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These were taken (by Sean, of course) the Sunday before Christmas... what a beautiful day - what an amazing time for our family.
Sean gave me a demonstration on how he was capturing the sunset images (he has some tricks up his sleeve!) and I was able to capture this:
The Christmas celebrations seemed to last all through the month of December for us. We had so many events leading up to the actual holiday that our month felt full of wonderful celebrations. On the Sunday before Christmas, we took the girls to the tide pools and it was amazing. The tide was so far out we were able to walk the girls far past what I thought was possible. We saw star fish; held hermit crabs; touched neon purple and orange nudibranchs; held sea hares; and touched sea anemones. The sunset was absolutely beautiful and the moon completely full.
Christmas Eve was filled with preparations followed by our traditional dinner and celebration with my dad, stepmom, step grandma, brother, sister in law, niece and nephew at my dad and stepmom's home. Watching the relationship between our girls and my family is so special - especially the hugs and love between cousins. Dillen and Roxy both love their Liz (age 16) and Sam (age 13) so much. Sean and I received an ice cream maker, a book on making ice cream and a great scooper! We also received beautifully wooden carved bowls from Africa. The girls received so many gifts I can't even begin to list... we changed the girls into their Christmas pajamas and drove home after eating one of the most amazing desserts ever. We played a movie on the way home and, surprisingly, both girls stayed up until about the last 15 minutes of the drive.
When we arrived home, Roxy easily transported into bed while Dillen woke up realizing she needed to set out cookies (the ones we baked and decorated earlier in the day) and hot chocolate (she insisted on this saying Santa would be cold and she didn't want to give him cold milk). She filled the plate and walked it carefully over to the coffee table near the fireplace and then did the same with the hot chocolate - after testing it, of course. ;) She was adorable... making sure everything looked perfect. She commented that Santa may not eat all of the cookies if he was going to be eating cookies at everyone else's house. But then she followed that statement with, "But he IS magical!"
She trotted off to bed and fell asleep rather quickly (but only after giving me 1,000 kisses and 999 hugs). Her excitement was contagious.
Once I knew she was asleep, I joined Sean in final preparations for Santa's arrival.
Christmas morning, I was the first one to wake up but Sean stirred immediately after. I think we both felt like kids again. We took last minute pictures before the mayhem and made sure all was just right. It took a lot for us to not wake the girls! We were talking in the kitchen when we heard the girls' bedroom door open. We both shot each other a look of excitement and Sean grabbed his camera. I ran to the door and saw that it was Roxy standing there groggy-eyed - probably wondering why I had a goofy looking grin across my wide-eyed face. I picked her up and noticed that she saw over my shoulder the gift that Santa brought for her. Her face lit up with a little smile but it was pretty obvious she was still waking up. I walked her back into the bedroom to see if Dillen was stirring. She was. As she sat up, I asked, "Dillen, guess who came last night?" She stretched with a huge smile and then shot out of bed. I had to hold them back because I wanted to grab my own camera to video tape the moment. When both Sean and I were ready, we hollered to them to come out. They both came running and instead of the screams of joy I thought we would hear, it was completely silent. Both girls were stunned beyond words. Santa didn't just bring them what they asked for but a whole lot of extras. It took about 10 full seconds for them to start talking. All Roxy could do was yell, "MOM!" every time she wanted to show me something else on her baby changing station. Dillen was SOOOOO excited Santa brought her just what she asked for AND a nursery for all of her animals. And the stockings were a hit, too.
My mom and stepdad arrived shortly thereafter with their two dogs, Isha and Nikki. The girls LOVE their dogs and it was good to see how big Isha has gotten since we will be receiving "pick of the litter" when she has her first litter of pups in about a year - she is a beautiful Leonberger. Dillen and Roxy adore their grandparents and ate up all of the attention that was showered onto them. I prepared breakfast (a tradition of having an egg dish, a french toast dish and fruit) and set the table. After we ate, the madness of opening gifts began. It was AWESOME!! The girls were so happy tearing into their presents and I was so happy to receive an amazing espresso/coffee maker from Sean with all that I need to make terrific mochas in the morning. :) Sean was a happy camper with all that he received (mostly books).
Though it's always fun to open gifts, the most magical time of this season is just being with family. I have to say, I feel so lucky to have the most amazing/loving family around - immediate and extended. I wish we all lived closer... We spent the morning with my mom and Jim, playing with new toys, drinking coffee and then playing with the dogs in the back yard. Dillen decided Isha was her new best friend and began to talk to her like they could understand one another. At one point, Dillen felt the need to "discipline" Isha by giving her a good, long talk. Sean got the best pictures of this moment! Roxy was pushed over a few times by the hugeness of Isha which made us realize that perhaps it is a good thing we won't be getting one for another year.
