WHAT A WEEK!

This has been a long week. I started a new job on Monday. I think I will like working there. But Monday was President's Day and the kids were off school. So Chino stayed home with them. On Wednesday I had to request four hours off to take Audi to an appointment. (it had been scheduled before I got the job) I, of course, did not know it would take four hours. I thought maybe two. So I stayed late on Tuesday and went in early on Wednesday. Thursday I tried to get in early but we were hit with a blizzard. Chino had to stay home with the kids, again. Friday the weather was suppose to be worse than Thursday. So school was cancelled. I got up early and braced for the worst. It was nothing! I think we got passed over or something. Not that I am complaining. Chino had to stay home with the kids yet again. But I got my four hours made up, and Chino has had plenty of quality time with his children. The house however looks like a tornado came through. This is not a huge change. So all is right with the world.

SNOW!

We got some snow. About 8 inches of snow! The kids had a snow day on Friday and by Saturday I could not take any more badgering about playing in the snow. As soon as Juan hit the pillow, the girls hit the slopes. Well, the backyard anyway.

Josie, Gabby, and Audi I made the hats and scarves.

Gabby getting up from making a snow angel.

Audi likes to eat the snow.

Josie is sneaky.

A Day in the Life of Juan

It is important to start each day with breakfast.

Then dress up in your finest and get ready to go.

After a busy morning a little nap is in order.

When the fun is done wash off the evidence.

A ride before bedtime is always a good idea.

Christmas Morning

Ahhh, the sound of ripping paper. Santa made his annual delivery and the kids were excited. They didn't get everything they wanted, they were fast to point out, but who can meet that kind of demand. We had our usual Christmas breakfast "candy". And then I started preparing dishes for coming guest while the kids fought over presents and Chino opened boxes and assembled toys. All and all it was a perfect morning.

Juan learned quick how to open his presents.

Audi is an old pro at opening hers.

Josie opens her presents neatly.

Gabby does it like a band-aid, quick and painless.

Gabby, Audi, and Josie

Juan got lots of trucks this year.

Juan playing with stocking stuffer's.

Gabby, Josie, and Audi emptying their stockings.

Juan enjoying a ride on his new zebra. A gift from Grammy & Pa Pa. He got his zebra on Saturday and he watched my dad assemble it using tools. So Sunday morning Juan got up and went straight to his zebra. He bounced for a minute or two then went to where he knows I hide my tool box from Chino. He reached in for a screw driver and took it to his zebra where he poked it a few times. Then he got back on the zebra for another ride. It is good to have someone "handy" around the house.

Christmas Evening

We had a little get together at our house on Christmas afternoon/evening. I didn't think to get out the camera when my parents and Aunt Gail & Uncle Kenny were there, but I did get a few shots of other guests.

"The Men"

China helping Elvira unwrap gifts.

Josie and Gabby with gifts from Tia China.

Audi spreading toys all over the floor.

Elvira eating dinner.

Juan is sitting and spinning!

Juan wanted to wear his new jacket and shoes from Tia China.

Then he changed his mind.

Elvira before Juan pushed her off the piano bench.

Gabby, Josie, Juan, and Audi (Juan does not seem happy with Audi's kisses)

Christmas Eve

We celebrated Christmas Eve with my Mom's side of the family. We went to my Uncle Mike and Aunt Karen's house. They have a beautiful house with lovely Christmas decorations. Everyone brought food so we had quite the feast! And treats galore!

Uncle Don after the feast (and a few beers).

Mom & Dad (Chrissy & Tom)

Mom, Juan & Chino

Mom, Cathy, Grandma, and Mike

Mike & Karen

Don, Cathy, & Dawn

Me, Brydie, Mom, & Dad

Gabby, Josie, Olivia, Audi, & Emilee

Juan the pianist.

Chino and Juan as Harry Potter.

Chino, Audi, Me, Juan, Gabby & Josie

Bryan, Mike, Amber, Angelique, Travis & Emilee

He can be sooo sweet

Gabby fell asleep in the chair and Juan crawled in to hug her.

This is my bottle see, and you can't have it. I will never give it up!

Juan is giving the "ni-night" sign. He tells me good night every time I put him to bed.

Elton Juan