This is going to be a quick catch up post, bc Christmas is over but I haven't had time to log all these fun memories in yet.

Among some of the fun Christmas activities we've enjoyed recently, some favorite were ice skating and checking out the decorations at Union Square and Embarcadaro. My siblings had never ice skated before and it was fun watching them make their way very slowly off the wall and onto the center of the ice.









We also have really enjoyed our ward parties, both in our ward and my in laws ward. In the Serramonte ward, they went all out with the food, decorations, presents and even photography so that was fun.


We were also really able to get into the giving spirit of Christmas this year. We have had so much fun picking out presents and shopping for everyone this year. We even got Addy in on the experience, by having her help decorate. I wanted her to be able to participate, even if she didn't fully get it, and she had a lot of fun finger painting, coloring and putting stickers on the presents we got. I loved that we were able to truly say the gifts were from all of us this way.





We went on a few walks, to the beaches and parks, which is what I am used to for Christmas time. That has been fun.



We of course went overboard on the baking, with cookies of every variety, frosting, cupcakes etc. I attempted my annual Christmas chocolate croissants this year, and ironically, I followed the instructions better this time, but they didn't turn out as perfectly. Still, I like to do it because its something I can give with my own time and effort, which is what Christmas is all about. Giving your all, as the sweet Christ child did. We also did the usual story and scripture reading, cuddling and playing.




We celebrated my sister's birthday, with cake, ice cream and lots of dancing. Addy has quite the moves, and Sam had a good day which is what we wanted.



All of these have become Christmas time traditions for us, whether on purpose or on accident, and we have loved every second of it. Now, we are looking forward to Hillary and family to come visit, and to starting a new year strong. Hooray!

Well, we are in recovery mode over here at the house. Christmas 2013 has come to a close, and we apart from celebrating my sister Sam's bday we are taking it nice and easy, filled with super low key activities, movies, naps and hanging out. You know-the good stuff.

I don't have a ton of nice words to describe how great the last two days were themselves. Just so, so much everything. So, so much family, food, presents, pictures, carols, cuddle time, gratitude, hugs and all around love. It doesn't get much better then that.

Christmas was busy with nonstop baking, preparation, and last minute Christmas music listening and movie watching. When my incredible, hard working, handsome, husband got home, we headed over to the annual Christmas Hanaike family party. We had an absolute blast, and come home spoiled and full of good food, as we always do.


















The next morning my little trio woke up early so we could spend time together before Lester had to work. [Side note: I hope people appreciate those like paramedics and others who work holidays to be there for them on days like this, away from the family. They work so hard.] We looked through our stockings Santa had filled, ate some breakfast, and opened our presents for each other. It was short but we loved our time together and ended it with a prayer for safety and gratitude this special day. Later that morning we did our annual get together with my Mom's side of the family and LOVED spending time slowly opening presents, eating and catching up with them. Again, we got spoiled. Later that evening when Lester got home we headed straight over to his families house and had a phenomenal dinner with all his siblings and parents. We are enjoying this more and more every holiday. After more food, presents and socializing we headed stopped by my brother and sister in laws house, then headed home once and for all. We set up Addy's new red wagon, filled it with all out loot and then focused on the whole reason we were celebrating by having a short Christmas devotional on our Savior.

















The best part of course was seeing Addy's face as she enjoyed experiencing Christmas in a real way for the first time [she was to small to do so last year]. She reveled in most of it, and I am sure cannot wait to next year, like her parents. Now after another day or to of recuperating, we will get back to the routine and remember this Christmas as one of the best ever. Hope yours were all as merry and bright as ours were! LOVE YOU ALL!