Merry Christmas

We had such a wonderful few days. We spent Christmas Eve with the kids, going to mass, having a tamale dinner, reading Christmas stories, and singing carols. This is the only night of the year that the kids get ready for bed FAST. After prepping for Santa, it was lights out by 10:30.

Christmas morning was of course loud and festive. Emma woke us up by sounding the toy trumpet that she got from preschool. Following a yummy breakfast prepared by Dad, we all rallied to get the house ready for all the family that was coming over for our 3rd annual Christmas Pizza Party. This year we added a tamale pizza and a chorizo and beans pizza. YUMMY!

I think the theme of this week has been "Eat, Clean up, Eat, Clean up..." My sister, Thelma and family stayed with us for a few days and of course it was a blast. We ate, and laughed and shopped and talked. We are always so sad when they leave. The kids instantly start planning their next trip to see her.

On Sunday, we headed back to one of our favorite places, LA! The big kids received tickets to see Wicked from Mike and I for Christmas. Unfortunately, Emma is not ready for a Broadway show, so she spent the day with Grandma and Chuck E. Cheese. She was way more excited about that then seeing the mean, green witch.

Christmas Eve @ home with the Fam.

Yummy, Pink's Hot Dogs before the show.

Man vs. Dog

Michael V. was victorious over his Chili/Cheese/Bacon/Onion/Tomato Dog

In front of the beautiful Pantages theater.

The kids where so excited because they knew all the words to the songs.

I guess I can take the soundtrack out of my car now.

Mike and I have seen the show multiple times and every time we are amazed by how talented the performers are. I am usually moved to tears.

Well, this week should be pretty quiet. Science project and Mission project are on

the "To Do" list. We'll be back in LA on Thursday for the Rose Bowl, cheering our Trojans to victory!! I really think we should look into a condo in LA for the weekends.

Happy New Year!!!

XOXO,

Gaby

What a Week!

I am so happy it is Monday morning! The kids are on Christmas break and it is raining. We are going nowhere and doing nothing. Well, except for some gingerbread houses.

I hate to say that I haven't blogged because I've been so busy, but seriously last week was CRAZY.

Monday and Tuesday nights we had the kids Christmas programs.
Tuesday morning was ornament making day at Emma's school.
Wednesday was homework day.
Thursday night we hosted a pizza making party for our neighbors.
Friday was Christmas parties @ school, gymnastics, and then to our other neighbors for chili, Christmas lights and crafts.
Saturday we finally pick out a tree, cut it down, decorated it, had dinner and ended the evening with a movie and hot cocoa.
Sunday we went to mass, out to breakfast and to LA to see HSM the Ice Tour. A big THANKS to Coca-Cola again for the fabu suite. My girls are so spoiled. Michael and Dad spent their time at the ESPN Zone securing their manhood.

Michael cutting down his 1st Christmas tree

The boys and their tree.

MV making sure the trunk is straight

I just thought this picture was so cute, I had to add it.

MV so proud of his accomplishment

Daddy & Emma trying to pick the best tree.

When they are this fresh, it's really hard to pick just one.

The kids and a Charlie Brown tree. They each wanted one for their room.


Enjoy this wonderful Christmas week.

XOXO,

Gaby

Oranges Anyone?

It's that time of the year again.

Orange picking season is officially open at the Vasquez Rancho.

The kids love going out back and picking the fruit right off the trees. Not in the mood for a juicy orange? We also have avocados, lemons, and limes. The apples and plums won't be ready till the summer. Here are a few shots of our grove. I'm glad Mike put his foot down and said NO when I wanted to demo it all. I truly appreciate the little treasure we have right in our own back yard.

If you're in the neighborhood, bring a basket. We would love to share.

XOXO,

Gaby

Thanksgiving Weekend

The kids spent Thanksgiving weekend at my sister's. Mike and I on the other hand, spent it in the car. We headed up on Wednesday morning. Nothing too exciting other then the NASTY storm I had to drive through while Mike was on the phone "taking care of work stuff."

My sister is a total hands-on type person. She had so much for the kids to do, I don't think they had any down time the entire weekend.

They started off Wednesday, playing games and making appetizers for dinner. We cooked all day on Thursday for our amazing Thanksgiving feast. On Friday, Mike and I headed home so that he could get some work done. The kids headed to the mission to take photos and get information for Michael V's project. Then they went to the tree farm to pick out Tia's tree. After naps they headed to the movies to go see Bolt and then back home to get some decorating started. My sis says that her teenage boys are boring and no fun, so she was going to take advantage of all the eager little girls.

Mike and I went to the USC/ND game on Saturday, while the girls continued with the Christmas decorating. In case you were wondering about Michael. I don't think he lifted his head for more then 5 minutes from the computer/DS. He was so happy to be with his BOY cousins.

After a very long day in LA, Mike and I headed back to get the kids. OMG I was dying. Note to self, "Ignore my hype-active husband when he says, the 2 1/2 drive after 8 hours of football, is no big deal." We were both hating life by 10pm. We made it back safe and sound and on Sunday morning we packed up and headed home.

I can't thank my sister and her family enough for allowing us to take over their home. The kids are still talking about how much fun they all had.

The view after the storm on the 101 FWY

Tia Thelma playing games with the kids.
Lauren was the official champ of Wig Out. Look, there's a Michael siting.

The girls making appetizers before dinner.

So much to be thankful for.

Getting ready to enjoy our beautiful feast.

Tia's Thelma wishing the turkey would HURRY-UP!

Mommy and Emma stealing a minute.

I'm not a pet person, my sister is. I have to admit, Laila is an amazing dog.

The kids in front of La Purisima Mission

Lauren, putting the finishing touches on Tia's tree.

Tia Thelma, Uncle Rob, Wesley & Geoffrey we love you so much. Only 3 more weeks till Christmas. Can't wait to see you.

XOXO,

The V's