Gilroy Christmas

Christmas part 1 took place the weekend before Christmas in Gilroy. Perhaps the best present I received was my mother in law calling to see if she could come pick up the kids Friday late morning and take them home with her...which meant I had almost an entire day to myself. I believe this is the first time this happened for me. The other times the kids weren't with me, I was really sick with pneumonia or heading out of town. I had an amazing time. I did most of my xmas shopping on Main street, organized the kids' closet, caught up with old friends, read, rested, and had a wonderful dinner out with Adam. Crazy thing is I missed them so much the whole time. Saturday after teaching we drove to Gilroy to celebrate our first round of xmas. We packed a lot into a short amount of time, and everyone had a great time.

Friday night Pam and Mike braved the weather and took the kids to Gilroy Gardens for their nights of lights event. I think they were pretty much the only ones there...which was fine with Charlie...

They were able to drive the cars over and over and enjoy a nice train ride in the dark

How cute!

Saturday night we had our own little xmas, and the kids scored clothes, books, pajamas, a movie, and nice toy each. Kate was excited to get a jessie doll (don't tell Kate but Jessie must have escaped to Sunny Side....I honestly can't find her anywhere....I am sure she will turn up when/if we move this month.)

Charlie is all about Star Wars these days (despite the fact that he has never seen any of the movies), so he was stoked to get a new light sabor.

The kids helped me make Mike gingersnaps and Charlie was proud to give them to his Papa.

Dancing is a big part of our family life, we pretty much have dance parties every evening. Both kids have some amazing moves and lately Charlie has really focused on his break dancing moves. I was pleased when they both danced for Pam and Mike, I was afraid they would be too shy. This picture doesn't do the dancing justice, I have a video that I will post soon.
Kate scored some new tights, which I am just as happy about as she is...it is nice to have more than 2 pairs in her drawer....

Charlie is the best gift giver, he comes up with an idea all on his own, and they are thoughtful and sweet. He picked out a star wars book for Adam, and some yarn for me.

The kids had fun making snickerdoodles...

And Adam brought his collection of chanterelles and porcinis and made a delicious cream of mushroom soup

Everyone enjoyed the soup, even the kids....although they were tired and pretty much ready for bed.

Sunday morning we went to Monterey and visited Adam's grandparents. We took a fun hike in the wet forest, all of us searching for mushrooms throughout the whole hike. Sorry about the sideways pic, can't figure out how to turn them.

It makes me forever proud that my kids can frolick for hours in the cold and rainy forest without a single complaint.

We had fun visiting Nonnie Doreen and Grandma and Grandpa Underwood, the kids did their best to stay quiet and not too wild in the quiet areas....something they aren't great at, especially on rainy days...