Christmas with the Smith Fam

This year we were with my family for Christmas and we had a blast. We have a few traditions in our family and one is that we get these Ravioli's from a small mom and pop shop in San Jose every year. I am not a fan of these Ravioli's but I love that it's a tradition for us to eat them on Christmas Eve. My mom told us the story that she would eat them with her Grandparents and would listen to them for hours speak in Italian and have like a ten course dinner. They even had hand made Cannoli's, mm yummm. We have dropped that part of the tradition for the sake of Sanity. We have bread, Ravioli's and sparking cider. Then we get to open our pajamas and read the Christmas story from Luke 2 and then Santa came to visit before he started his deliveries for the night. The kids loved it. Tyler was in shock and beside himself and couldn't spit out everything that was in his head. Grace and Andrew loved it just as much and were so excited. We put the kids to bed and while we waited for them to fall asleep we watched It's a wonderful Life and The Christmas Story. While we were trying to explain the movie's to Laura the whole time we had a blast getting ready for Christmas morning. I love watching the kids faces and listening and answering their questions. Christmas morning started out early with Kyle calling at 6:30 a.m. It was so much for to talk to him and hear how he's doing. We played a lot , I vacuumed repeatedly with my new Dyson DC 17 , oh yeah, and ate a ton of food. We went over to my Aunt and Uncle's in the evening to see all our cousins who were here visiting and had a fun time catching up. It was a great day and everyone was happy all day!!! It was Christmas after all.

Fun Times

All the cousins checking out the new toys.

Super excited face?

I don't think he believed he was ever going to have a birthday

Andrew's new GeoTrax Airplane

Cupcakes for Lunch!
The Smith Grandkids

Santa Came to visit

The kids were so excited!

Some how it turned into dog pile night

She was so not excited about Christmas!

Christmas Morning, waiting on stairs, tradition? or cruel form of torture?

Tyler starting to open after getting his Leapster 2 and Hunting bag.

Grace got Dance lessons and Tutu's for Christmas!

My Dyson vacuum, I am in love!

Andrew and his D-Rex, it is so cool!

Trev did o.k. too, golf bag, golf balls, gadgets, a hat and coveralls that have his new business name on them. That's right we started a new business in December too, now we have two businesses to keep track of. Advanced Energy Audits and M2 Builders call 257-1222 for any Contractor or Energy needs. (How'd you like that little bit of advertisement?)

To say the least we were all spoiled and had a blast being with all the kids and seeing their adorable faces light up with all the fun. Christmas is so much fun with kids, how did we ever do it without them?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW

So this little boy was a bit of a surprise but we seriously need him in our family. He is so sweet and loves to cuddle with mom and dad. He is growing way too fast. He is now wearing size 4/5 T shirts and is just now 3. I know... I'm in trouble. He loves his chicken nuggets and milk. He recently has discovered how to use those strong muscles in his legs to push bike pedals and loves being outside and helping daddy work. He already has a deep voice and is a bit of a "tough guy". Anything trucks, trains, cars, planes, animals, coloring, and did I mention this kid loves his milk. Due to a slacker of a mom he is not potty trained yet because I guess I like buying diapers j/k. We start monday on the potty training and will be done right?! I'm not that naive! I love this cute boy and he just can melt your heart with his laugh and smile. Here's a few pictures of him growing before our very eyes.!

Enough wtih the Fog

So the fog was fun for the first couple of days, but it's been like two weeks. I do realize however that this is as close to the look of snow that we get so I think it helps with the Christmas feeling, but seriously because of where we live we're kept in the fog long after many of you have recieved your gift of the sun. I am not a cold or rain person but I am a Christmas person. So I will try to keep my spirits up but after Christmas I make no promises.

CHP Academy

So for those of you who don't know that the economy sucks for construction right now, well it does. Leaving those of us who are in the industry without work that was so plentiful a few years ago. M2 Builders has now turned into Trevor being without his brother Jared as his partner. Jared also known as Hoss to many, entered the CHP Academy the beginning of November. It is some seriously hard work physically and mentally. And my sister in law Nikki is now a single mom during the week. She is seriously working as hard as a supporter and mother and I totally admire her for it. I don't think I could do it. Anyway so this week Jared got his picture taken while in class and I thought I would post it. The kids miss their uncle Hoss being around. Good luck Hoss we'r all praying for you guys!