White Christmas

This year, we decided to break tradition of staying home for the holidays.  We decided to head for  Colorado in search of a white Christmas.  After a long day of travel involving severe delays which got us into Colorado close to midnight, we enjoyed waking up to a winter wonderland the next morning.

 Looking out the window toward the pond and seeing Maya and Pop in the distance.

Another treat was seeing Coco, Nate, and Vivian who are also here for the holiday.  Little Viv is now almost 7 months old.

Maya was very excited to see them.

Dexter discovers Momma's old rocking horse.

Dexter gets his first lesson on what 'cold' is from Dad.

Maya was thrilled to see SNOW!!

Snowball fight!

Wintery fun. 

We had a nice evening that concluded with Pop reading "The Night Before Christmas" and putting out some treats for Santa.  

Boxes and Boots

Another evening at home finds Dexter conquering a box while Maya tries on Momma's new boots.

I have climbed to the top of this box.

Victory!!

Maya fits great in Momma's tiny boots.

Rain, Rain...

It's been cold and rainy lately which makes for exciting fashion opportunities...

Dexter mobile.

Winter Concert

Tonight was the Sun Valley kindergarten winter concert.  Maya's class sang several songs.  Some of the songs incorporated Spanish and some included sign language.  The kids did a great job.  

 It's performance time.  You can see Maya in the middle slightly to the left waving.

Hopefully, it's easy to find her here.

Momma and Dexter watching the show from the back.

After the show, we got to walk around and see their art on display.  Maya stands in front of her winter house.

M & M Christmas

Max, Maddie and their two lovely parents made another quick trip to see us.  We spent a glorious evening together that involved Mexican food and presents.  We only got a few pics, but here are a few more cute ones from their blog.

Maya and Maddie enjoy a Shirley Temple.

 Gift exchange!

Santa Visits Corte Madera

We decided to see what it's like to visit Santa in Marin...at the mall.  Well, there was a lot of waiting involved, a lot of smiles and a lot of tears, and a lot of waiting again.  Overall, mostly worth it.

 

Dexter plays with Daddy at the mall playground while we wait.

Maya found Santa enchanting.

Dexter did not.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Tree

Because we are planning to spend Christmas in Colorado and because we knew Dexter would love terrorizing a real tree, we went minimalist with the Christmas decorations this year.  

Last decorations added.

Admiring our little tree.

"Girl in a Box" video

Maya and Dexter find interesting ways to play together...

Portrait Time

Our very talented friend, neighbor, and professional photographer, Laura, agreed to do a quick photo shoot with us while Grammy and Papa were visiting.  She got some lovely shots...

Playing With Grammy and Papa

Maya and Dexter were thrilled to play with Grammy and Papa over the long weekend.

Happy Dex.

Grammy and Maya make a purse for her new doll.

Now it's time to make some yummy soup with Thanksgiving leftovers.  Notice Maya's onion chopping goggles.

Maya performs a magic show with her assistant, Papa.

Where did that rabbit come from?

Maya performs another amazing illusion with her magic coin bank (courtesy of Papa).

Dexter approves.

Thanksgiving With Grammy and Papa

We were so excited that Grammy and Papa came to visit us for Thanksgiving this year.  The arrived a couple days before the big feast.  We all worked together to create a pretty decent Thankgiving spread. What a great day!

 Todd and our turkey (courtesy of Lucasfilm).

The table is ready including place cards made by Maya and Grammy.

A quick rest before the dinner rush.

Momma starts removing the stuffing.

Excited for dinner.

Yum.

Dexter with Papa.

Dinner is served!!