Luke & The Old Man Pajamas

Here's Luke doing his best impression of an old man in his pajamas.

Now he's just being cute.

What a sweetie.

The Nutcracker

For the last couple of years we have gone to the Nutcracker. Three years ago it was just Anna and me. Last year we added Jack and this year was Leah's first time to go. We went to a performance that started around their normal bedtime but they all did really well and seemed to enjoy it. There was a live orchestra this year and the kids enjoyed seeing some of the instruments but quickly forgot all about them as the performance began. It is fun to see how enthralled they can be by the dancing and the stage scenes and music.


Can you guess which one of these is not like the other? Luke was determined to go with us. Before this picture he was getting into his car seat. Then he realized he was missing out on the pictures so came back in to join us. Maybe he was thinking that if he made the picture, he'd get to go, too. Not this year, handsome!

Enjoying the intermission after a cookie break.

We went to a theater in San Bernadino in their Old Town district.

Aunt Debbie's Spider

Every year Derek's Aunt Debbie makes ornaments for an exchange. Last year it was a spider and Grandma Hileski brought it for the kids, or boys!, to enjoy.

Christmas Ornaments

We all received our annual Christmas ornaments from Derek's mom. Jack got a cowboy hat, which was broken and quickly replaced by a trip to the feed store with Grandma while she was here this weekend. Anna got a horse (of course!), Leah a moose from Yosemite and Luke got a 'ball'. Or at least he thought he did, nevermind the hanging sting. Derek has received the Crayola ornament from his mom for years and years and I got a cute little brush mouse.

I think over half of our ornaments, if not more, are gifts or hand-me-downs from Grandma Hileski. And every tree we have in our house also came from her either as a gift or hand-me-down. Thanks for making us so festive!

How Anna Eats Breakfast

Scoop up some cereal.

Put it in your mouth without looking.

Chew, chew, chew.

She reads in the car, in her bed, at the table, outside, on the floor, in the morning, late at night... you get the picture!

Merry Christmas, Mr. Mark

Here's the section we thought you'd enjoy, Mr. Mark. This is from one of the 'small worlds' inside the ride.

The kids at the reindeer roundup. We were able to see some real reindeer, but not the flying kind. They must have been booked someplace else.

It's a Small World... is open!

After a year (I believe) of refurbishmet, the Small World ride is open again at Disneyland. We worked quickly through as much school work as we could squeeze in on Tuesday morning before heading out to Disneyland for our chance to ride it. The kids loved it and it was a perfect Disneyland day with minimal lines and a nice cool overcast sky. I think we'll be back again and again and again!



Luke waiting in line. He was fascinated by the ride.

Anna and Jack as we're getting in the boat. Anna remembered it from three years ago and was pretty excited.

Decked out for Christmas. The whole ride is Christmas/holiday themed this time of year.

Looking sweet and innocent. Not that she is... I think she was just sticking her hands and/or feet outside of the boat, the biggest Disneyland no-no!