Christmas Eve {2009}

My family's Christmas Eve tradition for as long as I can remember involves fondue. Cheese and chocolate... how can you go wrong? All of my siblings were there this year so it was super fun to be with everyone.

Looks like the only picture I took was "pre-prayer" as my dad gave a little speech and Cameron was checking his email. Classic.

After we did the usual Christmas Eve stuff... hung out, opened our sibling gifts, and watched a movie. I BEGGED to watch "Muppet's Christmas Carol" but it gets vetoed every year. I'm still sad about it...

Emmers with Luke and Weston

after they reunited with a kiss. Hilarious.

Ornament Tradition

I love the idea of giving your child a box full of ornaments when they leave home (although I can't think about that... it's too sad and I think I'm tearing up).

Here's Weston's first ornament for his first Christmas. I ordered it from the Spirit Christmas Shop and I think they have some of the cutest personalized ornaments around!

Neighbor Gifts {2009}

I've had my neighbor gifts done for a couple of weeks but of course I have waited to the last possible second to deliver them. I guess it is very typical of me to jam shopping, wrapping, packing, and delivering gifts all into the day before we leave town.

I love the internet more and more because I get to copy everyone's fabulous ideas, recipes, and suggestions. And my neighbor gifts were no exception. I found this idea over at Design Mom and I was really happy how they turned out. I made the vanilla almonds, packaged them up in cute little bags, and stuck on a label. It was so easy and I made 5 batches in one night.

All the products I ordered, including the pdf for the label, are sourced here over at Design Mom.

Pear Crisp

We had some friends over last night and I tried and served this pear crisp. I really must buy Ree Drummond's cookbook. Can she ever go wrong?

(Image via The Pioneer Woman)

"I've Been Very Good This Year"

What's one more trip to see Santa?

Sunol Train Of Lights

It was like riding the Polar Express... in a sorta kinda way.

The Santa was a bit scary and there were no golden tickets... but the lights and chocolate chip cookies were fantastic. Weston loved the lights and we had a great time with the Zalewskis. {Note to self before next year: learn how to take better exposed, non-blurry photos while on moving train}.

This Santa was staring his holidays early... he looked drunk.

Ho, Ho, Ho

Putting Up the Lights

Last year we didn't want to go through the hassle of buying outside lights and putting them up. This year we won't be here for Christmas so we bagged the tree idea. We are scrooges on many levels apparently. BUT... we sprung for the outside lights this year and I love them.

But the best part of it all is that our ladder isn't very tall. Cameron lept, in a sense, up onto the roof. Coming down was a different story. He didn't dare leap down in hopes of catching the first rung of the ladder. It was seriously entertaining seeing him stuck up there on the roof. What was not funny was me going door to door looking for someone with a taller ladder. EMBARRASSING.

Waiting,

waiting,

waiting,
and more waiting.

He eventually got down after I tracked down a neighbor a street over. I REALLY wanted to take a picture of Cameron, the neighbor who rescued him, and the heroic ladder, but I held back. I figured I had already inconvenienced my newly met neighbor by having him drag his huge and heavy ladder around the neighborhood. Classic.

Acorn Squash Soup

I made this soup and it was delicious. I roasted my squash and amped up the seasoning a bit... but I'll for sure make it again.

(image via Martha Stewart)

He Sits

We've only had a few minor head bangs while Weston has been practicing his new trick... he sits!!

Pleasanton Parade and Tree Lighting

Last Friday Pleasanton had their annual tree lighting and parade... who knew?? We met up with the Zalewski's to enjoy the festivities while braving the cold {don't we live in California to avoid these type of temperatures?)

And about the parade... it's no Macy's Day parade. Basically it involves a lot of old cars, boy scouts, girl scouts, and Pleasanton folk. You really need to see it if you haven't.

See, all you need is an old car and a strand of lights to participate.

An old inner tube, mop, and Santa hat will get you in too.

My favorite was the scene from A Christmas Story. What you can't see is the leg lamp in the back of the truck. It seriously was spot on and hilarious!!

Weston loved the lights, music, and all the action.

And after 2 long hours on the cement ground Santa FINALLY showed his face. Merry Christmas!!

Swinging

I'm a little bummed out it is getting so cold because Weston and I have discovered the park. He loves to swing and he cracks up when I push him high. Pushing him brought back memories of my childhood swing set and the hours I spent playing on it. I remember pumping so high that I could only see the sky. Oh the memories.

Turkey Pot Pie

Pretty sure we made enough food for five Thanksgivings. And lets be honest, how much longer after Thanksgiving do you still want to eat leftovers? To clean out my fridge before I began tossing things... I made turkey pot pie. I had everything in my fridge from Thanksgiving and The Pioneer Woman's recipes are so good!

(image via The Pioneer Woman)

Christmas Wreath

I used to be in a berry kick for Christmas decor and I decided to switch things up a bit last year. Now I'm loving everything in pine, greens, silvers, and a bit of purple. I think it is all looking pretty cute and I definitely need to add to the collection this year. Good thing I'll be in Utah the day after Christmas... Tai Pan here I come. Extra suitcase will be a must.

I've been looking for the perfect wreath and I loved this moss wreath I spotted on Martha Stewart. I was determined to make it and then I got real. Where do you buy moss around here and I'm sure it would cost a million dollars to cover a wreath in moss.

So I found new inspiration here and made this wreath last night.

I found my wreath 50% off at Richard's (I LOVE that store) and bought 4 boxes of bulbs at Walmart. Total cost was $22... a steal of a deal.

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One day he can't, the next day he can.