the Great Big Blog 'o Christmas

Arilyn playing in her walker from grandma Pam. She is getting so big. She reaches rather well now, has rolled over and does a fake cough as she attempts to laugh. Such a sweet spirited child. (and of course, absolutely ADORABLE!)
The kids and I baked cookies for Santa. Homemade white chocolate macadamia nut and mini chocolate chip and walnut.

Staring at herself in the mirror as loving Kyler gazes at her.

Christmas Eve:

As always, my family's tradition is one gift on Christmas Eve.

Kyler opened this Lego set from us.

Lexi opened this walking puppy from grandma Pam.

Merry Christmas from these angels. ;)

We spent Christmas eve with my dad and Sophia.

Kyler holding Arilyn.

He kept marveling over her "she's so beautiful and strong."

(notice Lexi's bottom lip, just like grandpa's--and mama's of course)

They love grandpa!

My daddyo, Arilyn and I.

He loves his baby girl.

Every year since I was a kid, my dad asked for grey socks for Christmas. He's so funny.

I love this shot.

So sweet how they're just staring at each other.

Grandma Sophia and Arilyn. Ari fell fast asleep rocking with her.

Thumb wrestling grandpa.

Thanks to grandpa and grandma for having us over. We had a great time. Before we left my dad said "with you guys here it feels like Christmas again." It made my day.

Thanks for the gifts too, we love it all.

Before heading off to bed waiting for Santa.

Cookies and milk for Santa.

CHRISTMAS!

Santa came. (the trampoline is off to the side)

Their first glance at Christmas. (my little Lexi loves her sleep--like her mama)

They woke at 2 am, I told them it's too early, so they woke again at 3:40, I said again too early. Finally up for good at 5. They are good at staying in bed and yelling for me, instead of hopping out as I want to capture their first glances and impressions on film.

What Lexi had asked Santa for "a doll what looks like me". She named her Lily D. She is a baker which is perfect for my food connoisseur daughter. Green eyes and blond hair, just like Lexi.

Grandma Pam got Kyler what he's been asking for!

Play mat from us and baby's first Christmas bear from Build a Bear from grandma Pam. She pulls the bird and it sings.

Daddy helping Lexi set up her Barbie pool set.

Homemade donuts for Christmas breakfast.

Lexi all decked out in her new clothes from grandma and grandpa Flores, shoes from us and Lily from Santa.

Kyler was very happy. HD camcorder in hand.

As was Lexi!What our Christmas looked like...

Pulling off the final Christmas chain!

Jumping on their new trampoline.

The kids made Blizzards with their new Blizzard maker from Arilyn.

(I forgot to capture a photo of our "Meximas feast". I made chile rellenos, beans and Spanish rice as Jared grilled carne asada.)

The Christmas season is officially over. We had a fantastic time, especially with Arilyn in our lives. I am truly grateful for my family who makes me smile constantly.

It's amazing to see the Christmas magic through your children's eyes. I hope one day they can reflect upon these memories as some of their most cherished.

Thank you everyone for sending cards, gifts, phone calls, texts, etc. Just for thinking of us during the season. It means a lot. I hope your day was as beautiful as ours was.

Now on to 2011...and Kyler's NINTH birthday on January 1st. Hard to believe my first born is about to embark on his last single digit year of life.

and a merry Christmas it was...