Christmas at my parents' house

On actual Christmas day, I took the kids to my parents' house (while Todd slept from working the night before). They opened gifts with my brothers, sister and my parents. We went back home for naps, got dressed up, and came back (with Todd this time) for Christmas dinner. My counsins, aunt, uncle and grandma were there too. It was so nice to spend the day with family!

Audrey couldn't wait to show off her new Christmas dress (made by fellow twin mom Carla of babyjidesign.com).

Santa left stockings full of presents for the kids at my parents' house.

A flute! (a very LOUD flute)

Disney princess doll collection - wow!!!

A Wiggles guitar.

A box full of dress up clothes!

Nathan helping Todd open up his gifts.

Audrey snapped this photo of Uncle Ryan and Uncle Todd.

Audrey with her Aunt Kalyn and Great Grandma Davis.

Christmas is Finally Here!!!

Santa came to the Trayer house a day early because he knew that Todd had to work that night. Wasn't that nice??! The build up of this day has been so much fun now that the kids are 2 years old and are starting to understand the magic of Christmas. They have loved looking at Christmas decorations in the neighborhood, visiting Christmas in the Park, Gilroy Gardens Holiday Lights, Vasona Park Lights, Santa visits, gift exchanges, parties, cookie decorating, etc. The kids even know the words to some Christmas songs (courtesy of Todd playing them over and over again! haha OK, I admit it, I have had Christmas music going on in the car for about a month now.) Our favorite has to be Audrey's version of "We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy two ears." It's definitely been a wonderful time of year and neat to see it through the eyes of 2 year olds. Todd and I look forward to volunteering more in the community this coming year and start to make this a regular part of our lives as a family. Santa, family and friends were very generous to the kids and I want the kids to feel the joy of giving as well. We took so many photos Christmas Eve morning, I tried to narrow it down.

Audrey couldn't wait to see if Santa had eaten the cookies and drank the chocolate milk (his favorite according to her) that we left out. Santa even left a note!



Nathan checking out his new Geotrax set.

I love the look on his face! A pirate ship!

Audrey asked Santa for a doll house and he brought her one, complete with baby boy/girl twins :)

Santa knew these kids needs some sports equipment.

Frequent trips to the Monterey Bay Aquarium the last few months have made Nathan a big shark fan!

Dad and Nathan playing with the train.

Audrey testing out the new keyboard with a working headset/microphone!

Tried to get a photo of both kids but there were quite a few distractions.......

Snow White

Fishing with his new magnetic fishing pole(s).

A Visit with Santa

We waited a little bit longer this year to see Santa at the mall. The kids sat on Santa's lap at Christmas in the Park, but I really wanted to get a photo of them with Santa at the mall. We were so busy and just couldn't find the time until about a few days before Christmas. We decided to go to Vallco on Monday morning and when we got there the line was already pretty long. Luckily the kids did great and Todd kept them entertained until it was our turn. Audrey and Nathan were excited to sit on his lap and got right up there when it was their turn. Santa was very sweet and asked them what they wanted for Christmas. He wasn't as chubby as I remember him to be :)

Christmas with the Cousins

Since Todd has to work on Christmas Eve (boo hoo!) we celebrated Christmas early with his brother, Kevin, his wife, Cathleen, and their kids Kately and Ryan. Nathan and Audrey always love visiting their cousins in Newman, CA. Katelyn and Ryan play with the kids and their house is always full of fun, new toys! It was a really nice evening and as always, they spoiled the kids will gifts. Somehow I did not get a picture of the adults that evening -- sorry!

A box of dress up shoes!!!

Rescue Center, complete with all kinds of rescue vehicles!!!!

Wait, I got a BOX OF PRINCESS SHOES!!!!!

Trying on some of cousin Katelyn's dance outfits and testing out her new shoes.

We Love Our Neighbors!

Todd and I feel so lucky to be living where we live. About 3 years ago Todd's parents retired and moved to Idaho. We just couldn't pass up the opportunity to buy their home - knowing it would be a great place to raise the kids and already knowing what wonderful neighbors they have! The Wreaks (Shirley, Chip, Karlie, Mia, Frankie and Lizzie) live right next door and we love them all dearly. We see them outside all the time and the kids are so comfortable with the them, they often go right up and knock on the door, wanting to come inside and visit! Of course, they welcome the kids in and treat them like their own. Shirley gave the kids early Christmas presents. Nathan received a knight's armor - shield, breast plate, helmet and sword. Shirley, how did you know??!! Nathan wears the exact same thing at preschool every week! Audrey was so excited to get her very own princess baseball bat and ball. Perfect! Thank you!!!

Happy Birthday to Us!

My brother and I celebrated our birthdays (mine is the 11th and Todd's is the 22nd) with a yummy family dinner at Kyoto Palace at the Pruneyard in Campbell. It's like Bennihana's where they cook the food in front of you. The kids were very entertained and enjoyed the food. Thank you Mom and Dad for a delicious meal!!!

Audrey with Uncle Todd

Nathan doesn't leave the house without his pirate hat on these days.

Todd with Isaiah (friends David and Ashely's son)

Chocolate ice cream is yummy!!!

Dana, Kalyn, Mom, Todd, Audrey

Dad, Ray, Todd

Ashely and baby Anthony

Christmas in the Park and Getting a Tree

We bundled up the kids and headed to Christmas in the Park (a downtown San Jose tradition) with friends Aaron, Allicyn, Haley and Lily. It was a cooooooold evening!!! The kids loved it. It was so fun to see their reactions this year (compared to last year). They ooohed and aaaahed over the animatronics, lights and decorations. They also sat on Santa's lap and told him what they wanted this year for Christmas. We weren't sure if they would be afraid or not, but sure enough they sat right on his lap!

Baby Lily - could she be any cuter??!!

All four kids visiting with Santa. Lily couldn't stop looking at him :)

"I would like a doll house please Santa."

"I want trucks Santa."

Playing in the pretend snow.

The Explorer Preschool tree.

We contemplated buying a fake tree this year and once we finally made up our minds, the one we wanted was all sold out. So we packed up the kids and headed to the Santa Cruz mountains one beautiful Monday morning, only to discover the tree farms were closed. Sooooo, we drove to the closest tree lot and picked out a tree!

The kids had fun running through the rows of trees and hiding from us and each other.