Christmas in Newport (Part 1)

Derek had a 6 week long break between semesters (it's still going on right now). We decided to drive on down to Southern CA and enjoy some R&R as a family.

The first week we spent in Newport with my family. It has been nice to have my family come out to CA the past couple of years so that we get to see both families over the holidays. My entire family gathered together....I was in heaven, and definitely all the grandkids were in heaven! The only bummer was that it rained almost the entire week straight! So we did a lot of hanging out at the condo, hot tubbing in the rain, and finally just ignoring the rain and got wet anyway! From the Newport boat parade to Fashion Island excursions to trips to Main Beach Laguna we had fun and still enjoyed the outdoors.

Building Forts and Building Blocks

*Oh to be a fly on that wall....

Playing Games

Snuggles from Grandma and our Christmas hotel decorations

Outings in the drizzling rain at Main Beach in Laguna

Sophia and Jack share a birthday, so we decided to celebrate Sophia's early this year and let her have the spotlight. We had delicious cupcakes (seriously the best ever by Hannah), had a dance party, and played Ghost in the Graveyard. I love how kids are so easily entertained! Jack was talking about Ghost in the Graveyard for days!

Went to Fashion Island to see Santa. The photo of Jack on Derek's shoulders is when he catches a glimpse of Santa. Jack was SO excited to tell him that he wanted a Big Boy Bike. It was fun to have his little cousins with him :)....even though poor Zooey girl didn't think much of Santa...

To make Christmas work for all families and in-laws, we bumped it a few days ahead to enjoy the festivities together. Christmas Eve was filled with talent show, great photo montage videos by Mom, and of course the Live Nativity.

Christmas morning we woke up to Santa's footprints, presents and stockings. Jack really understands and 'gets Christmas' now. Kids make the holidays so much fun!

*giving Gma and Gpa their handmade ornament from Jack

Thanks for making such a memorable Christmas everyone~....even with the rainy weather.

*disclaimer.....we had just woken up Jack from a nap and Teddy needed one...