the World!

Gingerbread House

Jaron and Avery put together a fantastic gingerbread house this year. Jaron was a good sport as I picked up the kit and made him put it together with Avery even though he was sick. Good job Daddy!! Avery had a great time and that's all that matters. Riley had fun just hanging out in her bouncy seat while I videotaped and ate chocolate.

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving in Gilroy with the whole Hansen clan. We had a great time visiting with everyone and eating tons of yummy grub!!

Off-roading at Hollister Hills

I went off-roading with a couple friends before thanksgiving, just a day trip down to Hollister Hills. It was fun. Not a place that is exactly suited to my truck, more of a 4wd park. My friend had his Rhino (kind of an off-road golf cart) and it was a blast. I was impressed, it could go anywhere.

Build a Bear

My sis is here visiting for Thanksgiving and took Avery to Build-a-Bear yesterday for a special treat. Avery did not know what to do at first with so many choices. She first picked out a very ugly pink kitty and it took a lot of persuasion to make her change her mind. She then chose a cute cheetah (pictured below), but eventually settled on Rudolph. She did not like that they were not stuffed and would not hold on to it, but once it got stuffed she was very excited! She was able to choose a sound - rudolph's song - (thanks alot Kari!), put a heart inside, get a birth certificate, and even some jingle bells for her new friend.

Once we got home we had to watch Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and also listen to that darn song multiple times while she danced around the room with Grandpa. What a fun experience for an almost 3 year old girl, as Avery keeps reminding us she will be in January!

What a pair!

Harker made it to CCS for volleyball this year so here are two of my cuties ready to cheer them on!

Butterflies

My good friend Rachel asked me to put together this diaper bag for her friend. I am quite pleased with how it turned out. I had never made this style before...the sides and bottom are purple cordouroy and the front and back are the butterflies. Good fabric choices, Rach! It was fun to get out the sewing machine again as I have been focusing mainly on the girls' scrapbooks lately.

Christmas Tree Lighting

On Thursday night we went down to Santana Row, an outdoor shopping and restaurant row, to watch the Christmas Tree Lighting. Harker's Jazz band played, they were very good, and there was lots of other entertainment as well. We went to dinner after and enjoyed music, christmas lights, and horse-drawn carriages go by. Avery would not go near the horses, but enjoyed them from a safe distance.

A beautiful fall day at the park

Today the girls and I headed out to Oak Meadow Park in Los Gatos. I love this park! It has a great playground with a huge airplane, firetruck, and lots of swings. On the weekends, there is a carousel and train ride...we were bummed not to ride on those today. There is also a great trail, lake, and beautiful scenery. Avery and I had a fun time playing and we also enjoyed a picnic. Riley slept most of the time and missed out on the fun stuff. The weather was perfect and the colors were amazing. Such a great day!

Beautiful fall colors!!

Two Turkeys

Avery has really been loving to do crafts lately so I have been coming up with daily ones for us to do. We made turkey hats the other day and as you can see Riley did not really care for hers. Now everyday Avery asks to make turkey art so I guess I have to come up with a few weeks of turkeys and then its on to Christmas art...yahoo!

New Jewelry

Two weekends ago I set out to get something I have wanted for over a year...a nose ring. I was not so sure about it at first, but I am really loving it now. I am glad I finally took the plunge.

Trailer Trash

Pumpkin Night

Tonight we went to our church carnival. Avery had a great time trick or treating, eating cotton candy, and playing some fun games. Riley slept most of the time and only had a few pieces of candy...nothing compared to her big sis who was swimming in candy by the end of the night.