So where were we?

Like everything nowadays, December was a blur. A delightful joy filled blur, but a blur none the less.I might write more if I have time, but here's a summary...
We started a play group with Isla's buddies Ethan and Michael. So far I'm not sure if we've all gotten together - there are a lot of bugs circulating - but we have had a few playdates.
See previous post for Isla and Michael getting into the holiday spirit by painting Christmas trees.

Isla & I left for Northern CA on the 15th so we had to squeeze a lot of celebrating in early. We got our (gorgeous!) tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. Isla was enthralled with the tree lot, setting up the tree, lighting the tree, decorating the tree, etc. etc. etc. By putting it on the desk we had a 9 ft. tall tree. Isla's new favorite carol is "Oh Christmas Tree."
We went to Coronado with Isla's cousins and watching the parade and the tree lighting at the Hotel Del. All the little girls were enchanted with giant tree.
The next day we went to December Nights at Balboa Park in San Diego with Isla's buddy Michael and his parents - one of our favorite holiday traditions. Here's Isla & Michael in front of the Grinch's tree. This year we went early and planned ahead. We enjoyed amazing food at the international houses, listened to the organ & choir concerts and watched music and dance performances from the international houses. Isla LOVED the brass band and has been interested in bands ever since.
The 6th was St. Nicholas Day. Isla put out her shoe the night before and Jolly Old St. Nick was quite generous. Isla especially loved the rolling pin and her own Santa hat (Shown here with reindeer antlers too.). That evening, while we were eating dinner, we heard Santa's sleigh bells ring and pieces of chocolate fell from the ceiling.
The next weekend we had Andrew's family over for a big Christmas brunch - in our typical family style "brunch" lasted until 8pm! All the kids exchanged gifts and we feasted on delicious food. Unfortunately I don't have photos from the day (will someone - Mama, you know I'm talking to you! - please share their photos.) The one picture I took is of Isla's gingerbread house. Isla's cousins all brought safe candy and we made gingerbread houses. It was complete chaos, but completely fun too! Isla's Aunt Margo got really creative and brought snowmen - they are so cute. Isla stuck them everywhere. About halfway through Isla, Malia and Diego started scooping up frosting and sprinkles and eating them. It was really funny to watch.
On Monday evening, after a long fiesta of lab and Dr. appointments we had our family Christmas. When Andrew got home from work we had dinner and then opened presents. Santa stopped by while we were eating (we could hear his sleigh bells!) and when we went into the living room we discovered filled stockings and a new kitchen for Isla , along with many gifts. Isla was SO thrilled with the kitchen (If I can figure it out, I'll post the video) that she wasn't immediately interested in her other gifts. By the end of the Christmas season she clearly got the picture about gifts and even asked for them for days after we got home.
Andrew got a Ukulele and Isla really enjoyed watching him tune it and play. She also enjoyed her King Leo's peppermint stick.
Next Up - Northern CA Adventures!