Xmas 2010

One of my resolutions for the New Year is to be better about doing blog posts more regularly (after this one, I mean...).

We had a truly wonderful Christmas with both of our families. We're so lucky that everyone came to us this year! And by everyone, we mean everyone! First Momo, Jiji, Koko, and Taka came. Then Ernest. Then Lola & Lolo. Then Linsey. Then Lisa, Dave, Jackson, Christian, and Gianni. Needless to say, Izzy & Ethan both loved having their cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents around for a while.

Here are some highlights from their visit:
Out for a practice spin around the block:

One of my favorite shirts:


A little post-dinner nap:


Xmas eve:


And Xmas morning...looks like Santa came!

Iz got the cowgirl boots she asked for from Santa:

Beautiful Momo trying on the scarf Koko brought back from Bahrain:

E-man checks out his farm magnets:

Izzy's moon-light:

Baby Buddha:

Teacher-Izzy with her pupil, Ethan:

And then with her other student, Taka, working on the US Map puzzle:

Trip to Balboa Park on Xmas night:

Izzy with her Godparents:

Korean BBQ dinner with Lola & Lolo:

Izzy in her new Flight Suit (all part of her training to get to the moon):

with Momo & Jiji:

Goofy cousins

Lolo & Gianni:

The giant clam:

Fun in the air:

Another great shirt:

Izzy's first time ice-skating, at the Hotel Del:

Christmas Shots (testing)

See and download the full gallery on posterous

This doesn't feel like Xmas!

I know I shouldn't complain because it's 10 degrees and ICY in Chicago, and it's great that the kids have been outside playing in their shorts all day. But how are we supposed to get in the Xmas spirit if it's 80 degrees out?

Fun w/the spray bottle:

Cute Conductor

Gearing up for Xmas 2010

Xmas preparation started promptly on December 1st this year. We were lucky to get our tree just around the corner at the local produce stand, so Marc was able to walk it home (I suppose I can say that because I'm not the one who had to carry it!).



Someone is VERY excited about the new tree!


(not sure what's up w/the random poses)

Jumping for joy


Excited to trim the tree



The ornament I made in Dec 2006 when I was prego with Izzy:




Here's that pose again :)


Sportin' her new Xmas pajamies from Momo & Jiji:

2010 Holiday Program

The annual Holiday Program at Izzy & Ethan's school was today, and this year Izzy had a speaking part in the Christmas play. She was the innkeeper and she said her lines with confidence and in perfect unison with her partner, Jackson. We couldn't have been more proud. (We would post the video but it's way too long and I'm not quick enough w/the video editing yet.)

Nice to know a great photographer!

We are so fortunate to have a good friend, Carolyn (ok she's really Seiko's friend :)) who is a professional photographer, and a wonderful one at that. She was recently out in San Diego doing photo shoots of her friends' families and she graciously offered to take some photos of Izzy & Ethan. She got so many wonderful shots, but here are a few of our faves:















Click here to see them all.
Thank you, Carolyn!!! Check out more of her work at Andros Photography.