Merry Christmas!

After celebrating Christmas in Lodi, I feel like the better part of December has been one straight Christmas season! Luckily Jeremy has taken some much needed time off of work and we've been having a lot of fun as a family, enjoying our time as three until our little fourth arrives in April. 

The weekend before Christmas we headed up to Guerneville to spend some time with my parents at the river house. Jeremy planned a day trip for us to Fort Ross. It was a clear sunny day and we had fun running around

At Fort Ross

Daddy teaches M how to ring the bell

Mackenzie's first tide pools. She didn't like the crabs

Running to mommy

My little tiger, grrr!

At my friend Jenny's advice, I took M to see Santa at Walnut Creek's broadway plaza, the thursday before Winter break officially begun. We turned out to have great timing, I think because school was still in session, and Santa was outside of his workshop trying to persuade people on the street to come in for a picture! There was no line and we had him all to ourselves. Quite different than what I had imagined. I thought M might be hesitant to sit on his lap, but I explained to her that we were visiting him beforehand, and she knew she needed to tell him about wanting a "kitchen" for christmas. She was a little shy at first, but she went right along with it and it was the easiest trip.

Mackenzie with Santa

This year for Christmas Eve, we went back to the Ranch, where Judy grew up, in Arbuckle, CA. The Wallace side of the family is big and we had a crowd of 40-50, I'm not sure what the final count ended up being. I've never been to a Wallace christmas before, and it didn't disappoint. There were so many people to visit with, and M had a lot of fun with the other kids there, especially Quinn, who is about 6 months younger and was a perfect match to run around with. 

Christmas Tree loaded with presents!

A partial view of the crowd

Toasting to the engaged couples, who will wed in 2016

After dinner, we sat down to sing Carols by the fire. I didn't know that "Jingle Bells" was Santa's cue to come inside and hand out gifts.

M with the other kids

 Turns out Mackenzie wasn't feeling the least bit shy, and after a bunch of punch and cookies had a full sugar high that needed to be danced off. She took center stage in the middle of the carrols and danced her heart out in front of everyone. Quinn joined in too. Santa (aka, Eric) gave Mackenzie a frozen karaoke machine that mommy had slipped in his sack. It was a big hit at the party, with M and Quinn trying to sing let it go, and with the adults eventually taking it over and plugging in some Billy Joel songs. Everyone loves Karaoke!

"dancing"

Santa makes his big entrance

M can't stop jumping!

M gets her present

Loves her new Anna doll 

With her new Anna and Olaf toys, thanks JoAnn!

Quinn sings "let it go" over and over. Jillian cracks up.

 Check out these videos: Mackenzie has no idea Santa comes in until Dee Dee stops her from dancing to tell her. At about 45 seconds you can her hear tell Santa she's been good.

My mom's sister Edith and cousin Heather came up for a quick visit yesterday. We had fun going to SF for dim sum, visiting the conservatory of flowers, and hanging out at my parents house. M even invited Aunt Edit to sit next to her while watching cartoons. 

This morning we went on a hike in Castle Rock Park. M was a trooper but didn't feel much like hiking and Jer had to carry her quite a bit. But she did let me take a few fun pictures.

Merry Christmas and hope everyone has a great New Years!