Bowling for Olivia

December 28, 2009

Lots of family time this weekend...:)

Olivia's birthday is on January 8, so my parents always like to have an early birthday celebration for her while they are still in town. As with last year, we headed back to Strike! bowling alley for some bowling fun.

I did something wonky with my back, so I was an enthusiastic and supportive auntie/photographer on the sidelines.










After bowling, we walked across the street to Dynasty for some good ol' Chinese food.

Happy early birthday to Olivia!

The Nutcracker 2009

December 27, 2009

For the past four years, I've been taking Olivia and Angie to the San Francisco Ballet performance of The Nutcracker. Last year, we added Terrina, my Mom and Charlotte. This year, we were also adding Simon.








The kids were enraptured by the ballet and they all had a wonderful time. Olivia's a pro at watching this now. Everytime a prima ballerina came onstage to dance, Charlotte exclaimed "That's me!" and explained that she has let the ballerina "borrow" her tutus. Simon enjoyed the fight with the Rat King...figures.

Ho Ho Ho!

December 25, 2009

After a pretty hectic fall, I was pretty excited to be on vacation for the Christmas holidays. My parents came into the Bay Area on the 23rd. I hastily finished my holiday shopping on the night of the 23rd after work, and managed to get it all done despite the madness

Christmas Eve (Thursday):

On Thursday afternoon, Will and I headed down to south bay and we joined my family for dinner at Dynasty.





It was quite the challenge getting the kiddies to go to sleep, especially Charlottte, she was determined to see Santa come in all his glory...

Christmas Morning (Friday):

My mom managed to keep the kids at bay between 4 AM and 8 AM, and finally let them loose on the rest of us after 8 AM. We were woken up by little screams of "Santa came!!", and little hands shaking us awake.


And the gift opening ensued:
















As with tradition, I made breakfast, and Jack poured the mimosas for the adults. Gail came by to say hello and partake in some breakfast/mimosa action.






The rest of the day was pretty mellow and full of activities prepping for the big Christmas dinner.

Christmas Dinner:

For dinner and true to tradition, my dad made his famous prime rib and my sister did all the fixings.

Sandy and Keith joined in on the holiday feast:






Hope you are all enjoying a fantastic holidays!