Candy Cane Train

The Dachenhaus' came to town today for Christmas and we headed out to the Goleta Train Depot to ride the candy cane train.

Caught in the act

Note #1 to self: Never leave Kendall in her bumbo chair within sight of a bowl of oatmeal. Note #2 to self: Oatmeal is really hard to clean out of rugs.

I swear I had been gone for under a minute when Daniel starts shouting, "Mommy, Kendall jumped out of her chair! Mommy, Kendall is eating oatmeal!"

Happy Birthday, Gramps!

Tonight we went over to the Switzer's to celebrate Scott's birthday and an early Christmas.

Daniel helped me wrap presents by cutting the wrapping paper.

Kendall and her GG Joey.

Blowing out the candle!

Bathtub Fun

Kendall has started taking baths with Daniel. Daniel's favorite part is pouring water over his sister's head.

First swing

At the park today, Kendall had her first ride in a swing and loved it.

In fact, she loved it so much that during her second swing ride, she fell asleep!

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Hosting our first ugly christmas sweater party where men were highly encouraged to sport mustaches! As you can see from the photo, Brian fully embraced the mustache part.

Sunday in December

Brian was off today so we headed to the Farmer's Market. We enjoyed treats and coffee from Anna's while Daniel climbed a tree.

We found out Santa was visiting the Farmer's Market so we decided to wait and check him out.

Meanwhile, Kendall snoozed.

Santa visit #2 in two days!

Kendall woke up for a photo op by the tree with Mommy.

Later, Daniel and I went to see the train display at the library.

As usual, Daniel was mesmerized with the trains.

After naps the Voita's came over. Don fixed our computer (Yay!) and we had chili and beer. Here Daniel is reading "Polar Express" to us while Kendall hams it up.

Trimming the Tree

This was the first Christmas that Daniel got to decorate our tree. He was so excited to look through all the ornaments and find the ones he wanted to hang on the tree. Good news: There were no ornament casualties tonight!

Holiday at the Ranch

Christmas Tree Shopping

Kendall and Brian with this year's winner.

Trying to sneak a photo of Daniel. He refused to pose for any pictures.

Not to be outwitted by a 3 1/2 year old. I was determined to get a photo of my son with the tree.

Back Float

Kendall usually takes showers but tonight she joined her brother in the bath. She wouldn't sit in the water but loved being on her back.

Train Repair by Day, Picasso by Night

Blue-Eyed Babes

Gingerbread Men and Santa Claus

Daniel has been asking to make Christmas cookies all week long.

He settled for decorating a pre-made gingerbread man from Trader Joe's.

He has also been telling everyone about how excited he is to go to his Grandpa's work holiday party.

Santa Claus looks a lot like Grandpa!

Jolly old St. Nick and his grandbabies.