Who Knew We Were A Rafting Family?

We had a blast on our last days of summer. We didn't do much traveling over the summer as you can tell in my blog. We rebuilt our deck and although beautiful, it severely diminshed our vacation fund. Our friends told us about an annual trip they take with their boys in Tahoe City. We even got our niece to come along too. The water was cool and the sun shone on us all day. We were even prepared with our water guns for surprise ambushes. What a great way to end our summer.

Boy Loses First Tooth!

This is both a happy and sad time for me. I'm delighted that his wiggling tooth is no longer tormenting me but then a little moody that this will be my last time to be his first "tooth fairy" experience. It's the last bit of magic in our house.

Joyeux Anniversaire

This was probably my most favorite cake I've ever made. I made fondant for the first time and colored it to match the colors of a dress E picked out for her birthday dress. She insisted on having a French themed party complete with berets, croque monsieur, macarons, and of course, French fries! Never a simple party for that girl. And before anyone freaks out, the cigarettes are candy and they are drinking sparkling cider...ohhh La La!

The Crown Royal Incident

I don't even know if I should be posting this, but I don't want to forget either. Whenever I hear the phrase, "kids say the darndest things!" I cringe, but I don't have any other way to put it. I have to back up a little bit and explain so you can kind of understand how the middle child came to know the beverage known as Crown Royal. -After returning home from a cruise with my friends I brought S home a bottle of Crown Royal instead of some lame t-shirt from Ensenada. He's definately not a big drinker, but I know him to enjoy a CR and coke with friends. Well the pretty bottle comes home in a purple drawstring bag that all the kids noticed and we kept it. That was a month ago!!

Now begins our story. While doing some shopping at Nob Hill, E and I entered the produce section . Then I heard the exclamation that sent me quickly to the 10 items or less line in record time.

"HEY MOM, LOOK! THEY HAVE CROWN ROYAL....YOUR FAVORITE!"

I just about died when I heard that and saw her in the liquor eisle that happens to be adjacent to the bananas.This probably wouldn't be a problem if you live in a big city....but I don't. Half the people in the store either go to school or church with us. I'm probably on some secret list now of who's NOT allowed to drive on field trips. Thanks E.

Let Them Eat Cake!

In honor of Mardi Gras last Tuesday, I decided to try and make a "King's Cake" New Orleans style. It's a typical sweet yeast bread with a praline-like filling and covered in a simple glaze with symbolic colored sprinkles. And secretly tucked away is a little plastic baby Jesus for an unsuspecting guest to find. The story goes that whoever finds the baby in their slice is obligated to make the next King's Cake during Mardi Gras. I celebrated Fat Tuesday with my friend and family while we noshed on this most delicious cake. Slice after slice no one discovered the baby on their plate. I even dropped off a few slices to my parents hoping they'd get the little bundle. Nope, he was waiting for me on the last piece. Guess I'll be making it again next year. 

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!