12 days of Christmas

We have been busy since Jared arrived- we've been looking at cars, Christmas shopping, having dinners with friends, exchanging gifts with friends, and much more. I cannot believe it's December 23rd already! To me, I am still stuck in a time warp back in October since that is when I was packing up my house in Australia and getting ready to move here. The shippers took my stuff on Oct 31st and I flew here with Mom and kids on Nov. 7th and it's been a BIG BLUR since then!



Our day at the Children's Museum at Gateway with Kaylyn, Cole and Belle. The kids had so much fun playing around in there. I love that places like that exist.



Ashley gives my brother Adam a kiss at our family dinner on Sunday. She is a very sweet girl but I should admit that he only got that kiss because he had chocolate in his hand!



It was so nice to have everyone to come out on Sunday to welcome Jared back. We had a good dinner and enjoyed hanging out. We took our big family photo and the grandkid photo with Mom and Pop. I thought it came out great!



Monday we met Britney and her family at Fat Cats to celebrate Austin's birthday. We did the family night special and bowled for an hour and got meals from Costa Azul.



Olivia gives the ball a big shove. I actually got one strike during the night- a small miracle for me considering I have the gimpy arm.



Jared giving little Isabella a high five at Fat Cats. She is so adorable in her little denim skirt and cool boots. The kids all had such a fun time.



After, we went back to Britney's house for cake and Christmas gifts. The kids all loved what they got. Britney made me the most adorable apron you have ever seen. The fabrics are so cute- brown with white polka dots, orange stripes, aqua blue accents, oh so perfect! Thanks Britney, you are amazing. She also got Jared some work gloves and cool tools. We had to say goodbye and Merry Christmas since they're going up to Seattle.

Tuesday Jared's friend was going to be bidding on cars for us at the Honda auction in California. We had about five cars we had reviewed and were interested in based on the specs provided. Unfortunately, once his 'guy' looked them over, they weren't good cars so we didn't end up getting any. UGH. V. frustrating. I am so ready to have our own car!



That night we went to Kaylyn and Rich's for dinner. We have a tradition of doing a Thai dinner every year. We made Phad Thai, Beef and Broccoli (not so Thai but it was good), fried rice, etc. YUM. Kaylyn gave me a great Thai cookbook that I have been eyeing for some time now. How did she know? It has great photos and recipes. I can't wait to try some new ones. I love Panang Curry but have never made it. She also made me some cute personalized stationary with turquoise blue lettering on lime green paper. Love it.



Wednesday we finally did some Christmas shopping for the kids. I know, way to cut it close! I usually am done by now (a long time ago) but this year has been different. I am really excited about a lot of things that the kids are getting and especially what I got Jared. He'd better LOVE it!



On Thursday I helped with Austin's class party. We made little candy houses so of course the kids all had a great time. I enjoy spending time there and getting to know his teacher and the other kids.

That afternoon, Jared's friend was at another auction and finally got a car for us! A Honda Odyssey. It's in great condition, low miles, lots of extras, and for a good price! It was a few thousand less than we would have paid at a dealer. I couldn't believe how happy I was to hear the news. I said to Jared, "See, this is how it had to happen. There is no other way I would be this happy to have a minivan!" Ha. He knows I have always hated vans but I have been without a car for so long now (about 6 weeks) that I am ready for almost anything! I know it will be good and I know a lot of people who love their vans. Now if we could just get it here! It should be a few days before we have it. Phew! What a relief.

Friday I went out shopping with Mom. We did some efficient power shopping at Target. I was very happy with what we accomplished, I hope you were too Mom! But I feel like I have spent so much at Target the past few weeks. I love that place but my debit card needs a break.

Friday night was my third indoor soccer game with the girls here in the neighborhood. It's been a lot of fun. I have hardly touched a ball in many years (other than kicking around the backyard) Jamie, you would be ashamed! But I keep telling myself it's just a way to get out and have a good time, be active, so it doesn't matter.

Today we'll go to church, then Monday all the family will come over in the afternoon. We'll play games, eat an early dinner, then open gifts. We do all the sibling exchange gifts and the cousin gifts, as well as those for Mom and Pop. This year we are all giving Mom and Pop games for the Play Station here at their house. I already mentioned the DDR that we gave them early, but Jill/Randy and Adam/Amy/Lori all have some planned too. We should have a fun time that night.

Of course Monday is also Austin's 7th birthday. We will do a cake for him and give him one or two presents. I always feel bad for him that it sort of gets rolled into Christmas, but I guess that is just how it goes. We had a party for him in September with his Australia friends so I need to remember that he sort of celebrated it already.

Last night we went to see the lights at Thanksgiving Point. We've gone four times in the past five years, so it's kind of a tradition now. Well Mom came with us and we packed the kids in the car. We arrived only to find a HUGE line all the way back to the road. We waited 45 minutes- it's a good thing Mom's new car has a DVD player! We finally got in about 8pm and enjoyed the 15 minute ride through the lights. Good thing our kids loved it or it would have been such a waste!