Merry Christmas!

This Christmas, we stayed home and enjoyed the company of my parents for the week!  We spent lots of time playing, eating, opening gifts, cooking, hiking and resting!  Hopefully, they enjoyed their time with the grandkids as much as we enjoyed them here with us. It finally felt like Christmas with the temperatures in the 50s and lows in the 30's!  Finally feels like Winter in CA!

In front of Grace Community Church's tree display

Grandma made an gingerbread train with the boys...

Here's the finished product.

And played lots of legos with Jacob...although he seemed better at building things than her (or I)!

We went to the Americana at Brand and ate at Cheesecake Factory.  It was a busy night so we walked around a little bit before our reservations and Jacob took a pic with Frosty!

It even snowed at the Americana.  Jacob was trying to catch the snow with his tongue...he definitely got it!

Making christmas shortbread cookies for Santa.  They ended up being sprinkle cookies with shortbread! haha!

Christmas Eve we went to Courtland Way and looked at the Christmas lights.  There were sooo many people and it was super windy so we stayed in the car and drove through!  Good decision.

 Christmas morning.  Our little elf!  Jacob and Jackson must have been good this year because Jacob received the things he asked on his list.... Spiderman webs, a real ice cream maker, ninja toys and books about Jesus!  Jackson received some games, a soccer ball, football and basketball....and a basketball hoop!

About to listen to the most important story on Christmas- the story of Jesus's birth.  Thankful to have a family that loves the Lord Jesus Christ and makes in central during the holidays and rest of the year!

Rainboots from Aunt Tera and Uncle Aaron.  He wore them all day even though there was no rain.

Their new basketball hoop!  I think we all will have lots of fun playing with this!  Lots of competitions between daddy and mommy!

Later that day, we went to Grandma D and Grandpa's house for dinner and more presents...and seeing Aunt Natalie, Uncle Jessie, Gia and Adeline!

While my parents were here and after we ate and ate on Christmas, we went to Malibu Creek State Park and hiked to the place where MASH was filmed.  Just a beautiful hike and it was a gorgeous day in Malibu!

Jacob was a TROOPER!  He hiked the WHOLE thing (there and back) all by himself without us holding him one time!  4.6 miles!  He got to eat whatever he wanted for dinner that night since we were so proud of him. 

Hiking with Grandad.  Jackson talked and SANG the ENTIRE hike!  Our little social butterfly.  He LOVES Grandad and said over and over Grandad was his favorite.

After the hike!  Still smiles....

 We enjoyed our time with them and were sad to see them leave....I didn't take a good pic but my mom also showed me how to make my first PIE.  Yes, I'm 30 and had never made a pie!  The chocolate cream pie and Apple crumble pie were delish!  Thanks, Mom!

Looking forward to another great year and thankful for this past year and all the blessings the Lord has given to us when we are so undeserving!  Hopefully, this year will be even more centered on Christ and our lives will constantly be changing more into His image as we seek to honor Him and teach His truths to our boys and little girl coming in May!