Placerville New Years

This New Years we headed to Placerville to visit my mom. Melissa came with us and we had a snow filled family fun weekend. On our first morning there we woke up to snow and later that day we had a small early birthday celebration for Joel.

Say "SNOW"Our Snowman!Bella sitting at the "Coloring Table"Happy Birthday Daddy. (Not sure why Beau isn't dressed).Eat Cake and Be Merry.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day was fun fun fun. It started out with Joel, Beau, Bella and I reading the Christmas story, followed by a little prayer and then opening our gifts. Soon after Melissa, Christa and my Dad joined us for breakfast and more gifts. Then we all headed over to my Aunt Melody's house for gumbo and Christmas carols. It was a perfect, action packed day.

These posts are always so hard to edit the pictures. Too many memories. Sorry.

Joel reading the story of Jesus' birth to the kids.Beau's stocking is almost as big as him.

Gigi's frog toy from Aunt Mel, Aunt Chris and cousin Toby.Bella loves her new doll from Aunt Chris.Beau received new bedding, wall decals, etc. s from Nana, Grandma Jim and his Aunts. We tested the comforter's durability by tossing him in the air.Beau LOVES his new room.FREEZEMe and DadBella, Daddy, Aunt Mel and BeauThe whole gang. Don't ask me why I'm standing like that, or why Joel's looking at the ceiling, or why Uncle Kenny is posed in front like a bronze statue. We're a crazy bunch.Nana and BellaTupperware is good for more than just storage.Christmas Carols. Bella loves the music.Joel asked my grandma to PLEASE sign carols and once it started you couldn't tear him away from the action. Beau, Joel, Cousin Danny and Grandma.For your listening pleasure.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

The holidays are starting to change in our home and it's so much fun. Beau's starting to understand the holidays better and Christmas Carols are always on his lips. This year Christmas Eve started by Melissa and I making gumbo for my family's Christmas Day dinner. Then Jon came over, with his football helmet (no idea why), to play Madden with Joel.

Then we headed over to Bob and Janice's for Cioppino followed by our gift exchange. As always the kids were spoiled. Our Kesterson family is a large family and it's always great having the opportunity for all of us to gather and Celebrate our Lord and Savior.

Chef Janice (Gabby) and BellaJanice had an extra Christmas bow for Bella. It was slightly big.
Beau and Katelyn at their personal table "cheers-ing" with their water.The beautiful table and the stuffed family. Joel, Mark, Kaeli, Kelly and Trevor.Gift opening madness.One of Bella's new tutu's.It's a tutu party. Kylie, Bella and Kate.Leah showing off her new outfit and boots from Gabby.

Troy's Big Win

We had our yearly High School Girlfriends Christmas get together this past month at the Woznick residence. It's always great getting together and catching up. My vote is for our next stop to be in SF at Lindsay's place. Who's in?

Tyson and LisaJason and LindsayAmy and JoshJenny, Joey and Caprice

This year we played a little game and luckily Troy won because Sarah was sweating at the thought of all the money going to someone else. Congrats Troy... or should I say Sarah.

Cookies and Jingle Bells

Just before Christmas my bible study got together to drop off our gifts for a deserving family and while we were together we decide to decorate some cookies. I think Beau enjoyed eating the cookies more than decorating, but then again... who can compete with such creativity among the girls.

Beau and Eli eating cookies.
Tasha helping Deagan and Ellie with their masterpieces.

The next day at Story Time, Beau and Kate got to dance and dance with their very own jingle bells.

Play and Presents

The week of Christmas we headed over to the Penner's to have a daytime play date before having an adult date at night. We also took this time to exchange Christmas gifts. It's so amazing to watch Mia and Beau grow together. This particular day they had a grand old time running in circles through the house. Bella, on the other hand, kept to herself and "borrowed" Mia's walking toy.

Light It Up

A few days before Christmas Joel and I took the kids to Christmas Tree Lane in Ceres. Personally I thought the participating homes were a little weak, but Beau had so much fun seeing all the lights and lawn decorations. Bella even liked the bright lights.

We made a Starbucks run before the light show. Beau loves his Hot Chocolate.