The Holidays

The last couple months have been a whirlwind of events. The kids have all gotten so big and it's been fun to share these memories with them. Here are some noteworthy pictures.

We went to Grammy's house in Boise a little before Thanksgiving. I'm glad we got to go one last time because my parents are in the process of moving to Sacramento. We have had a lot of fun there and we will definitely miss it.
We visited my Grandparents while we were there a few times. My Grandfather built this rocker for me when I was about Mia's age and it was fun to see her enjoying it. Grandpa even let us take it home for her.

Grandpa held Tessa exclusively. They are kindred spirits I think.
We got snow in November which is a rare treat in Western Washington. Despite it being cold, we just couldn't keep the kids inside. I had to run and get them all outfitted because we didn't have any snow gear for them. Alas, it only last a a couple of days.


We went down to Vancouver for Will's 6th birthday. Good ole' Chuck E. Cheese!

We started a new family tradition this year and had salmon soup and Christmas Carols at the Tuckett's home.

Kevin's Grandma's side had a family reunion. It was fun to see everyone and how they have all changed.

The Stark's came up for New Year's Eve and we rang in the new year together.

Sidse's Birthday!
Mia has been really into dressing up lately. Every couple minutes she'll emerge wearing a new get up. It's funny how different boys and girls are.

Chistmas Day at The Nielsens

We spent the majority of Christmas Day at Kevin's parents house. If you ask my kids, there is no other place they'd rather be.

Christmas Morning

After opening all the presents from Santa, the Maiava's had us over for the BEST breakfast ever!

Everyone was a little tired from the late night before - especially Jasmine :)

Santa Comes

The spoils of Christmas morning!

Christmas Eve

This year for Christmas Eve, all of my family on my Mom's side came over to our house. We had the most deliscious spread of food and when we couldn't eat anymore, we had a Christmas program. The kids put on a very ecclectic nativity. Mia is the stable's resident butterfly, in case anyone was wondering. It was wonderful to have everyone together again, although Grandma and Grandpa were sorely missed.

The boys sang a Christmas carol after a little coaxing.

Tessa's First Birthday!!!

Tessa had her first birthday with family about a month ago. She is our only child to actually eat her birthday cake. We were so proud :)

We got her an ice cream cake. I swear she can smell ice cream because she knows when you have some, even if you keep it well consealed.
Tessa's one year doctor's visit. Poor girl had no idea what was about to happen.

Miami!

This is not a postcard! This is the veiw from our balcony at the Fairmont Turnberry Resort! Kevin had a dental conference in Miami last weekend and his boss told him to bring me along. Holla!!! Kevin's sister, Kelly, came and kept me company as well. It was an awesome trip. We went to South Beach, did a bay cruise, sipped pina coladas poolside, ordered room service, did some serious shopping, went on an airboat in the everglades, and saw tons of gators. I originally had lots more amazing photos, but of course, I left my brand new camera at a restaraunt half way through the trip. Sadly, it was never returned. Shocker. These are the ones I snapped with my phone. Not quite as pretty, but you get the idea.

Kelly on the airboat getting ready to see some gators.
South Beach.
The pool at our hotel. It had a huge waterslide, lazy river with intertubes, a waterfall, and cabanas. Kelly and I kept thinking we were in a dream. The resort was amazing!