Who Said She Could Be This Tall?

Today was a sad realization for me. My 13 year-0ld was getting ready for school as usual and called me to come up stairs to help her. She is still getting used to flat-ironing her thick, thick, thick, hair. She asked me to help her straighten the back. So I grabbed the hot device and proceeded to tame the wild, unruly hairs at the top of her head.......I couldn't reach. On my tip-toes I tried to do it. Not working. So I had to sheepishly ask her to sit down so I could do her hair. I think she knows why. Recently we measured her up on the family door frame at Nonna's house and realized that she is already taller than her aunts at the same age. I have a strange feeling that the Neves genes are in play here. My uncle is 6ft as well as his sons. Tall is good. Taller than her mother at 13 is strange, but at least she lets me do her hair still.

Christmas Past

We had a great two weeks of celebrations, feasts, and road trips. We started the holiday off with a drive to Los Gatos to see the Vasona park lights. My parents had never gone before so I loaded the car up with coffee and sweet bread to nosh on as we waited in traffic for I don't even know how long. We were enjoying ourselves with a movie in the car and our goodies.

Christmas Eve was awesome as always -thanks to Auntie Liz. We had a wonderful buffet of foods from all over. The kids could hardly contain themselves as they waited for Santa to arrive. My cousin's daughter was there too. She is just a doll. I see my girls in her so much. I will have to get pictures from Liz to post. The kids loved seeing Santa drop by his presents early. As a child we always opened our gifts on Christmas Eve. He would leave them on our doorstep, ring the bell and somehow disappear in a wink. The night ended with a "white elephant" game that still makes me giggle when I think about it. I don't know what was more fun receiving a horrendous gift or the anticipation knowing what you brought. I'm just shocked how much my gift of a "snuggie" was loved. It did look cozy.

Christmas morning was yummy! My usual Chicken Fried Steak took center stage with a cast of sausage gravy, fruit salad, biscuits, and coffee cake. I don't think we moved much after breakfast. We could barely tear the ribbons off our gifts. It's a good thing we don't eat until dinner. Off to my inlaws for more good times with family and especially my giddy nieces and nephew. I love asking them what Santa brought. All the girls looked liked we planned their outfits. I couldn't believe they all wore matching colors of red, black and grey. I love how my M is so tall, even though I complain that she's taller than me already. All those girls look up to her.

We left for Tahoe a day later and had great weather. It snowed lightly everyday and the kids were outside for hours sledding on the side of the house. Soon this won't be enough for them and they will start getting expensive on us and ask to go snowboarding. M is already leaning in that direction. It's been a while since the whole family was up here together. All the cousins love to sleep upstairs in the loft and the adults love to get some movie time that doesn't involve any cartoons. We also enjoyed the company of our Tahoe neighbors for delish dinner of Chicken Mirabella and risotto. I've been pretty lucky not to have any cooking problems with the altitude. I even made scones one morning. I was even brave enough to take down my Saeco Espresso machine and make peppermint lattes for everyone twice! I will have to get photos from my sil of our adventures in the snow, so stay posted.

We had a great year with lots of family fun and precious memories. Thanks 2009!