Happy 2016!!!!

Oh New Year's Eve. We had some low moments that were eventually made into highs. Miguel was sick that evening, and I mean really sick, so at around 8:00 he passed out in the bed and Max went along with him. Because Miguel was so sick, and I am still recovering, we ended up not going out. I had originally thought about going to the big party at the Rec center, but that didn't end up happening. At around 9:00, the girls were invited over by the neighbors to hang out with them. I figured they might have more fun over there, so I let them go and found myself alone on New Year's Eve. I got sad, I'm not gonna' lie. This was the one of many less than exciting holidays I had experienced this year and I was feeling low. I made a resolution to take charge of our holidays and not let other people dictate how well we celebrate and the memories we make. The Lord must have been aware of me that night, because my little girlie angels came back home to be with me all on their own. At around 10:45 they showed up and said they would rather be home and doing our own thing, so we pulled out CLUE at 11:20 and we tried to solve it in time for the countdown. We had already gathered our suitcases, grapes, and sparkling cider. Luckily Gabriela solved the mystery at about ten till. We all ran to get ready in our snow boots, jackets, and backpacks. In all of the rushing, we forgot about having a countdown and Julianne later reminded me that she was super disappointed. There we were, the girls club, celebrating together as we rang in 2016. We all ate our 12 grapes at 12:00 and then we were off running in the snow around the duplex next door. We weren't taking any chances on our Mexico trip this coming year! At about the half way point I realized I was running. That was dumb. I had gotten caught up in the moment and the girls were going full speed ahead and I wanted to keep up. Luckily, I don't think any major damage was done. We stopped out by the street to take in the fireworks going off at the Rec center. We then came in frozen and broke open our bottle of Martinelli's. We kept two glasses on the table in honor of our boys who were missing out, but we created some good little memories that night by ourselves. That's why God gave us families!

Christmas (part2)

After our lovely time at the ballet, we headed over to Shelley's for our family party. We ate the most heavenly meal prepared by Grandma. Her posole is like a warm hug from the inside that fills your soul. It's almost ritualistic as you grind your oregano in your hands and sprinkle it in, and add in each additional topping. It's beautifully delightful. 

After dinner we watched a couple of nativity videos on lds.org and talked about the gifts Christ gave each of us. We then proceeded to exchange gifts with each other. The big joke was when Sam received a gift card to Kohl's and Miguel suggested he should buy underwear. Sam whittingly agreed  because Ben kept wearing his underwear. Oh, we all laughed at that! Then it was Ben's turn and he too got his own gift card to Kohl's "to buy his own underwear!" The best part was when Carlos actually did get underwear as his present from Grandma! It was great comedic timing. 

After gifting, we decided to sit around the living room and sing hymns. That's what Annabelle and Gabriela are doing in this picture. Afterwards Miguel took the reigns and we played a few minute to win it games. The kids loved that!

And then came Christmas morning. Max awoke to a brand new BOY's bicycle! Hooray!!! No more riding pink bikes for him. He also received a box of big boy Legos. He's been riding that bike throughout the house since it snowed Christmas Eve. He might be doing that a while since it seems like it will not ever clear up and defrost around here. 

 Gabriela got some long awaited materials for sewing.

 And the hot item this year that everyone received was Lego Friends and Elves.

 Don't let Julianne fool you, she was delighted, but wanted to difficult when it came to picture taking.

 Here is our Winter wonderland. It was beautiful and peaceful that Christmas morning.

 And these were the hot items this Christmas. My kids call them hamster balls! They played all day with these. Between my surgery and him being sick, this is about as close as we've been in two weeks! We told the girls they would have to wear these when they went on dates. Gives a whole new meaning to" stay out of my bubble!"