A picture perfect Christmas

Jacob, Jaron, Jenna and myself went to Fresno for Christmas to be with Jacob's family. We left Tuesday and spent that night at Jacob's parents house. We left Wednesday morning to head up to Shaver Lake. We arrived at the cabin around noon. Jaron and Jenna were so excited to see the snow. It was their first time seeing a lot of snow. They got out of the car and immediately put on their gloves and wanted their boots. They were throwing snowballs and having the best time. When Jacob's parents and brother's family arrived, we went in and had soup for lunch. Then, Jacob and I played a couple games of pool. Yes, there was a pool table in the cabin. So fun! After Jacob beat me a couple times, we bundled up and went outside to play in the snow. Jaron and I made snow angels and we threw snow at each other. The kids really had the best time.

On Thursday, we went to the snow park and went sledding. It was so fun. We laughed the whole time. Jenna only went down once. It scared her a bit. Jaron loved it. He went down by himself and with Jacob and I. Jacob and I went down together, too. We were covered in snow and laughing so hard we couldn't get up. The best thing was we had the park to ourselves. It was awesome!



That evening, Jacob's mom and dad cooked enchilada's, tamales, rice and beans for dinner. It was delicious! Then, after dinner we opened presents from each other. Jaron got a castle Lego set. Jenna got a dollhouse. Jacob got some miniature old fashioned police cars. I still can't believe what I got. Jacob's mom and dad got me a Kitchen Aid mixer. I am pretty sure I screamed when I realized what it was. That is one of the best presents I have ever gotten. I love it so much!




Christmas morning, Jaron and Jenna opened their presents from Santa. Then, we went back to the snow park. It was packed this time. But, we stayed and played for a little bit. Next, we went back to the cabin and I started cooking dinner. I cooked turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, green bean casserole and stuffing. It was delicious. The turkey was super moist. I wished we could bring the leftovers home, but there wasn't room in our car. We were loaded down. After dinner, Jacob, his mom, brother, sister-in-law, and I played a card game called golf. It is really fun. While we were playing golf, Jacob's dad was playing Uno with Jaron, Jenna, and Gabriel. It was so cute. After cards, we had dessert, then Jacob's brother Matt and his wife, Jennifer told the story of Jesus' birth. The kids loved it. It was a perfect ending to a great Christmas.

Merry Christmas

I just wanted to wish all our friends and family a very Merry Christmas. We are leaving today for Fresno to spend Christmas with Jacob's family. Jacob's parents rented a cabin. We are hoping there will be snow! I will have lots to share when we get back. For now, here is a picture of Jenna from her Christmas dance performance last night!

Ok, so it was more than one, I just couldn't resist. She looked so pretty and did an amazing job! We are so proud of her! Merry Christmas!

Chef's Don't Need Help

On Saturday, Jacob let Jaron and Jenna help him cook their breakfast. Jaron was super excited about it. They made scrambled eggs with hot dogs and cheese. Jaron chowed down. This morning before school, I asked him what he wanted. He said he wanted to cook his scrambled eggs with hot dogs and cheese again. So, I let him cook his breakfast, with my supervision. I asked him at one point if he needed help, he said "Chef's don't need help." It was pretty funny.

Thanksgiving

The Thursday before school was out for Thanksgiving vacation, Jaron's class put on a Thanksgiving play. It was super cute! They all had a couple lines each. After the play, they sang a song and danced. It was so funny. Afterwards, we had pumpkin or apple pie. All the kids had made place mats that said what they were thankful for. Jaron's said, "I am thankful for my mom and dad because I love them". It doesn't get any better than that.

Jacob and I decided to celebrate Thanksgiving on the Sunday before, because he had to work on Thanksgiving. I did all the prep cooking on Saturday and Jacob and I cooked the turkey together on Sunday. It was delicious. We had a very nice relaxing day. Jaron and Jenna both enjoyed eating the turkey legs. After Jenna's first bite, she said, "Oh that's good!" So cute. Jaron ate the whole thing there was not a single piece of meat left on the bone.

Jacob ended up getting sick. He stayed home with a cold all week. So, on Thanksgiving the kids and I went to my parents house and enjoyed a nice afternoon with them.

On Friday, Jacob was starting to feel better, so he went outside to do some yard work. Jaron and Jenna were big helpers. While Jacob did the yard work, I hung the lights on the house.

Saturday, Turtle Bay was having a members only Christmas event called Winter in the Woods. They had decorated for Christmas had activities for the kids and cookies and hot chocolate. Santa was even there!

Sunday, we picked up our Christmas tree and decorated it. Jaron was a big help. He did a great job putting ornaments and bows on. Jenna enjoyed posing for the camera every time we set the timer.

So we are ready for Christmas we are going to do some fun things this month, ice skating, looking at Christmas lights, watching lots of Christmas movies and enjoying each other.