Holidays 2012

We enjoyed a very busy holiday season! Starting us off with Hanukkah, Dahlia led the charge with the menorah lighting each night. She learned a lot about our Hanukkah traditions this year and is very proud to celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. She asked lots of questions, "Does Riley celebrate Hanukkah?" "Why not?" "Do Tita and Tito celebrate Hanukkah?" "Why not?" And seemed to really enjoy letting us know, "I get to celebrate Hanukkah AND Christmas because Mommy celebrates Christmas and Daddy celebrates Hanukkah and Mommy and Daddy are married!" The part that still needs sorting out is that near the end of the Holiday season, she had it in her head that boys celebrate Hanukkah and girls celebrate Christmas...The bottom line is: Our mixed family traditions are becoming more special each year and it's really cool to see the vision Matt and I had of our family around the holidays come to life.

For Christmas we had a whole sleigh full of people visiting for the week. Auntie Samantha and Reiss stayed with us, and Tio and Tia, Tia Jodi and Jason, and Henry and Stephanie were at Tito and Tita's house, totaling 14 people in all. It was a little crazy, sometimes overwhelming, and also tons of fun! I didn't play photographer much during the craziness, but did capture a few great moments.

Our Xmas 2012 Crew

Annual Christmas cookie making. Dahlia helped me make and decorate cookies for 2 hours without a break! Such a change from last year when after about 4 cookies she was done. This year she was a machine. Super fun morning with my girl.

Milo's new horse (kangaroo according to D) from Santa was an instant success, as was the remote control from Auntie. The remote seemed to have some sort of uppers in it, it made Milo so giddy.

Santa didn't disappoint--as requested-- Rapunzel digs: dress, crown, and shoes. She hasn't even seen the movie yet (not interested!), she just loves the dress--the ties, the sleeves, the sparkles, all very important to our almost 4 year old.

Modeling a new dress with ballet moves.

Milo getting his fancy on for Xmas dinner. Bow ties and maracas are serious stuff.

Tio being a scene stealer

Ice skating, this time with our pro ice skater, Auntie Samantha! Dahlia was impressed with Auntie's twirls but it didn't inspire too much enthusiasm. She did great but got tired pretty quickly. Auntie, on the other hand, had the time of her life.

Annual Hanukkah gift exchange with Grandma and Grandpa via iChat.

"Hanukkah oh Hanukkah, light the menorah..."