christmas {2015}

this year was incredibly fun for christmas this year.  lily understood everything that was going on, got the concept of santa, and was totally into it.  it was so fun to watch her come out on christmas morning to the presents santa left and see her be so excited.  there was a large gasp and "santa left all these for me!"  i loved it.

dress-up was a major theme gifts this year

at the oakland temple on christmas eve.  i am grateful for
my little tribe and for the gift of the savior's birth that we
celebrate this season

lily's offerings to santa, complete with carrots and water for the reindeer

christmas break with lily

swings always equal pure bliss

lounging in the climbing contraption

so much going on this bed

baking bread with daddy; lily loves
being a sous chef...and she has the outfit for the role
now.  Thanks, Grandma Eileen & Grandpa Ken!

lily lately

it was cold in her room, so she felt it necessary
to sleep in her gloves and hat. 

puzzles are lily's latest thing; she loves them.  kevin is a big
fan as well, so the two of them spend time putting them together.
i hate puzzles, so i just observe.  seriously, there is nothing of me in this child.

nap time

sometimes the night shift is just too much.

decking the hall.  literally.

"i just wanted a smiley face on me."

oh, christmas lights!

we spent a delightful evening in san carlos with the thurmonds looking at christmas lights.  it was such a fun time wandering the streets, chatting, and watching lily and ren play together.  it was pretty close to a perfect evening.  

group shot!
i love this so much i might just have to print and frame it.

lily was very excited to see snoopy

these two.  my heart melts, every time.
especially when they were so excited to see santa and
go talk to him.  i really cannot wait to watch them grow up together.

niles canyon railway: train of lights

the niles canyon railway: train of lights was a fantastic outing.  i want to make this a yearly tradition. 

santa & mrs. claus are always a hit

watching the scenery go by in the open car

the train is a relaxing way to travel

santa is coming to town!

my parents spent thanksgiving week in alaska with my youngest brother, and while there, paid a visit to santa's house in the north pole.  they put in a good word for lily and sent her a reindeer.  it's pretty adorable.  

deacon dave's {2015}

deacon dave's is a house about a quarter mile from our house.  it's kind of a livermore landmark; deacon dave sets up his front yard in a massive christmas scene every year (and it's different every year).  we managed to get there just before he turned all the lights on, and there was not a huge crowd.  this is the way to do it every year.  i love this place.