Christmas Festivities

Christmas began with Church on Sunday-the girls were sweet in their festive dresses.

Olivia even let me curl her hair!

On Christmas Eve we decorated gingerbread houses at Mom and Dads house. Thanks Andrea for baking them-and Mom for assembling them.

Olivia had a blast; although I think more candy went in her belly then on her house.

Finn tried to get in on the action.

Dad's masterpiece-using just the leftover candy when everyone else was finished. Nice work Dad!

Christmas morning the girls got these Angus horses from Santa. Olivia fell upon hers and exclaimed "it's just what I've always wanted!"

After stockings at our place  we headed to Mom and Dads where the rest of the presents were. The kids were anxious to open presents; but not before the traditional Hoth Christmas morning breakfast.

Everyone was hungry-and tired.

Some of the favorites-Charlotte's Zhu Zhu pet pony and playhouse.

Charlotte and Ed had a great time playing "Pony, Princess,Lego, Dino-Dragon Land" 

Olivia is very pleased with her flashing Minnie high heels-so fancy!

She has also been loving this adorable pretend-cake from Mom. It was a very Merry Christmas. We also visited the carousel for free rides on Christmas Day. The kids all rode 4 times. I decided not to bring the camera and just enjoy the ride for once. We had a great time with Mom and Dad and Andrea's family. It was so nice not to be alone in Arizona for the first time in years! Happy New Year to you all!

Nutcracker

Had to add this picture of Mom and I making chocolates until 1:00am. The results were much appreciated by my neighbors and co-workers!

Ready for our night out on the town! First we headed to dinner at La Margarita for enchiladas and a
yummy Mexican banana split. 

Then it was to the Elsinore theater to see the Nutcracker. Charlotte was excited. Mom was too, but a little tired after cleaning all day and a big trip to Costco.

Charlotte was feeling very inspired as she posed during intermission.

After the performance we met the Sugar Plum Fairy-she was so pretty-and danced beautifully! The show was wonderful with fantastic costumes and fabulous dancing. It was a great way to get in the Holiday mood. 

Bithday & Ballet

Can you believe it? Our sweet Charlotte is a big 6 year old now. Like most 6 year old girls she wanted a horse birthday cake. I somehow convinced Mom to make the cake; it wasn't quite what I had envisioned-but it was cute-and tasty! Mom and Dad came and made the day special.

A better view of the Christmas Forrest land cake.

Unlike most 6 year old girls; she asked for dinosaurs for her birthday. This is her happy face after opening
her awesome new Spinosaurus.

She loves the big mean ones the best!

She bought this fun My Little Pony castle with her Birthday money from Grandma Caldwell and Aunt Katy-played with it all weekend. The poor ponies have to endure constant dinosaur attacks.

Saturday was busy with ballet class, and two performance. Her class danced to Rockin Around the Christmas tree.

She was scared and begged not to go on stage; but once she did she had a fun time and performed well. As a six year old she is looking forward to loosing teeth and taking on more chores at home (well maybe just that first part). 

We love you Charlotte!

Let the Christmas season begin!

We got a little excited and jumped head first into Christmas this weekend. I finished their Christmas outfits Friday night-just in time for our 1st Christmas event. The girls got to attend a children's Christmas party they throw every year at OSU.

Please excuse me for posting too many pictures of them in these outfits. They looked like extra cute pieces of Christmas candy-I couldnt resist!

At the party the kids made several crafts. The party had a Safari theme-very cute.

Olivia worked on this paper bag puppet for 30 minutes. It was so darling.

At the end of the party a local Zoo did a 1 hour show with lizards, birds, snakes, sugar gliders and a porcupine.
They loved it of course.

Friday afternoon we got a surprise when Grandpa showed up at the door with a beautiful Christmas tree for us. Thanks Dad!
Olivia had so much fun decorating 1 square foot of tree with about 100 ornaments.

Charlotte gave up on tree decorating and decorated her horse ranch instead.

The girls looked extra sweet in their holiday dresses this morning.

I got this one at the goodwill for $3-yes!!!!



Christmas is so much fun with these two!



Over the river and through the woods...

For the first time in years; we got to spend Thanksgiving with our family. Have I mentioned that I LOVE living in Oregon? Here we are after a triumphant 2 mile run. Eddie ran full speed for about 200 yards and then told me he was "out of power".

Later that morning we enjoyed a little sunshine at the park.

The boys had a traditional game of football. They could have used a few more players.

The main event! Dad's gravy kind of stole the show-but everything was so good.

Now that's a leg!

Here's Eddie sampling the turkey heart-I think it was a little chewy.

It's not Thanksgiving without apple Turkeys. 

Olivia didn't waste anytime eating hers.

We found time to play some games.

This is the only picture I had of Mom. She is "playing the flute" in a game of Guestures.

On Saturday we had a great time playing at a park in Ashland.

This was before we noticed the leaves were covered in deer poop, oops!

And here's the culprits. How cute.

Thanks for a great Thanksgiving time Andrea and family. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family!!!