Merry Christmas 2017!

Christmas 2017 (only two months late!) :)

We had such a magical and fun Christmas season this year! We did a couple of new things as a family of four:

• We introduced the Elf of the Shelf, who was named by Ava "Twinklepuff Snowbum," and left us fun surprises each morning, most of which were centered around acts of service in our community (like baking cookies for our fire department, donating toys we don't use anymore, etc.), but both kids absolutely loved looking for his new hiding place each morning!
• We saw Santa in our neighborhood, courtesy the Rocklin Fire Department - made so special by everyone in the neighborhood using the opportunity to hang in their front yards, many with bonfires, and enjoy the Rocklin spirit!
• Mimi & Boompa came to visit (along with Uncle Kev!), and graciously treated us to the magical Polar Express experience
• We hosted our Framily (friends that are like family) for a Christmas brunch and white elephant exchange
• And, we continued the tradition of strolling the Pebble Creek neighborhood and enjoying their spectacular Christmas lights!

Some sneak peeks at the Adventures of Twinklepuff Snowbum:

One morning, Twinklepuff brought Christmas PJs straight from the North Pole!

And, of course, he had to bring our first Advent Calendar! Ava loved choosing an ornament each day to countdown to Christmas!

Another morning, Twinkle Puff brought us "snow" from the North Pole!

                                    

And, of course, he had to bring us some Christmas slime too!

                            

When we brought cookies to the fire station, we were gifted stickers and the kids were so overjoyed!

                                           

  

                                              

Next, we followed Santa on the fire truck through our entire neighborhood. Seeing Greyson, who's usually not a cheery, smiley little guy, get so super happy and excited for Santa, the lights, and everyone's Christmas decor that we walked by, truly brought tears to my eyes. He loves Christmas more than any other Holiday, just like the rest of his family <3

Waving to Santa!

Ava's school put on an amazing Christmas concert for the families, and she had so much fun getting all dressed up for it <3 There were 100+ 3 and 4 year olds on stage, and in between songs Ava shouts out "Hi Mama!!!" while waving to me in the audience...a memory I'll cherish forever!

                                         

Next, mama had her final carpel tunnel surgery and Boompa so graciously offered to fly out to help take care of the kiddos for me while I recovered. We had so much fun, but I didn't capture many pictures, as my primary hand was out of service! 

Boompa flew home to grab Mimi and then they came back out together to celebrate Christmas with us (and Uncle Kev flew in from AZ for the same four days). Ava was just a tad excited to see her beloved Mimi <3

We celebrated Christmas early with them, and the kids were ecstatic to open gifts early!

Next, the Polar Express! What a magical experience it was! Ava still talks about it in detail to this day.

All aboard the Polar Express...

It may be an old train, but...hey, it has wifi! ;)

Greyson's favorite part of the entire ride was the bell given to each person :)

Ava was inseparable from her Mimi the whole trip, and the Polar Express was no exception!

We also visited the zoo before Mimi & Boompa left!

This little guy became quite attached to his Mimi & Boompa <3

                                           

After our visit from Mimi and Boompa, we had some of our closest friends over to celebrate the season! Here most of the kids are: Izzy, Greyson, Ava, Lyla and Emersen (buddies Luke and Simon joined too, but didn't make the picture):

Paisley wasn't too fond of her new ears

We did a White Elephant gift exchange, and I have to say I was quite amused by my gift from my friend Amy! :)

Then, before we knew it, Christmas Eve was here. After spending quality time as a family, we decided to continue our progress on renovating our home:

Ava was super excited to write her letter to Santa, and bake him cookies and make hot chocolate from scratch for him :)

What has become an annual Christmas tradition for us - walking the Pebble Creek neighborhood Christmas lights...

Our favorite home is one that converts an entire garage space into Santa's living room, complete with a running train!

And, then...Christmas!

Ava was thrilled to get her two requests - a sleeping bag and slippers (ha!)

And, Paisley was thrilled to use the kids' new aquadoodle as a puppy bed ;)

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!