The enjoyment of celebrating with family continued as did our tradition of going to Barbara's for a Christmas dinner. We arrived a little early to take pictures (Sean took them - you may have already seen a picture from my previous post). And then we exchanged gifts. Barbara is overwhelmingly generous every year and we were speechless with her gifts again this year. Dillen and Roxy LOVE their Uncle Scott and Roxy insisted he hold her for the pictures. :) Slowly, Barbara's friends began to arrive. I believe there were about 14 of us in all. The dinner was incredible but the company even better. The girls behaved so beautifully Sean and I were able to really enjoy the table conversations. Time didn't move by too fast or too slow. It just all felt so right.
And then Dillen wanted to sing.
She stood on a chair at the end of the table and tried to get everyone's attention. When that wasn't working, I clinked a glass for her and, when it became quiet, she burst out into song - Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. She knew the words all the way through (even stopping at one point, pointing at me for a "Woo Hoo" after she sung 'then they all shouted out with glee' - I SWEAR we did NOT rehearse any of this!!) and finished in fine end-of-song style. Yes, I was prouder then a peacock. How could I not be?!? She did all this on her own! She, of course, received a HUGE round of applause from everyone afterwards and promptly stepped down from the chair to curtsy. If only I had captured all of this on film...
The girls both enjoyed several different tasty desserts after that and started bouncing with energy from the sugar-high. As soon as Sean and I noticed the signs of the possible "crash" or "melt-down," we gave our hugs and said our goodbyes. We bucked our angels in the car and drove the two worn out girls home... both fell asleep on the way and transferred to their beds without any trouble.
I never felt exhausted. I never felt overwhelmed. I never felt that anything was rushed. In fact, I felt the opposite of all of that. The girls are at such enjoyable ages and they play so well together that it was a joy just watching them at/through each celebration. And the traditions that we have settled into were all so enjoyable and had a real sense of home.
Yesterday, the day after Christmas, was my first rehearsal for Guys and Dolls. It was fantastically fun and, I believe, helped lessen the "let down" that usually comes with such a big holiday being over.
However, even with as much as I enjoyed our Christmas, I still felt the need to take everything down today. I am one who likes everything up by December 1st but as soon as the holiday is over I like the house back to normal.
We are going to take the girls to Sea World in the morning to have our 2007 caricature done. Sean and I have had one done EVERY year since the year we met. They are all framed and hang in the girls' toy room. It's fun to do and just another tradition we all enjoy.
I have so much to blog... but it will have to wait. Truly, though, this was the best Christmas ever. I have many pictures and video to upload but there is much to do today before I start the FIRST night of rehearsals tonight (so excited!). In the meantime, here is a picture Sean took (he set it up for us so he could be in it, too) at the end of Christmas day. (Pictured with us are Uncle Scott - Sean's brother - and Grandma Barbara.)
Lovely times indeed.
I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas!
Enjoying holiday lights and hot chocolate with friends; breakfast at our favorite restaurant; visiting with neighbors over coffee; hanging lights on our house and watching the reaction from our girls when we drove into the driveway at night; walking around tide pools holding hands and discovering amazing sea creatures; stopping in our tracks to see the beauty of a full moon; watching Elmo's Christmas Countdown and having Roxy fall asleep in my arms; thinking fondly of friends and family who live far away; knowing Christmas Eve is just on the horizon.
Really.
What could be better?
Roxy and I have had some special alone time today since Dillen went off to a play date with a friend and Sean has a shoot. Roxy amazes me how dainty she is while holding pens, crayons, utensils, etc. She loves to draw/scribble and chit chat while she does so. She and I have been enjoying the morning and I thought I should capture a bit of it to share with all of you. :) (Warning: The movie is about 3 minutes long.)
From Sean. :)
Dillen received her Orange Belt today... in the American Family Martial Arts' school of Tae Kwon-Do, the meaning of her white belt signifies innocence, snow and the planting of a seed. Her new Orange Belt represents the sunrise and signifies the dawn of Tae Kwon Do.
Dillen has had a lot of presentations lately (her last swim class/test; her Nutcracker performance; and the latest was Monday night when she tested for her Orange Belt). Dillen has been excelling in Karate and enjoys it more then any of her other classes. She has gained confidence and appreciates the respectful attitude of her teachers and peers - both in giving and receiving. She talks about the tenets of Tae Kwon-Do and is able to recite them if asked. She was one of three white belts who were testing and we were so proud. She had quite the fan club there to support her: Me, Sean, Roxy, Grandma Barbara and our neighbor Sarah whom she absolutely adores. The judges commented aloud several times how well she was doing for being the youngest (4) - that she was quick to follow instructions and first to volunteer to present her form solo.
Below are the pictures Sean took on Monday. Pictures from today, when she received her new Orange belt, are coming!
