Christamas Eve

After the boys and I opened our Christmas Jammies we headed up, with Johnathan, to see the see the lights at the LA Temple.




We met up with some friends and walked around the grounds and went to the visitor's center, to listen to the Christmas Eve choir concert.




Kieran and Hamilton.



The kids were all nestled, all snug in there beds, In hopes that Saint Nick soon would be there.

Santa

I had it all planned out it my head, this year we were going to Irvine and take the train to visit Santa and sit on his lap. Well due to the pooring rain that lasted through the 22nd of Dec. 'my plans' had to change. The train was booked on the 23rd and I knew it was going to be packed since it was the first day of no rain. I really wanted this picture with Santa so we headed to the Grove (Outdoor mall in Beverly Hills).


Rhys and Johnathan Valeting at the Grove.



Well every other parent had that same idea to go see Santa, there was a SIX hour wait. Yes SIX! So Kieran just got a photo in front of Santa's House.




Despite not seeing Santa we did have a good evening. Got dinner at the Farmer's Market. Kieran and I took a Trolley ride though the mall. Watched the fountain show.



And they even had it 'snow' it California. Kieran loved it. After a fun evening I still didn't have my Santa photo.




So Christmas eve day. We headed to the local mall, waited in line for an hour.(I was there the week before with the boys, no line, I just walked past because we were taking a cool train ride to see Santa.)

And here is our photo with Santa. Kieran liked it this year, got right on his lap and told him what he wanted for Christmas, a scooter, a wagon, and a little leaf blower. Rhys liked him too.

(Photos are poor quality and taken from an iphone. I forgot the camera:()

Gingerbread House

Kieran made his first Gingerbread House the week before Christmas. He was so excited, he got to do all the decorating and wouldn't let me help. As he would carefully put the candy on, he would say, "do you love it mommy?" "I love it Kieran."

Manhattan Beach Fireworks

We went to the annual holiday fireworks at Pier in Manhattan Beach. It was such a nice night. The weather was great. We brought along Kieran's buddy Stockton.



Dancing away to the Christmas music, pre firework show band.




Watching the firework show.


Very pretty display, perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. The boys loved it too even Rhys liked it.

Church Christmas Party

This year we did a night at Bethlehem for are Christmas party. We all had to dress up, and you didn't they had clothes for you to borrow. We got coins when we arrived to buy out food, etc. There was booths set up all over and we sat on blankets with out families to eat. It turned out really nice. A fun night.





Kieran with his two little girlfriends Gigi and Lyla


Johnathan working the drink booth


Kieran and his 99 year old friend Leo Partridge


They acted out the Nativity scene


Rhys and one of his babysitters Malia.


The cute Young Women, and Ryan

Sleep with me

Last night Kieran asked if Rhys could sleep with him, and this wasn't the first time he has asked. So again I told him no he is to little when he gets bigger you can sleep together. I left the room and he followed me into the office where Rhys sleeps and said I want to sleep in Rhys's bed. I said ok fine get in. I fed Rhys his bottle, laid him in with Kieran,and kissed them goodnight. A few minutes later this is how I found them sound asleep with Kieran's arm across Kieran. Sweet little boys!

Blue eyes

Flavia/Natan

Johnathan had business meetings in Puerto Rico, so I had my sister-in-law Flavia (Tim's wife) and her son Natan come down to visit and keep us company while daddy was gone. Kieran got to know his cousin Natan or 'Batan' as Kieran would say, a little better since he had only met him a couple times.

We took them down to the Pier to watch the sunset.



Went to Disneyland a couple of times, which is always a good time at Disneyland.





Johnathan got to go with us the second time since he was back in town.



We watched the night parade, which was crazy busy on a Friday night during the holidays.




Johnathan cut 'Batan's' hair.
BEFORE-


AFTER- look how handsome



They took a bath together and had a blast dumping water on each other's heads. (Natan has NO fear of water)



Thanks for coming Flavia and 'Batan'. Sorry about Natan falling in the pond at Polliwog.:(

Thanksgiving

Johnathan's parents decided to join us in California for Thanksgiving. We were all excited to have granny and grandpa, auntie Wendy, and Genevieve come visit. And I am sure they were excited to escape cold Utah for a few days.

We took the to the Long Beach Aquarium, a place Kieran, Rhys, and I frequent since we are annual pass holders. It was much for fun to go with family.



The aquarium reopened the birds section and they are some beautiful, friendly birds. If you have some food or just stick out for finger they will hop right on. Kieran loved it, and loved holding them.





Touching some star fish. You can touch little shark too. Kieran sticks his hands right in. I won't touch them though I am too scared.




We took them down to Terranea Resort down in Palos Verdes to walk around. The boys threw rocks in the water. And the girls relaxed on the chairs and watched.



Rhys chillin' in the chair


On the walk back we saw some prickly pears/cactus, and Gaye(Johnathan's mom) said that you could eat them. So Richard and I picked some, I wanted to try them. Well we never ended up eating them but we did end up with sore fingers. They are so pokey. I don't think I will pick those again.

The table ready for our feast.


My grandma used to make these every year for Thanksgiving to set by the plates. Kieran and I did a little art project and made them. He painted and I put then together.



Little Suzie made the trip this time. And of course Kieran loved having a dog at the house. Suzie is quite the snuggler and like to snuggle under a blanket, in a pillow case or in Richard's sweater. Kieran watched and thought it would be a good idea if he could try it out.


Nothing like a good old leftover Turkey drum stick.


Friday we went shopping downtown LA, which is always a good time. Rhys couldn't get enough of my mango.


Genevieve and Gaye checking out the boots.

We had a great time, we love having visitors, and wish we could see granny and grandpa, and aunties more often.