Christmas break is here (but first, some festivities...)

 

The kids are now on Christmas break.  Last Friday, Eden had her class party and I got to be there with her...  They made crafts, played games, and ate snacks that could be created into a  snowman...

Her teacher is the best!

I love getting to be there for these moments...

After school, Eden went with friends to decorate cookies, so when Ryder asked how he wanted to kick off his Christmas break, he said In-N-Out and watching "Band of Brothers" episodes that we had screened.

We were happy to comply...❤︎

Then it was dinner at Lucilles:

We met up with our Grandi and Monkey Papa there so that we could kick off a very fun filled weekend of Christmas traditions!

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Christmas break, we are so glad that you are here!

Apple Crisp for the Win

 Our family loves apple crisp and I have been playing around with a couple of recipes and I think I found my family's favorite.

The crumble is double layered so I think that is was clenched it for the family favorite.

Also, our house smells so good when we make it!

It's puzzling...

 I love doing puzzles during the holidays.  We got a new one this year and this one was SO fun to do...  

I really love this time of year!

Rockharbor Leader's Celebration 2021

Last Thursday we had our Leaders and Volunteer appreciation Christmas dinner at church.  Some snap shots:

Our favorite little junior volunteer...

S'mores...

Photo booth silliness...

We eat a meal and connect and usually Kit shares a little bit.  This year, Kit incorporated our family's tradition of Reading Luke 2 over everyone.  It felt like a sacred time...

I love our church and the time that we get to be together.  It is such an honor to serve with these incredible human beings...  And then we invite the staff to our home for an after party... Where we eat even more:

I am grateful to do ministry with such incredible people.  Kit and I are just the luckiest!

Section U12 champs!

This weekend, Ryder's team won their AYSO Extra team championship game for U12.  To say they were excited was an understatement...  

Ryder, we are proud of the athlete that you are on any field that you step on to, but we are even more proud of the human being that you are OFF the field.Your enthusiasm is contagious.  Your leadership and and amazing sportmanship is a gift to witness.  Well done, Ryder Rae!

Way to go Tustin FIRE!

It felt monumental...

 Last Friday, the kids received their first dose of the Covid vaccine.

We celebrated with dinner at Avila's.  

We are all so hopeful as we move forward!

I am proud of these kiddos and how brave they were...

Italian Family Christmas

 This last weekend we had our Italian family Christmas.  We went with Mexican theme:

Carnitas:

Pinata!

Bocce:

Carols and gift exchange:

Family:

I really love these people and the time that we get to be together!