We were so happy to come home again for the holidays this year. We started with a few days at the Rietz home. Jackson was so excited to see Leif and Ocea, and of course we're always over the moon to get time with Kim and Jed. We exchanged gifts.
Ocea and Leif dug right into their new books and art kits.
Jackson was thrilled with his Big Bird doll.
Thanks for picking that one out Aunt Kim!
We even visited Santa Claus together. Jackson wasn't quite up for sitting ON Santa, but he got close!
We also got in a quick visit with the Baines's. I can't believe how long I've been friends with these two girls...(Laura for 15 years and Kim for 23 years!)
Next stop, Bellingham - to Grandma's house!
Jackson was a big fan of the microphone in Grandma's music room.
What a beautiful Christmas tree! Check out the TONS of gifts underneath!
And Jackson was ready to dig in this year with the presents! Even a paper bag seemed like a great present :)
It could be used as a back pack after-all.
We had a wonderful Christmas celebration at Grandma's. We got to spend time with Aunt Sammy.
And G-G and Uncle Peter ("Unca Petoo").
And Aunt Liz...who seriously scored with Jackson's gifts - An Ernie doll AND Elmo pajamas!
He carried the Ernie doll all around...and had to put on the Elmo PJ's immediately when he saw them!
Jackson was spoiled with gifts.
The tool set from Unca Petoo was another big hit.
Cool new motorcycle!
But he was really hoping to go for a ride on it. Why isn't this working?
Actually, with Grandma Kathy's recent trip to China, we were ALL spoiled with gifts! Check out Mommy's new pearls!
And Jackson's silk Chinese pajamas...
It took a long time, but we finally made it through ALL the gifts! Phew...Jackson was wiped out!
We had a British themed dinner with Roast beef, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes....
And I made my first Yorkshire pudding. Can you see the pride?
What a Merry Christmas!
For New Years we were invited to the beautiful Foote home for a couple of nights.
There were 9 adults and 8 kids in the mix the first night (even more the 2nd night). Check out this meal-time set-up!
After dinner and play-time we got the kiddos into pajamas and all ready for bed. Jackson was, of course, sporting his new Elmo pj's.
And once the kids were in bed, the real fun began.
What's happening, you ask? Why, preparations for the big Nerf battle.
It was a bring your own, anything goes, boys vs. girls (mostly) battle.
Did I mention it was going to be in the dark? Hence, the dark clothing. Oh, yeah...we're ready.
We had a blast! I don't know how accurate or successful I was, but at least I looked the part. I think we'll be making the Nerf battle an annual tradition :)
The next day was new year's eve. We enjoyed some good family time.
And the kids played really well together...most of the time :)
Then later that evening we got all the kiddos dressed up...
For a New Year's dance party!
Complete with karaoke!
And the big 9pm New Year's Eve countdown (Eastern Standard Time)! The kids all cheered, hugged and kissed before heading off to bed.
Of course, after kid bed-time, the adult shenanigans continued.
There was more karaoke...I even got Cisco to sing.
And dancing... Nice moves Kim!
What a fun group of friends we have!
Happy New Year everyone!
After the new year, we headed to Spokane for a Christmas celebration with the Bradfords. Jackson added another buddy to his Sesame Street collection. Cookie!
And Grandma and Grandpa got Jackson an awesome Toy Story set...He was amazed! He loves Toy Story and plays with these guys constantly!
After 2 short days, Cisco went back to Seattle to catch a flight back to Prague. Jackson and I stayed a month in Spokane with my parents. We did lots of shopping!
And had some great family time. Jackson especially enjoyed his cousins this time!
And at the end of the month we had a (one month early) 2-year old birthday party with the family since they would miss the actual 2-year old party in Prague.
More gifts! Wow...what a lucky boy.
And another Sesame Street buddy - kissing Elmo! Thanks, Aunt Em!
We really had a wonderful month in Spokane. I let Cisco take the big camera home with him, so we didn't get many pics, but we definitely have great memories!
Ocea and Leif dug right into their new books and art kits.
Jackson was thrilled with his Big Bird doll.
Thanks for picking that one out Aunt Kim!
We even visited Santa Claus together. Jackson wasn't quite up for sitting ON Santa, but he got close!
We also got in a quick visit with the Baines's. I can't believe how long I've been friends with these two girls...(Laura for 15 years and Kim for 23 years!)
Next stop, Bellingham - to Grandma's house!
Jackson was a big fan of the microphone in Grandma's music room.
What a beautiful Christmas tree! Check out the TONS of gifts underneath! 
And Jackson was ready to dig in this year with the presents! Even a paper bag seemed like a great present :)
It could be used as a back pack after-all.
We had a wonderful Christmas celebration at Grandma's. We got to spend time with Aunt Sammy.
And G-G and Uncle Peter ("Unca Petoo").
And Aunt Liz...who seriously scored with Jackson's gifts - An Ernie doll AND Elmo pajamas!
He carried the Ernie doll all around...and had to put on the Elmo PJ's immediately when he saw them!
Jackson was spoiled with gifts.
The tool set from Unca Petoo was another big hit.
Cool new motorcycle!
But he was really hoping to go for a ride on it. Why isn't this working?
Actually, with Grandma Kathy's recent trip to China, we were ALL spoiled with gifts! Check out Mommy's new pearls!
And Jackson's silk Chinese pajamas...
It took a long time, but we finally made it through ALL the gifts! Phew...Jackson was wiped out!
We had a British themed dinner with Roast beef, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes....
And I made my first Yorkshire pudding. Can you see the pride?
What a Merry Christmas!
For New Years we were invited to the beautiful Foote home for a couple of nights. 
There were 9 adults and 8 kids in the mix the first night (even more the 2nd night). Check out this meal-time set-up!
After dinner and play-time we got the kiddos into pajamas and all ready for bed. Jackson was, of course, sporting his new Elmo pj's.
And once the kids were in bed, the real fun began. 
What's happening, you ask? Why, preparations for the big Nerf battle.
It was a bring your own, anything goes, boys vs. girls (mostly) battle. 
Did I mention it was going to be in the dark? Hence, the dark clothing. Oh, yeah...we're ready.
We had a blast! I don't know how accurate or successful I was, but at least I looked the part. I think we'll be making the Nerf battle an annual tradition :)
The next day was new year's eve. We enjoyed some good family time.
And the kids played really well together...most of the time :)
Then later that evening we got all the kiddos dressed up...
For a New Year's dance party!
Complete with karaoke!
And the big 9pm New Year's Eve countdown (Eastern Standard Time)! The kids all cheered, hugged and kissed before heading off to bed.
Of course, after kid bed-time, the adult shenanigans continued.
There was more karaoke...I even got Cisco to sing.
And dancing... Nice moves Kim!
What a fun group of friends we have!
Happy New Year everyone!
After the new year, we headed to Spokane for a Christmas celebration with the Bradfords. Jackson added another buddy to his Sesame Street collection. Cookie!
And Grandma and Grandpa got Jackson an awesome Toy Story set...He was amazed! He loves Toy Story and plays with these guys constantly!
After 2 short days, Cisco went back to Seattle to catch a flight back to Prague. Jackson and I stayed a month in Spokane with my parents. We did lots of shopping!
And had some great family time. Jackson especially enjoyed his cousins this time!
And at the end of the month we had a (one month early) 2-year old birthday party with the family since they would miss the actual 2-year old party in Prague.
More gifts! Wow...what a lucky boy.
And another Sesame Street buddy - kissing Elmo! Thanks, Aunt Em!
We really had a wonderful month in Spokane. I let Cisco take the big camera home with him, so we didn't get many pics, but we definitely have great memories!
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