Christmas!

Christmas this year was unforgettable. This was the first year Emma was old enough to be excited about opening her gifts and it was Alex's first x-mas. The first thing Emma said when she saw all the presents underneath the tree was, "Are these all for me?". As she started to unwrap, in true Emma fashion she became quite concerned with all the "trash" that was accumulating in our living room. So, every time she would tear off paper she insisted it go into the trash can. As for Frank and I, we patiently obliged with a little rolling of the eyes. As for brother bear, we had to wake him up to join in the festivities.

I thank God for all that we have....eachother, good health, and happiness. I love my family so much! I am very blessed.

her first big girl bike

Alphie was a hit

she's ready to jam with Uncle Alon

Grandma Janice knows Emma loves shoes!

the super wrench from Janice

good job Frank

a little nook for Frank

a puppy from Grandpa and Grandma Janice

a suitcase from Grandma Rita

Merry Christmas Andrew and Tia Elizabeth

thanks Tia Elizabeth and Tio Ernie

perfect for our Blockbuster nights, thanks Aviles'



Pajamas Only

This year we spent Christmas eve at our house. We wanted to keep it small and casual. The only requirement to enter our house was you had to wear Christmas pajamas.

We watched movies, ate too much, and just lounged around...it was perfect. The kids got to open a couple of gifts. We did miss Elizabeth and her fam and the rest of the Padillas. Next year it's Christmas in Golden Valley.

stare down?

the boys

momma in the middle

she just sat there and started posing...little ham

the mother-in-law is too close for comfort

the morales/aguirrebarrenas

thanks Aunt Sandy!

thanks Aunt Sandy!

thanks Aunt Becky!



Stat Update

Our little boy is doing what he's supposed to be doing...growing...a lot! He had his four month physical today. Everyone in the office wanted to take a peek at the "happy baby". He is such a joy!

Today he:

• weighs 15 lbs. 11 oz.
• measures 25 3/4 in. long
• loves to suck on his thumb
• smiles, smiles, smiles
• sits up with help
• will grab a hold of anything, especially hair!
• sleeps through the night : )
• does not really like tummy time or bath time

Alex loves his sister!









Ice in L.A.

Last night was a lot of fun. We went to check out the ice skating rink set up at L.A. Live. We totally lucked out. The weather was so nice that evening, we didn't even need sweaters. I love L.A.! Albert and Jason were the only ones brave enough to skate. The rest of us enjoyed walking around, sipping our Starbucks, and laughing at the ten, twenty, or thirty drunk Santas prancing around. Again, I love L.A.!

 

My sista and me



 

 



He loved the ice skating action

 

Tio Rigo Turns 40!

Tio Rigo turned 40 last week. I swear he doesn't look a day past 30! Why is it that men don't seem to age as fast as women do (not fair!)?

 The birthday party was held at Home in Atwater. Frank had a BLT, which was too salty, but the pasta with alfredo sauce and chicken that I ordered was very good. For dessert, the kids made a bunch of cute little cupcakes with sprinkles that were yummy. We had a fun time hanging with adults only. We felt like party animals staying out till 11:00 p.m. :-)



Tio Rigo in the middle with a mouth full of cupcake

Jason, Wendy, Me, and Yvette





X-mas at The Americana

Last night we bundled up the kids and took them to The Americana in Glendale. The Americana is a smaller version of The Grove in West Hollywood. It was beautifully decked out for the holidays. We walked around, rode the trolley, and had hot dogs and fries for dinner.

While we were having our dinner, the trolley passed by and Emma said, "Oh, I saw a seat for me!". So, of course we went on for a ride. Although once on it, she thought it was "too bumpy". As for Alex, he slept through the whole experience, again.

I have always loved the holidays but they are even better when you have little ones to enjoy them with. I am lucky! Oh, and my husband is not too shabby :)



Thank U Mom

On Thursdays, my mom comes to visit to keep us company while Frank's at school. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it otherwise I think I would go a little crazy. I love my kids but being alone with them from the moment they wake up to bedtime can be challenging sometimes.

Here they are looking sweet in their new Christmas pjs. You wouldn't know it by looking at this picture but Emma had just had a major tantrum. Anyway, she is lucky Grandma came otherwise she may not have survived ;).



Thanksgiving

This year we spent Thanksgiving at Rancho Padilla. Janice fed us all the favorites: cheesy potatoes, yams w/ marshmallows, stuffing, corn, turkey, and ham. She also made us homemade pumpkin pie. Oh and I must give Donna a shout out for the delicious pumpkin cheesecake roll she makes. Yum!

We had a great time hanging with the family. We are oh so fortunate to have each other. Next year it's Christmas!

Side note: I cannot believe we did not get one picture of Janice! She was there...I have proof...





Say turkeyyyy!



Becky with her boy



Grandma Theresa with Emma



Adrian and Frank with the little Padillas

Picture by Emma

who needs a fork

Sandy and Frank

Lia watching Grandpa carve the turkey

me and my favorite girl