Pa's Visit, A Living Nativity Scene, School Parties and our Christmas Card

Sick of the Starnes family yet?

Just you wait.

Some random stuff........

The little ones have taken to grabbing a marker and immediately labeling any box that arrives at our house.  The bigger, the better.  Thus, Lainey's name on the small one here (written by Jack) and his on the big one.

Pa's visit was super fun, but I failed to bring my camera on night one.  We went to his condo, checked out the darling mini-village of Christmas cottages, ice rinks, etc......all miniature in size......in the hotel lobby.  Such a precious place to stay.

Oh, and look who is holding Finn McMissle.  Pa.  He loves cats.

We went to Carter's basketball game.  Laine worked on her cheerleader moves.

He's just so damn good.  At really any sport he tries.  Makes a mama proud.

Christmas from Pa and Mae Mae!  Carter has been staring at this box since it arrived on the front door step.

Jack, in anticipation for tball in the spring, received a bat bag, bat (God help us), balls, glove, wiffle bat and balls, etc, etc.  He's all set!

Kindle Fire, baby!  And, this kid will use the hell out of it.  Thus far, he's read nearly 700,000 words and already doubled the goal that was set for him in the 4th grade.  Who knew this kid would end up being a book nerd?

Mae Mae found these adorable head bands complete with her name!  How cute is that?!

This doll house was recommended by Britney and I'm so glad she suggested it.  Both little ones are loving it.

Blake's big gift to his family was a slide show set to music of our family vacation to Destin.  It was awesome.

Moving on to the Nativity Scene at Preschool.  Our precious Rylee was Mary.  As I told Allison, I'm not sure which is more ironic.....Rylee playing Mary or Lainey playing an angel.

Angel or devil?

Angel.  Most of the time.

Here is Laine laughing at Rylee's daddy who spends most of time bugging the kids.  Which I love.

After the play.......cookies and drinks.

Jack's party was the next day.  PJs and fun!

We snuck into Carter's classroom to humiliate him with my wearing holiday-appropriate patterned tights.

I'd like to say that he secretly loves it. 

But, he doesn't.

Doesn't stop me!

Always twirling Laine.  The poofier the dress, the better.

My sweet littles.  Best friends and arch enemies.

And, finally...........our Christmas card.  I think most of you receive one, but if you don't, please email me and I'll get one to you today! 

starnesco@yahoo.com

Yall know we don't do 'normal' cards, so beware.



Waiting on Lainey to nap and then we might be out to Legoland for their Snow Days celebration.  She seems to have the little cough Jack had.  Hope she feels better soon. 

Yall ready?  What's left on your list?





Holiday Disney Trip

Lots and lots of pictures, so I'll try to be brief with my explanations.

We met in Anaheim and checked into the hotel - a day late, mind you - because we were not bright enough to check the weather and see that it was raining the days we planned to go.

You know......because it never rains in southern California.

Anyway, the kids loved staying together. 

It is no easy task keeping kids quiet in a hotel.  So, we did a police line up.

Success, people.  Try it.

Arrived at the park at 5:45pm to find that Disneyland at was closing at 6pm that evening for a private event.

Seriously.

What is wrong with us?!

Are we really in charge of 5 kids with this lack of common sense?

Off to California Adventure we went.  Cailyn was not disappointed.  Her favorite, Little Mermaid, was our first stop.

Little girls are just so much fun.  Every area becomes a stage.

We saw where our favorite sourdough bread comes from......the Boudin Bakery made famous in San Fran, I believe.  Had a Christmas tree this time.  Yum.

Love this series of Jack and his girls.

Back to the hotel.  Luckily, we had a suite, so we all fit comfortably.

Vacation Fairy came by over night.

Allison's husband will be hating me for this for years to come.

The elves donned true-to-scale Mickey ears.  Bought them at the Emporium......they're key chains.....and the fit perfectly after we removed the metal chain and ring.

Damn, we're smart.

Back to the park after a big breakfast.

It was Chrsitmasy perfection.

Meltdown #5428 for the year.

The McNamara's Elf (Christopher Robin Ariel) and Ruby showed in their ears and created quite a stir.

Adults and kids alike stopped to photograph the elves.  Cute.

Allison isn't afraid to get down and dirty for the right shot.

IN THE MIDDLE OF DISNEYLAND.

And, then just like that, the princesses arrived.  Lainey, Rylee and Cailyn were speechless.

It was pure magic.

Elves followed us to the French Market for dinner.

We waited for the parade, as usual.  Totally fun at Christmas time.

Allison and me.  So glad to have such good friends out here in California!

Kids were exhausted upon leaving.  Disneyland is hard work.

In other news.......

I crossed several things off my list including getting my cards in the mail, attending 3 school Christmas parties, plus Lainey's nativity scene, pictured in an upcoming post.

Presents are complete.

Santa is ready.

Now, I'm on to Christmas baking.

Kids are out of school until almost mid-January.  Love that.  Lots of fun ahead.

Back soon with pics from our visit with Pa. 

Hope you're surviving these last few days of the Christmas rush!