TIS THE SEASON

Christmas carols playing, candles burning, hot chocolate drinking, and Christmas pajamas donned... a decorating we will go!

HOME SWEET HOME

James and I couldn't make it through all the flights, but Cora and daddy did this time. As hard as it is to say goodbye as these trips end, we'll admit that it's nice to get home to your own bed after an adventure! Though we're not sure Buster agrees, since he tends to steal Zy's bed when he visits... 

THANKSGIVING 2017

David and Taryn hosted Thanksgiving for the first time this year, and they knocked it out of the park! Delicious food, mulled cider that made the house smell heavenly, and lots of freedom for the kids to enjoy their cousins' company while the adults visited! Oh, and we also took some updated family portraits to get the day started!

Blowing the leaves off the driveway in his dress clothes... Sorry dad, had to do it! ;-)

Some photos in front of their tree before we left:

Portraits in David and Taryn's new backyard!

The boys spent of lot of their day playing video games while the girls were all over the place, as usual. Don't worry, we made them go outside for a walk after all the turkey was consumed!

Spiked cider and champagne - not a bad way to start the festivities!

(P.S. We looked up a recipe for champagne and rum together... just add pineapple juice and you have yourself a tasty cocktail!)

 Lunch was served at a gorgeous table:

With some gorgeous kids:

 The fall colors are in full swing around Lodi too - we had a beautiful sunset!

Understandably, the kids did NOT want to leave...

We are so grateful that they have remained such sweet friends over the years. It's hard when you live so far from family! They always fall right into step with each other and have so much fun together... it makes family visits that much more special!

QUIET HOLIDAY

We slept in and spent a quiet day at home today, with plans to celebrate the holiday tomorrow. We skipped the Turkey Trot race we'd planned to do (but luckily not registered for) due to some tummy trouble (food truck dinner at the brewery last night). We played games, lounged, helped Grambot and PawPaw put up their Christmas tree and lights, did some crafts, and enjoyed a BBQ dinner and bonfire to close out the day. And yes, the kids stayed in their pajamas all day. Win!

WACKY WEDNESDAY

We were all over the place today... Decorating cookies and playing with Eli and Addy at home, having lunch and visiting with Grandma and Grandpa up in Elk Grove, then out to a playground followed by dinner at a local Brewery with Sophie and her boys! It was so nice to see everyone today and have some down time to just hang out :-)