Christmas Day

Christmas day was lots of fun. We opened presents, Brian played tag with Arlo and Jack, we went for a walk and experienced "California snow" (coyote bush seeds), and had a great dinner. Brian cooked a chicken in a stoneware roaster and we had yams, sauteed brussel sprouts, rice pilaf, and homemade bread on the side. I had salmon of course. Jack fell asleep on the floor before dinner and Arlo fell asleep on the floor before dessert. But not before our family whistle band rendition of Jingle Bells. If I can figure out how to upload a video, I'll show you the fun. (Update: video posted - enjoy!) Anyways, here are some pics from the day. (PS. Arlo wore his PJ's Christmas day...in all the excitement of Santa visiting the RV, he forgot to get dressed!)

Christmas Eve Day

So, we had a great day out near Santa Margarita Lake hiking through the campground and hanging out in the RV. Nana and Grandad (Mom and Dad to me) were very excited to have all their grandchildren with them for Christmas. Arlo and Jack are such great big cousins to Bixby. They held his hand and stroked his hair and had a great time showing him toys and talking to him. Our hike through the campground led us to an oak with a cavity big enough for Arlo and Jack, a large climbing rock with a great view, and a half frozen pond. We think we even saw Santa setting up camp next door. Arlo was going to keep a lookout to see if they (Santa and the Misses) went out to walk the reindeer later. Arlo did make sure to let Santa know that the reindeer had to stay outside the RV as they would create quite a mess if they joined him inside for a treat. He left the note to Santa on the table so he would be sure not to miss it. Tomorrow is Christmas and we are looking forward to a clear and sunny Atascadero day.

Bixby and Dad

Jack and the frozen pond

Arlo's big smile

Arlo and Jack eating grass
prentending to be cows

Arlo and Jack in the oak tree cavity

Arlo and Jack on the rock outlook

Hugs for Nana

Sleeping Bixby and Dad having a snuggle

The finished tree

Well here it is, the finished tree. Lexi loves sleeping on the tree skirt (we did steal her favorite napping spot for the tree). And Bix loves looking at the lights at night.

Our First Christmas Tree

We headed down to Hidden Springs Christmas Tree Farm today to find and cut down our very own Christmas tree. This is the first year Brian and I won't be traveling for Christmas, so this will be our first Christmas tree. And it is made even more fitting as it is Bixby's first Christmas. We found a beautiful white fir tree that, as it was likely to go, was a little taller than it looked out at the farm. But a little trim at the top and it fit just fine. Brian chopped down the tree while Bixby and I watched and then we carted it over to the tree shaking area to have all the leaves and dead needles shaken out. It's not decorated yet as we need to go buy some lights and basic ornaments. We will post pictures of the decorated tree once it's done.

Good Times

A few more pictures from the Thanksgiving weekend. Bix and dad having a snuggle and nana and Bix doing some "itsy bitsy spider" floor time.