Christmas in California

Dear friends...wondering why you haven't received our Christmas card yet? Apparently the printer thought only half of Eleanor was worth printing! Bah humbug!

 



Our Christmas card will arrive in 2014.
 





Christmas sure snuck up quickly this year! Then again, I'm pretty sure it does every year! Jon had a week off and we were able to enjoy the awesomeness that is SoCal. We are so truly lucky!

 

 



The kiddos love when we have visitors!

Snoozing it up after a quick run with mommy and Ethan.

Reading time with Grandma

Four little dudes enjoying the light show before some pizza

This momma made it to 750 total miles this year. Thank you to my two favorite running teammates for rolling with me!
Thank you MFM, Marathon Red and SWCP for all the motivation!

A "little" McCormick Street cookie chow session

Baby girl cannot get enough of those "cooookie"

Nighttime snuggles with Daddy

Early morning reading session

Not staged. Not posed. They really are best buds!

It's beginning to look like Christmas

Power couple just chatting it up around the water cooler bottle

Thank you, Mia, for all your hard work & dedication to SWCP! Ethan wanted to help give you your present

"Coook-kie"

Running 13.1 with some pretty sweet chicks!

Eleanor showing Mommy what she should have done after her long run....I opted to just lay on the couch!



 

Since we weren't able to be with our families this year for Christmas, we spent much of the time with our deployment family. Viczoreks and Mashburns - you are good people! We love spending time with you!

 

Ethan watching his buds share a glass of sparkling cider. Patiently waiting for our glorious Christmas Eve brunch breakfast.
Egg casserole, waffles, scones, bacon wrapped dates, fruit, coffee, mimosas. DELICIOUS!!!

Mean mommy moment - Ethan had milk. He didn't even notice and didn't even care!

A break from playtime for some reading with Mia

Cutest little elf I know!!

Alright, kiddos, assume the pose. We had a few practice tries - reference jacked up photo card above!

Merry Christmas Eve....72 degrees!
I should have known better than to have purchased corduroy pants and a winter sweater for Ethan!

Bubbie - what does all this mean!??!

Again with the photos, Mommy? You can make me stand here but you can't make me be in the photo!

Great job, Daddy! Note for next time - kneel down next to Mommy to help with smiles for the camera!

Three excited Landers!!

Snuggling up and watching White Christmas with my babies. Doesn't get much better than this!

The only picture we took Christmas morning (and afternoon).
The unwrapping rate of this 2.5 and 1 year old is extremely long and exhausting! I should count my blessings that they didn't just tear through it all! They certainly were spoiled!

Oh wait, I lied. This is the only other picture taken Christmas morning.
Pretend razor and shaving cream stocking stuffer....pretty big hit with Li'l Man!



Christmas Feast - shared with wonderful friends!
Hook me up with some of that horseradish sauce!!!

Eleanor has nothing to worry about...her 5 bodyguards! 6 if you count Hooch!

Manly men always clean up when the womenfolk cook!

It's whip cream time, baby!!!

Say "cheeeese"

Intense post dinner conversations, with some help from Jack!

HEY! You two. Look at me!

You say somethin', Mommy?

What? Who? Me?

Picture - fail!

Pretty sure Bobby was not as impressed with Eleanor as Mia and Braxton

Buddy...don't forget to blink!!

Eleanor's sign that she's ready for night-night....I'm just going to lay right here until someone picks me up!

It's Mack truck time!!

Uncle Braxton showing Eleanor exactly what she should not be doing in her toy jogging stroller...
which, btw, is absolutely the cutest thing ever!

She just needs to learn to enjoy her cape. Maybe she'll like it more outside and with her stroller.

 

Not being around family is tough, especially during the holidays. However, you will not convince me that there is anywhere else we need to be!!

Daddy makes the best tunnel!