Thanks uncle Don and aunt Traci!

A large box showed up on our doorstep yesterday and Kai and Daila couldn't wait to see what was in it. To their delight it was a package for them from my brother and his family in Ohio. They loved their pink rocket ship, nurf blaster and especially the "smart cycle" bike that plugs into games on the tv. Their legs aren't quite long enough yet to work the peddles, but they loved the bike anyways, and will love it even more when they can play the games!

The next morning we could hear them in their room talking about their new toys. Then they remembered their bike that was downstairs. Sure enough 2 seconds later they broke the handle cover off the door, knocked down the gate and were in our room begging to go see the bike. Thanks you guys! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Here's a short video of us opening the box to the bike. We hadn't really intended on opening it up and putting it together yet because it was almost time for bed, but at this point there was no turning back! thankfully it wasn't too complicated :) Hope the video works!

The good. The bad. And the funny!

So I figured since I've been taking hundreds of photos lately trying to teach myself to use my new camera, I would post some of them here. Kai and Daila think I'm crazy now chasing them around constantly, but they are perfect subjects for me to figure it all out. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

Daila and Kai all cuddled up in their new kitty cat and penguin blankets :)

Daila and dada cuddle time on the couch.

Kai opening his # 43 race car!

Daila checking out her grocery basket toy. She loved the pretend banana and calls all of the boxes Cheerios!

Jamming with dada with the Mickey Mouse music set!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. We went to Sallie and Bobby's on Christmas Eve for the traditional family dinner. Kai and Daila had so much fun seeing everyone and playing with Max. But we forgot our camera :( Hopefully add some photos once we see some from other cameras that were there.

Christmas day was a nice, mellow family day at home. Kai and Daila spent all morning opening presents. "Clause" really knew what everyone wanted this year and even brought Mama a new camera! I now just need to figure out how to use it :) So look for better photos and hopefully more video to come :) In the afternoon while the whole family napped I cooked a Christmas dinner of crab legs, pork Florentine and made my moms recipe of stuffing which I love! It was a great day and so fun to spend it with 3 people I love the most :) Now off to 2011... oh I can already tell it's going to be a year to remember!

Hangin' with Clause.

Santa Clause sighting Mission Viejo 2010 :)

Snow-less Angels.

One of the cartoons they like to watch must have been talking about making snow angels because Kai and Daila have been all over the place lately trying to make them. Poor babies don't realize they don't have any snow to make them with! Someday we'll have a snowy Holiday season, but for now they're content with their "snow-less" angels :)

Look mama, a worm!

First time outside after days of rain. Kai has discovered worms, and does an extensive observation.

Look, my worm! Well, he was calling it a snake but I finally convinced him it was a worm.

Then he had to bring Daila over to check out the action.

They then sat and prodded and tormented this worm for a good 20 minutes. I had no idea worms could jump!

Kai bonding with the worm :)

Attention all Praying Mantis...

We realize in the Native American culture you represent Patience, Calmness, Balance, Creativity, Awareness and a list of other amazing traits. However, with your "alien" looking little head and slow, bizarre pace, I hate to say you freak us out a little bit. Therefore, whenever you decide to come for a visit don't be surprised when you are subject of close observation and temporary captivity until we deem you safe to release into civilization again.

Sincerely,

Kai and Daila

Christmas House.

Kai and Daila love pulling up to our house at night and seeing lights.

This wreath a.k.a. Daila's "jingle bell" was a gift from my mom the first year I moved to California. It has dawned the door of every place I've lived and now hangs on our gate here every Christmas!

Clause.

Our mantle and Kai and Daila's first Santa photo 2009.

Boughs of Holly were a must :)

This Mickey Mouse snow globe was given to me by a client and Kai and Daila are obsessed with it. And the Reindeer Candle is one of Kai's favorite things too. I actually caught him trying to let one of them drink from his Baba a few days ago :)

Since we've begun the toilet training process, Kai and Daila LOVE coming into the bathroom and visiting Clause. Even if just to say hi!

Our tree!

Having children has obviously changed our outlook on how we celebrate holidays now. Especially Christmas. Every year we accumulate more and more decor and I'm sure someday we'll give the Griswalds a run for their money. For now, Kai and Daila love to check out each new decoration. Every morning since we've put up the tree they comment "I like-a the lights!" when they come downstairs. Kai especially loves the holly above the windows too, and he tells me this everyday :)