How I get my holiday spirit

Two years ago I just wasn't feeling it in regards to holiday spirit. I was a tad cranky, tired of buying & buying presents, and just generally felt Scrouge-ish. 

"Ah-ha!" I said to myself. This calls for a dose of Santa!

So I dressed up the kids and hauled them down to the local mall for a little Santa action.

Last year I remembered this and again, and it did the trick. But since I procrastinated we waited in line for TWO hours. 

Not this year, I told myself. So on November 28th (woah!) I went down and did the deed. And I must say, it works for me like a charm.

I was hoping to not have to be in the pic this year, but William was NOT having anything to do with touching Santa. This has to be the best Santa likeness on earth. Go ahead, click on the picture to see a close up. It's the real deal I tell you.

Si, habla Ingles

Yes Senior, it's true. You are a mighty talker at your young age of 14 months. To date you can say:

Dada

Mama

 (but mind you only when you are upset or tired, hmmm)

Woof Woof

Don't

Stop

No 

(I see a pattern here)

Hi fishie
Hi guinea

Uh oh

Hot

All done (sounds like 'aaa nun')

This might not be impressive to other people with linguistically advanced children, but to date you my young man, are my most advanced talker if I am not mistaken. And we are mighty proud.

Recent pics I love

 This is one of my all time fav pics of Luke. I love your hair. Your shirt and your smile. 

I LOVE this picture.

The joy on your face it just the best.

No explanation needed

I know this is out of focus and blurry but I love this shot

I took 5 children to Ikea. Crazy, I know. But the simple use of umbrellas made it enjoyable.

 I watched my sister's girls for the weekend and this particular day it was drizzling. Despite the weather the kids played outside from 7:30AM until 4:30PM. It was incredible.

 Car full of kids. So fun.

The girly girls

I love this shot!!! Check out the color

I attended the birth of my friend's baby and it was SO much fun. Afterwards the midwives told me I have a talent and I should definitely consider it. This brought back my original purpose of being a midwife all those years ago. We'll see.....it was so much fun to assist this dear friend and her precious daughter.

 While window shopping Lucas found something he can't live without. :)

 My first picture of Wills with my new camera

 The lighting was horrible, and the subject moving like crazy and still my new camera produced this shot. And she's adorable too. :)

Wills loves the bounce house. 

Charlotte's dance recital

 Woooooweeee. Such a beauty!!

You had been planning your outfit all week (and driving me a bit bonkers).

Luckily a friend near by makes these tutus and made one last minute for you. So stunning!

 This was your tap portion. You were so excited and nervous!

 Look at that foot fly! :)

 Nice to have your cousin near by.

 The ballet portion

 You whole class

You and your teacher Ms. Maxine.

I am so proud of you!!!! You did such a great job!

Funny part, you would NOT hold hands with the other girls and bow. I noticed this, and after the show you told me "Ya, I don't like that part so I decided not to do it" Haha, this is SO you my love. 

This I threw in, just because it's freaking adorable.

Thanksgiving 2011

 "Aunt Carmen" brought Mater teeth. The kids had a great time with them. :)

 Boy am I thankful for you people. xoxoxo

 love

 Violet and her Mater teeth

 Charlotte and Cousin Jordan

 My whole Pace Fam. I love big families

My sis and her hubby

Quotables

"Grandpa's cranberry sauce is so good I might even share some with Santa" - Charlotte

‎"You know how Santa eats lots of cookies? I'm going to set out protein on the cookie plate this year" - Lucas

"Don't!! Stop!!!" William

Quatro

On August 27th we found out the wonderful news that we were expecting our fourth baby.

And on November 2nd we found out that it's a girl.

I came into school the next day and my students had made this for me. I absolutely love it.

Savannah Olivia LeBaron is due to join us April 30th 2012.

A theological meltdown at the Halloween store

Upon arriving at the Halloween store Charlotte my darling, you informed me that you wanted to be a devil. And this is what transpired:

A: "Honey, the devil is the opposite of God! Are you sure you want to be something that represents the opposite of God?! I mean, I don't think this is really setting a good example."

C: "Umm...I just want to be a devil mom. I like the red dress"

A: "Let's look at other costumes"

We searched the store and I could see you getting more and more downtrodden. Finally I gave in. At this Lucas came up and asked for a scythe. "Seriously!!!" I am thinking. And I said "Lucas, this represents Death. I don't feel good about you representing Death. Also it will scare your brother." At this he shows it to William and William runs up and grabs it and starts hitting Lucas and giggling. Great. Thanks William.

So after feeling close to tears and at total defeat at turning my children's hearts in a more righteous direction - I give in. I am not sure this one is worth it. When we get home and rely the whole scenario to John he says "Honey, do you really want to be THAT mom?? Please go take a nap." Wise, wise man........ And I did.

All in all I do still think the things I said, but I don't want to fight battles that aren't worth it. And to your credit my Char, you made as darling a devil there could be. 

 Lucas 

 My Lion

 The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe

 Our Trick or Treat Party. 

 Wills hung out with Grandpa who acted as tour guide for the Trick or Treat party.

Wills first lolly pop.

All in all it was an awesome Halloween. My brother in law made John's wardrobe costume and I was tickled with how it turned out. This kind of made up for my older children's costumes. Must Halloween be so disgustingly scary?? What happened to imaginative costumes? Oops, I'm being that mom again. :)

I love Dada forever

 Whether swimming or playing, Will is a dada lover

Testing the new tablet 

 Waiting for Mecca to open (Mac store)

 Eating the best ice cream on earth, Paradis in Montrose

 Swimming

 Napping

 At the stream in Santa Barbara

 In the kitchen

On vacation in Santa Barbara.

From birth is has been evident that  you are a daddy's boy through and through. And I understand. I kinda like him myself. Enjoy your time with your Dada little man.