A Million Things: Christmastime 2010

The past few days have been a whirlwind.

Celebrating Jesus' birth. Spending time with our wonderful family.

The close of a very full year.

Family has now gone home. Presents are somewhat sorted. Decorations are boxed up. And here's my recap.

Christmas Eve

My parents hosted this year and the weather was gorgeous. The little ones were able to open presents outside.

They also decorated gingerbread houses.

Uncle Frank made his famous paella.

Cousins had a great time playing together as always.

Kayla and Lauren "decorated" Logan in Nan's hair salon. Poor boy.

Kayla ended the night with a spin in Uncle Boo's new ride.

Dave was up at 4:30 and off to Oakland to serve breakfast at the shelter. Girls were up around 7.

Kayla got an Easy Bake Microwave Oven and a "So Chic" Hair Salon. Take a gander at that mop. Good timing.

Ashlyn got a pink train set and Baby Alive. Who eats "baaaa-nahh-nas." I love the way she says that word.

She was also excited about her stocking.

Ashlyn also got a Minnie Mouse nightgown from daddy. Que the costume change.

Dave and crew, home around 8:30 and smelling strongly of bacon. Kobi especially liked our guests.

Packed up the fam (bacon lover, included) and headed back up to Nan and Pops for brunch and more gifts.

American Girl dolls and green Minnie Mouse socks were the most popular.

Then back home to unload and rest before going over to Grandmum's for Christmas dinner.

Uncle Dave, Aunt Melissa, Bill, Ericka and Monica arrived from Scottsdale.

We ate, then opened presents and almost died from smoke inhalation. It's kind of a long story.

Little did Dave know that his life was about to change. Thanks to his Secret Santa (Uncle Dave) and this:

My husband reverted to 8-year-old status in T minus 2 seconds.

And the warning label should be extended to include the following:

But it was awesome. And the girls loved it. Missing eyeballs, tangled hair and all.

Speaking of awesome, Bill is a senior at UCF and balloon artist on the side.

Being the cool cousin that he is, he brought his stuff with him.

Kayla was in heaven. And has a new balloon-sculpting hero.

Hope Church Sunday service nearly doubled in attendance thanks to my family.

Dave is preaching through the book of John and this day he happened to fall on John 1:14.

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..."

God's timing is perfect.

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The next few days after were spent eating, mostly. Fior di Italia in San Francisco, "the oldest Italian restaurant in America."

Then to Ghiradelli for famous ice cream sundaes.

On Tuesday, we went to the Cliff House for lunch and then down the coast to Half Moon Bay.

A fun, full and rich time. Sad it's over but looking forward to 2011.

Happy New Year!