Hope your day was magical and bright!
Love,
The VanKirks
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
snip, snip
Alex got her very first haircut this past Saturday by my long-time stylist Kelli (can't believe she's been doing my hair for more than 17 years). Alex was so excited, and thoroughly enjoyed the whole process. Her favorite parts were getting to wear a Dora the Explorer cape, being pumped up in the chair, and having pixie dust (gold glitter) sprinkled in her hair when she was all done.
But the best part is, her sweet little curls definitely have been given new life....can you say boing!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
cookies, cookies, and MORE cookies
I spent this past Sunday participating in one of my favorite holiday traditions. For the past 13 years I have gotten together with the ladies in my family to bake Christmas cookies. Although we all agree it is a grueling day (usually 10+ hours of baking), it just wouldn't be the holidays without it. And we certainly wouldn't miss it for the world.
For me, I love getting to spend the entire day with my loved ones.
I also love SEEING what special treats everyone else is creating,
SMELLING all the traditional holiday ingredients baking in the oven,
and SAMPLING all the fabulous goodies, of course.
But most importantly, I love putting my heart and soul into beautiful homemade gifts for friends and neighbors.
If you've been nice, not naughty, perhaps one of these little gems may end up on your doorstep.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
ho, ho, ho
We attended our playgroup's holiday party on Tuesday night, and look who made a grand appearance.....
Alex was a pro on Santa's lap....totally brave, and actually pretty excited.
She informed him she would like a scooter and sewing machine for Christmas. We're pretty sure Mr. and Mrs. Clause have the scooter covered, but if any friends and family are puzzled about what to get her for Christmas you may want to consider a mixer for her kitchen. I know, I know, she said sewing machine. But when asked what she would do with the sewing machine she always states she would mix up food in her kitchen....I know she's bright, but she can't get everything right, right?
Avery, on the other hand, wasn't quite as comfortable with the jolly fellow. She approached him all on her own, but when he reached down to pick her up the wailing began.
In the end Daddy had to hold her while they visited and chatted about the upcoming holiday. We are proud to say she did muster up enough courage to give him a hug when it was all said and done.
And fortunately for us, it seems Santa's jolly spirit has followed us home. Alex frequently now sits down in her rocking chair with a favorite toy or doll in her lap, and pretends to be Mr. Clause. She's even perfected the deep rumbling voice, and kind mannerisms, as she asks what each little one wants for Christmas. Ho, Ho, Ho!
Alex was a pro on Santa's lap....totally brave, and actually pretty excited.
She informed him she would like a scooter and sewing machine for Christmas. We're pretty sure Mr. and Mrs. Clause have the scooter covered, but if any friends and family are puzzled about what to get her for Christmas you may want to consider a mixer for her kitchen. I know, I know, she said sewing machine. But when asked what she would do with the sewing machine she always states she would mix up food in her kitchen....I know she's bright, but she can't get everything right, right?
Avery, on the other hand, wasn't quite as comfortable with the jolly fellow. She approached him all on her own, but when he reached down to pick her up the wailing began.
In the end Daddy had to hold her while they visited and chatted about the upcoming holiday. We are proud to say she did muster up enough courage to give him a hug when it was all said and done.
And fortunately for us, it seems Santa's jolly spirit has followed us home. Alex frequently now sits down in her rocking chair with a favorite toy or doll in her lap, and pretends to be Mr. Clause. She's even perfected the deep rumbling voice, and kind mannerisms, as she asks what each little one wants for Christmas. Ho, Ho, Ho!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
oh christmas tree....
We spent this past Sunday with my parents, brother Mark, and nephew Ryan at Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch. It's an amazing little dude ranch on Hwy. 70, just outside Quincy, CA.
Here's the main reason we were there:
This is our Christmas tree standing tall just before we cut it down (yep, it's BIG).
We certainly brought home an amazing tree, but more importantly, the entire day was such a fun experience. First, upon arriving they served us lunch in the "chuckhouse". After lunch we had a little time to kill before heading up in the woods to cut our tree so we got to explore the ranch a bit.
We did a little fishing on the pond....no luck!
Checked out the playground, of course.
And even hung out in the saloon.
When it was time to go tree cutting we loaded up in the horse drawn wagon and headed into the forest.
Upon arrival at the designated location they had a bonfire, cookies, and hot cocoa waiting for us....what more can you say!
To top it off, we didn't even have to do the hard labor. Once we decided on a tree they chopped it down for us, drove it down the hill, and loaded it into our truck when we arrived back at the ranch.
Needless to say, we had a fabulous time and have definitely found a new Christmas tradition for our family.
Here's the main reason we were there:
This is our Christmas tree standing tall just before we cut it down (yep, it's BIG).
We certainly brought home an amazing tree, but more importantly, the entire day was such a fun experience. First, upon arriving they served us lunch in the "chuckhouse". After lunch we had a little time to kill before heading up in the woods to cut our tree so we got to explore the ranch a bit.
We did a little fishing on the pond....no luck!
Checked out the playground, of course.
And even hung out in the saloon.
When it was time to go tree cutting we loaded up in the horse drawn wagon and headed into the forest.
Upon arrival at the designated location they had a bonfire, cookies, and hot cocoa waiting for us....what more can you say!
To top it off, we didn't even have to do the hard labor. Once we decided on a tree they chopped it down for us, drove it down the hill, and loaded it into our truck when we arrived back at the ranch.
Needless to say, we had a fabulous time and have definitely found a new Christmas tradition for our family.
Monday, December 1, 2008
i heart thanksgiving
This was the fifth year in a row (minus 2005 when Alex was an infant and Meggan and Melissa were both late in their 9th month of pregnancy) that we spent Thanksgiving day with our dear friends the Cranmers (our gracious hosts) and Barclays. It was an amazing day filled with many things to be thankful for....
GREAT FOOD
GREAT FRIENDS
and, THANKFUL THIS WASN'T OUR HOUSE!
In all sincerity, thanks again Troy, Meggan, Bill, and Melissa for being such amazing friends. We love you guys to pieces and couldn't imagine anyone else we'd rather spend this special holiday with!
GREAT FOOD
GREAT FRIENDS
and, THANKFUL THIS WASN'T OUR HOUSE!
In all sincerity, thanks again Troy, Meggan, Bill, and Melissa for being such amazing friends. We love you guys to pieces and couldn't imagine anyone else we'd rather spend this special holiday with!
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