If you have seen the Annie movie, you will notice in the video below that Dillen is picking up on many of the little moments from the "Dumb Dog" scene. She forgets the majority of the lyrics in this version (yes, we have many) but she certainly has no trouble at all telling me how to act and what to say. Roxy does her best to play along - being Dillen's Sandy. This video was from a few weeks ago:
This was from a couple of weeks ago... gotta love the sense of humor of a 4 and 2 year old!
Dillen's Nutcracker performance was tonight and she danced beautifully on stage. She was so excited to perform again. The flower costumes were adorable and she was giddy to be with her friends - all dressed up for something so special. I have uploaded her rehearsal video (first link below) but the actual performance was captured on my video camera. All of the pictures and video below are from my little digi - not the greatest quality. Sean will provide me with the performance video and some better pictures in the next few days.
When I asked Dillen what her favorite part of tonight was, she said, "Performing and seeing you out in the audience!" Awww... We were in the front row so we could see her well and she found us right away. Roxy was amazing, as well. She mostly sat on the floor in front of us (next to some bigger girls) and watched the show from there... only turning around every so often to "check in." Dillen was thrilled to see us after the show and to open her gift from me, Daddy and Roxy: a small wooden nutcracker and solid milk chocolate nutcracker. Grandma Barbara was with us, too, and gave Dillen a lovely little bunch of flowers with a pretty silver medallion with shooting stars attached. I think Dillen really did feel like a star tonight. :)
Dillen's Nutcracker performance is tonight so the house is FULL of energy and excitement. Roxy and I went out this morning to get a little gift for Dillen - a cool little wooden nutcracker standing on a base that I was able to personalize with a silver pen. Dillen is dancing around the house and can't wait to wear her "Cinderella hair" as she puts it.
CAUTION AHEAD - Graphic content:
Well, NOT to be outdone and have the spotlight all on her sister today, Roxy decided (all on her own) to use the 'Princess Potty.' We were playing hide and go seek and she was hiding in the toy room bathroom. When I found her, she giggled, said, "I go poopy on potty!" and quickly lifted the lid on the toilet. I pulled down her pull-ups and pants (thinking we were just doing this for the heck of it) and she pushed a poop out!!
Needless to say there was a lot of whooping and hollering and she belly laughed for about 3 minutes straight. Dillen was so proud, too, giving her big congratulatory hugs and saying, "Roxy! You're a big girl now!!"
So, after the performance tonight, we will have LOTS to celebrate...
Here are the pictures from our time with Grandma Barbara at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club's Christmas celebration:
Yep! I FINALLY got Sean to dance...
And I enjoyed watching him shake his thing so much I just had to make two:
Enjoy!!
Yesterday we went with Grandma Barbara to the Beach and Tennis Club in La Jolla to celebrate the holidays. This has become tradition. It is a very upscale celebration with "free" refreshments and a personal meeting with Santa (each child's name is called when it is their turn) and Santa gives each child a wrapped gift. While waiting, the children can watch a movie or sit and listen to Mrs. Claus who reads many books. Everything is beautifully decorated and elves are everywhere. The excitement of the children makes the adults festive and friendly. The girls were very excited to give Santa their letters - though Roxy refused to sit on his lap. Dillen, however, was quite the opposite. She promptly jumped onto his lap to have her "talk" with him. ;)
After the girls had their time with Santa, we went back to Grandmas to decorate cookies (both Channukah and Christmas!) and to have dinner. After we had dinner and cookies, we played Dreidel. I looked the rules/directions up online and actually busted out in song. I had no idea I knew it! I think I learned it years and years ago (from a friend from high school?) and it just came out of a small little crack in my brain. Not that it's a long song or very difficult to sing, but I remembered it! :)
Today, I braved a shopping trip to Target with the girls. I needed to get the girls some new pajamas - ones with long sleeves!! We run our heater at night now but there is still a chill in the air when we first wake up in the morning. And I refuse to turn the heater up past 75 degrees!
Then we went out to dinner with some friends who have two girls the same ages as Dillen and Roxy and then walked down to Solana Beach's Tree Lighting Ceremony. It was great - free refreshments; free light up red/green glow sticks; and Santa arrived on a fire truck! Gotta love small town events with the Mayor. :) We'll see if we make the local newspaper this time... (Roxy and I were in the Fletcher Cove Park opening ceremony article some months back!)
Sean got lots of pictures from yesterday that I will share soon... :)
Next up? Dillen's Nutcracker performance this Friday!! She's a beautiful little flower - determined to be front and center. lol.
Thanks to Grandma Susan (and Grandpa Dave), the girls are going to enjoy a VERY special Advent Calendar this year. Grandma sewed one with love and provided me with special surprises for each pocket (and if some of the surprises do not fit because they are too big, she provided me with notes to put in those particular pockets letting the girls know to ask me or Sean for the surprise). Amazing. This really is one of the most special gifts ever. Tonight the girls' surprise were Hello Kitty socks. They were SOOO excited.
