New Year's Eve!!

Knott's Berry Farm is a fun place this time of year. It's all decked out for Christmas, carols are playing throughout the park and it's festive fun. We bought season passes so hope to enjoy the park throughout 2011.

Brooke and Madison waiting for Ghost Rider - that's an intense roller coaster and we started our morning off with it. No better way to wake up!

Stopping for lunch for some Mexican Food.

Ashlyn on the Carousel that we rode a couple of times waiting for the other kids.

We all went on the Log Ride, but John and Christian were the only ones to get wet. I even asked before we got on if there was a chance of getting wet. It was so chilly outside, I did not want a drop of water on me!

Christian thought it was awesome!

Ashlyn atop the Ferris Wheel, in which we waited longer than any other ride combined.

Never again.

Berlin was performing for the New Year's Eve bash. That brought back memories. We got really close to Terri Nunn at one point and she smiled down at Christian. She was awesome. Fun!

We only had our phones, and John has lots more pictures, better pictures, and some video on his. I'll have to load those later after he sends them to me.

Thursday, December 30

Taking advantage of another clear day, John decided to install the new sliding glass door.

It was quite the job, and can you imagine how heavy a door/window of this size weighs?

About 400 pounds.

And let me remind you, he's one-armed and has a very sore back (been laid up for the better part of two months). Have no fear, with the brute strength of Madison and Moi, we hefted that puppy in and we now have a beautiful, working, easy-to-slide door!

The house was quite frigid all day missing a wall and all - I think the high was in the low 50s.

We love the feeling of another project crossed off the list. Unfortunately, the list keeps growing!

Wednesday, December 30 - Going to like, the Mall

Since my lovely grandma Carol is in town, we met at the newly expanded and renovated Topanga Shopping Center for lunch at Red Robin (drat! no pics).

Afterwards, the kids and I spent [too much] time in the mall, exchanging gifts and doing some shopping.

This mall has everything, and I mean everything now. From Target to Nordstrom and Nieman Marcus, to Tiffany and Burberry to Journeys and an auto dealership showroom. Christian sent this picture to daddy showing him what he wants for his upcoming birthday.

Ashlyn wanted to wear her new shoes and was too cute holding her shopping bags. We also had to send this picture to daddy to say, "look out!"

(Hide your credit cards!)

Tuesday, December 28 - Santa Monica

More cousin fun, and taking advantage of the SUN, rather than so much rain we've had, we went down to the Santa Monica pier for a change in scenery.

It was crowded, but a beautiful, clear day.

Despite the chilly temps, we indulged in some ice cream. I suppose it's never too cold for kids to want ice cream!

How many kids can fit in a stroller? Uncle Andy is getting the workout.

After dinner at a great little pizza place called Eat Love a couple of blocks from the pier, we went over to the temple to see the lights, and see Grandma and Grandpa.

The Whole Gang!

Another fun-filled family day!

Monday, December 27 - Beach with the Cousins

The Merrills from Colorado, and the Bjorns from Seattle drove all the way here for Christmas.

We had to go to the beach and enjoy some sunshine . . . even if it was chilly out.

Fun in the sun building sand castles.

The kids didn't mind the cold and even went in the water (unplanned).

I think they are CRAZY. The Colorado kids even had bathing suits on. Nutso!

Fun (and short!) trip to the beach during winter.

All the Fun of Christmas Night

The Norris Family traditionally gathers on Christmas night to feast upon good food, good company, and good gifts.

Chris and Tommie graciously hosted again this year (thanks!) and as always, was a delightful and beautiful affair.

Mom, Andrea with Taylor, me, Tommie . . . chillin' in the kitchen before dinner.

Bird's-eye view of family lining the walls.

Beautiful grandma Carol came all the way from Indiana.

Mom and Dad, ready to receive a hug from CJ.

Ashlyn showing off her new tutu from grandma Gloria and her hand-made scarf from Auntie Cyndi.

Domonique, me, and my cute baby niece Mackenzie.

(loved her Santa dress and hat!)

Renee and I were the sickies - relaxing on the couch for most of the evening.

Ashlyn wanted to wear the tutu home. We think it's tutu cute!

Christmas Morning - What Did Santa Bring?

Good Morning Everyone!

The kids slept in until 7:30 a.m. and were so patient, yet eager to get downstairs.

Going through the loot. Santa left some good stuff: Cuties, a bit of candy, Pop Rocks (candy cane flavored!), gum, socks, Mad Libs, lip gloss and head bands for the girls, and a Bakugan for Christian.

"Mine has a note!! What does it say?"

"Look in the backyard!"

High -pitched screams and squeals ensue . . .

We all got in on the action, frozen feet and all!

Then the guys took a break for a minute to spot a remnant of Santa's trail . . . a bit if jet stream left in the sky from the night before.

Now that we're all jumped out, fed a fun Christmasy breakfast, let's resume the present-opening festivities.

Christian is so sweet and made Brooke this cute magnet paper holder.

WooHoo! Trampoline ball! A sure-hit find when we were at FAO Schwarz.

Ashlyn loved her very own book about her: I made her a baby book (finally!) of her first year.

[iphoto makes it so easy!]

Ashlyn's first American Girl Doll - a little Kit Kitridge. She's in love! She carried it around with her all day.

YUM!!! Now to enjoy some Frrrozen Hot Chocolate - Madison's gift to Brooke

all the way from NYC.

Favorite quotes of the day:

"This is the best Christmas ever!"

"Am I dreaming?"

Merry Christmas One and All!

Cole all dressed up (and let back in the house)

Making giant gingerbread men

The traditional Nativity play

December 24 - It's Christmas Eve!

First thing in the morning: check to see how many more presents were added with my name on them.

We are all ready for Christmas!

Domonique came over last night and helped me make Santa Hats, Sweet Potato Casserole, and an aromatically superb Cranberry Apple Pie.

Throughout the day, Madison and I made more batches of English toffee (or almond roca) and changed them up a bit with white chocolate and peppermint as well as another batch of cinnamon toffee almonds. The neighbors are going to love us!

December 23

Merry Christmas

and Happy New Year!

Dec 22 - John's Birthday

Happy Birthday to the most amazing, wonderful, patient, efficient, kind, understanding, devoted, affectionate, intuitive, adoring, sensitive, strong, talented, inspired, loving, spiritual, knowledgable, smart, snazzy, skillful, sensible, wise, funny, tidy, clever, warmhearted, handsome, and hard-working husband in the world.

He's your all-around, all-American type of guy.

He's my better half, helpmate, devoted partner, companion, and a loyal, devout, faithful and true best friend

And he's deserving of all 40 adjectives used to describe him.