{the past few days}

The house is officially de-Christmas-ed. And we are cleaning and purging like it's Spring. It feels so refreshing to get rid of stuff that just keeps getting piled up.

I've been falling in love with my new dishware that my parents got me for Christmas. Isn't it pretty? I've got 2 more sets coming, and am eyeing 2 more so that I can have service for 12.

Addie has been enjoying her new easel:

Bed tent:

And one of many Princess dresses:

Wishing you all a great 2011!

{christmas recap}

We had a great Christmas, and I sure hope you all did too!

Addison got more presents than any 2.5 year old should, but she truly enjoyed every minute of it. She keeps asking for "Christmas again" and it breaks my heart to see the defeated look on her face when I tell her not until next year.

I'm just going to throw up a bunch of pictures, well...because I'm lazy. They're not edited or anything, so enjoy!

Christmas Eve - She got to open new pjs & 1 small gift

Then Santa came and did his thing...

Then it was time to get dressed and on the road to see the family. Our first stop was at Gramma & Grampa W's house. She got to really try out her new bike for the first time...she loves it! (And don't worry, she has a helmet...it just wasn't on yet!)

And our nephew, Jake, got to test out his new motorized scooter.

Then it was off to our final stop of the day...Grammy & Papa's house.

Then Gigi came over for more present opening & dinner...

All in all, it was a great Christmas with family!

I got a few awesome gifts that I'm still glowing over...a gift certificate for photography lessons, a Kindle (LOVE it) and Fiestaware! Woo hoo!

{merry christmas}

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.
~Laura Ingalls Wilder

{music friday}

Christmas Edition.

{the merriest place on earth}

Since getting Annual Passports earlier this year, we sure have been making good use out of them. Karl & I LOVE Disneyland, and Addison is definitely following suit.

We took a quick trip to the Magic Kingdom last Monday for a little pre-holiday fun. Here's a few pics from our fun day of play!

In line for one of her favorites, "'Nocchio"..or as we would say, Pinocchio's Daring Journey


In awe of the ride in honor of her current favorite movie, Alice in Wonderland


Tuck & Roll's Drive 'em Buggies @ California Adventure


Heimlich's Chew Chew Train @ California Adventure

We tried lunch at the Pacific Wharf Cafe this time and it was actually the best food I've had at the park, other than that glorious time we got to dine at Club 33. I had the Sonoma Chicken & Apple Salad that was served in a sourdough bread bowl (yum!) and Karl had the Salinas Turkey Sandwich. He also got this divine looking cupcake with edible glitter and fudge frosting!

We stood in the long line to ride the new attraction called Toy Story Mania! and it was totally worth it! They really outdid themselves on that ride!

We are looking forward to our next trip to D-land next year, just when that will be I have no clue...I just know that it will be! :)

{wordless wednesday}

{tamale fest}

I'm a bit behind on blogging, please forgive me. With all of the holiday bustle and running here and there and everywhere I haven't felt very motivated to do it!

---

Last Sunday we all gathered at Karl's parents house for our annual tamale fest. We've been doing this for a long while, I'd say at least 10 years. This year we had some very special guest join us though! We had Aunt Susie, Uncle Graeme & Cousin Tambi in from Oregon, and Cousin Robin, David & Baby Max in from San Diego! In addition, my parents joined us as they have in the past as well.

Addie modeling her new apron...kind of.


Baby Max - I could just eat him up! Adorable! (he's 10 months)


Aunt Becca showing her how it's done


Susie & Graeme


Skyler


Learning to spread out the masa


Testing it out




Ready to be rolled up


Cousin Tambi


Cousin Robin


My Mama


My little Doritos' face...they're her favorite

It was a fun day visiting with family and the finished products didn't disappoint! I was too busy eating one too many to take any pictures! :)

Can't wait to do it again next year!

{merry merry}

Okay, so I switched it up with our "official" card a la free from Shutterfly...

Merry Christmas to you & yours...and thanks for stopping by!

{music friday}

Imogen Heap - Glittering Cloud. Loves it!

{wordless wednesday}

{music friday}

I am a newer fan of Florence + the Machine, but I cannot get enough of this song!

Happy Friday!

{holiday pics}

Luckily our experience this year was MUCH better than last! We went to a photo studio only because they were running an amazing special on prints. I was just looking for something good enough to hand out to the grandparents this year. My expectations were not very high. Excuse the crummy quality of these proofs. I had to do some MacGyver-ing to even get them! Heh What's not pictured? The photo that the grandparents will be receiving. Can't ruin the surprise!

Addie's Holiday Get-up is from Crazy 8

Behold the power of bribery to ride on these obnoxious things across the way if she was a good during her session...it was the best $5 spent!