So this is love...

Fourteen years ago, I gave birth to my third son. In fact, right about this time in 1998, I was screaming for an epidural that never came in time. Steven entered the world full of love and kindness and to this day has remained void of mean bones in his body.(except for the few occasions when he pretends to put spiders on his sister to freak her out.)

While I was making crepes for breakfast, Steven, James, and Ammon played Wiffle ball in the front.  They hit that ball until it broke in half.

Then, Steven opened presents.

The magic 8 ball that Kirsten gave Steven was very popular.

Isn't Malena cute? She asked the Magic 8 ball if she could live here forever and it said "Most definitely yes".

The kids spent a couple of hours at Great Jump.

After eating chicken noodle soup with homemade rolls it was

 cake time! I made Steven a marble cake with ganache frosting.

New Years Eve wouldn't be complete without burning the gingerbread houses down.

Ammon and Steven being silly.

Malena and Kirsten

Nikkaila and Kayla

James and Me

Steven and Ammon

I love the creativity that went into making the hats.

We played some games and watched half of a movie before ringing the New Year in. Here's to a wonderful 2013. Happy Birthday Steven. We love you.

Popping in for the Weekend

The past few months I've had an ache in my heart for my family. It's hard living far away from everyone; especially during the holidays. So, I was thrilled and jumping for joy when I got a call from my brother Douglas asking if he could pop in with his kids for the weekend. He drove through the night and snuck in our house at 3am.

I thought that everyone would be tired. But they were excited to go out and have some fun. Douglas and I took Nikkaila, Kayla (Nikkaila's friend), and Kirsten to San Francisco. Anyone who knows my brother will not be surprised to learn that our first stop was At&T Park.

(Nikkaila and Kayla.....Kirsten)

(Nikkaila and her dad with the Bay Bridge in the background)

Then we drove to Guirardelli Square for some ice cream.

Nikkaila couldn't keep her eyes off of a little boy who had the audacity to visit our city wearing an LA Dodgers hat. It really bothered her. She loudly announced, "Dodgers stink!" as the boy walked by our table. It was hilarious!

 

(Kirsten)

After meandering through the city and driving by the Golden Gate Bridge, we followed Highway 1 to Pacifica. Our home. It was a must to show Kayla what real waves look like.

We walked on the pier in time to watch the sunset.

 It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

Christmas Rundown

(Justin showing off his G-shock watch)

 

Christmas morning went by in a flash. The kids awoke a little after 7am. We opened gifts. Then prepared for Christmas brunch for Mom and Dad Zinn, Michael and his family, and my friend Terry. More gifts were exchanged and opened. And delicious danishes and cinammon rolls were devoured.

In the evening, we drove to Mom and Dad Zinn's house for a delicious ham dinner.

It rained the entire day on Christmas. However, 2 days later clear skies and sunshine dried everything allowing the kids to play outside. James loves his new rollerblades and Steven can't get enough of catching the football with his gloves.

Dave-o carries Chick Hicks with him everywhere and Kirsten is thrilled to finally have a remote control car of her own.

 

It's been a great holiday filled with love, laughter, friends, and family.

On the Eve of Christmas

Christmas Eve day was spent delivering last minute presents to friends, wrapping presents for the big day, cleaning the house, opening "Secret Pal" gifts, and revealing ourselves to the Gairnese family for the "Twelve Days of Christmas".

In the evening, Michael and Stacy hosted a spectacular Christmas Eve dinner. We were all in agreement to keep it simple. So the guys picked up pizza and KFC. After dinner, the floor was open to anyone wanting to perform. Kirsten played "Jolly Old Saint Nickolas" on her flute and Steven "Oh Holy Night" on his violin.

(Stacy and her mom....Emily videotaping the madness)

Owen sang "Jingle Bells". When we told Dave-o to get up and sing something, he stood and told us what Santa was going to do and bring him for Christmas. Then he sang "Once There was a Snowman".

My kids love playing with Buster.

Grandma told the Christmas Story.

Grandma and Grandpa gave the kids a little goodie bag to open up.