On the road again to an fantastic time with family! First stop was the Natal's. They are always so welcoming and we all had fun talking the night away. Then the girls came down shortly after going to bed exclaiming that the littlest lost a tooth. So Grace decided that bedtime with cousins was the best time to pull that tooth out. The next morning Uncle and Auntie went for a Trot and we spent more time with cousins before heading to The Marty's to unpack for a couple of days. Shortly after us, The Marty's, Poppa, and The Natal's met back up at a great performance of the Little Mermaid put on by the SRJC. Afterward we all treated ourselves for a late lunch at the new Bear Republic in Rohnert Park. We had a great evening at the Marty's then let them sleep in a bit and went for a walk around their neighborhood. After a wonderful breakfast we all went to play miniature gulf at Scandia to get out of the house and into the rain : ) We spent the rest of the day enjoying family and smoking a tri-tip before waking up a little earlier to our first ThanksChristmasMorning.
Later that afternoon we headed out to Kenwood to let the girls stake their claim of what was left of Poppa's property. They had heard so much about the fire and were so curious and awe struck once we let them see. They kept some cool memorabilia that we have set in our backyard. That evening we headed to the Payne's house to do some hiking out their backyard and spend time together before going to Grammy and Grandpa's house for the night.
We spent most of the next morning relaxing as Grammy taught the girls a Ukulele and hula performance to show the next day when family came for Thanksgiving Day. That evening Grammy and Grandpa spoiled the girls as Mommy and Daddy met up with Abbey and Shaun for some drinks and dinner in downtown SR. It was so great to see them even if we didn't get to see the kids this time.
Thanksgiving Day Poppa, The Marty's, Natal's, McFarland's, Chris and Ryli, and other family friends got to spend time together! It was our first time meeting a new cousin Ryli and the girls had a lot of fun together. The following morning we did another ThanksChristmasMorning enjoying everyone's company including the rest of the McFarland clan. After being spoiled with gifts, we all took a walk to help out the nearby neighborhood that had be ruined by fire by spreading wildflowers in burnt but thriving areas. The girls mentioned how much it meant to them to be able to help any way that they could.
Then came our road trip back home, but we had a little time and decided to stay at Harris Ranch for some Rydman time. The girls loved the adventure and getting to play in the pool and Hot Tub with Daddy while Mommy watched and held Porter. It was nice to only have to go the other half of the way home on Saturday to have some time to unpack and get ready for the next week of school.
Now it was time for Christmas decorating, but first Kaylee got to be in the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade with her Brownie Troop. All our outdoor lighting looks amazing thanks to the girls and Daddy! We even took a drive to make sure and do a Choose and Cut Christmas tree this year. The girls brought it in the house themselves after Mommy and Daddy made it secure and cleaned up in its stand. We took some time decorating it throughout the following week during the nights that we had a little time. It's always fun to take time checking out the past ornaments that we have all gotten or made.
The next week at school Kaylee had an amazing field trip to LBState to see their production of White Christmas, which we have watched, and loved as a family, on TV. Then Cienna said goodbye to her student teachers with a party that the class had planned and help with a gift planned by Mommy.
Then all the practicing at gymnastics for the Holiday Show was upon us. Started with rehearsals then came the big day. The girls were fantastic in two shows that they had to do that day. Both girls got to do a solo routine in the second show of the day. Cienna on floor, and Kaylee on beam.
Finally Daddy got us all to understand the amazement of a train and convinced us to buy a new one at a local train store to ride around our Christmas tree, replacing the childhood one that we could no longer buy replacement parts for. Once we completed the train set-up, Mommy had a great YMCA gymnastics staff dinner at Lucille's.
Highlights of the following week included a Holiday Performance by Cienna and her Chorus then, our Team Gymnastics Holiday party, and immediately followed by Mommy and Me Party for Kaylee's Brownie Troop. We spent most of last Sunday together, then Daddy planned an awesome day with Brandon, Larry, Jerry, and Roman which Larry was gracious to host. The girls went to Barnes and Nobles and Pizza Rev in the mean time. Then next day was fun caroling in the neighborhood with Cienna's Junior Troop.
Both of the girls highlights from the month after asking them were... "All of it!
More fun and time to appreciate the things we have is upon us. Enjoy the pictures.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/R3lRCDf3L4kwpyTy1
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