The Artist

Kristy was doing some cutting and pasting and created this for me. It is a sunny day with the road that goes through the tunnel (at the bottom left of the paper). I was very impressed with her creativity and realistic reproduction.

The wedding

Pattie, Brians youngest sister, got married on the 26th. Casey, her husband, is home for the holiday break from Tech school. He joined the Air Force earlier this year. They are looking forward to getting their first assignment in late March.
The CeremonyJust married

Christmas morning

Being that we weren't home we had exchanged most of our gifts early. Santa doesnt come around early whether you travel or not, but he did find us at the hotel. The girls were so cute sleeping I thought I would share.

Santa woke Brian to get in and left some make-up and a sweater as well as a stocking full of goodies for Kristy.
Katy got a car in her stocking and some pants and a penguin bowling game from Santa. Her stocking was filled with loads of candy for her to give to us... It was a nice morning.

Owen

We also got to visit for a few minutes with Kristy, Adam, Cole and their newest addition, who of course had to be photographed, Owen. Here is one of my favorites of him. Such a cutie, he was born on Dec 4th and weighed in at 9 lbs 1 oz.

Carper Cousins

While in Chico we spent most of our time at the Carper house. The cousins got to play to their hearts content. I also took the chance to get some pics of them together. This one is Kristy oblivious to the ensuing disaster heading her way... hurry pick up the toys! Got MILK? This is my favorite of the girls, Alyssa (8 months) and Katy (10 months).
Next we have the older bunch, Cody (barely 5 yrs), Kristy (4 yrs for another minute), and Aiden (2 yrs).
Just one more of the babies. THey grow so fast.

twas a few nights before Christmas...

... and in the Mace house, presents were opened.
We are traveling to Chico for the holiday and a wedding and didn't want to cart them up there, so we opened them early and will put a few to good use on the drive. So here are some pics of our family exchange, untraditional for sure but you do what you can.
Katy wasnt sure what to do, so she tried the most natural, chewing it open.

Kristy and Katy got gifts from some local friends, this was from some friends who went to Hawaii a few weeks ago. When describing it she told Nana, "my flower and necklace, booby thing and skirt that makes noise..." lol. I told her it is a hula outfit, she is glad to be able to pronounce the name.Katy has also recently hit a few new milestones. She claps, while sitting or walking or any other time she feels the need. She also stands up without pulling up on anything. THis pic shows her at the end of a clap.
Here is a shot of me. I got a pair of diamond earings, Brian got a new cell phone.
Kristy got numerous thing, she loved her princess book from Nana and Papa Graff, and her headband and movies from Nana Platt (she will love the tupperware cake set once she sees how it works). She also got a Leapster handheld game unit (should be a lifesaver for the trip tommorrow). Katy got some locks and a few dolls and books. It was great to be together to share the experience of her first Christmas. It was just a few years back that we had Kristys first Christmas while Brian was deployed. This year we have a few friends who are in the midst of a deployment this holiday season. We want them to know we are praying for and thinking of them and have not forgotten about them or what they are experiencing. May you all enjoy the spirit of the holidays and the company of family and friends. Merry Christmas to all of you.

A better video

Katy walking, a little more experience and a lot better video.

Just for fun

Katy has really come into her own. She loves to play peek a boo and eat real food. She learned to drink through a straw and walks like shes been walking for months.. well maybe not but she is just amazing. She is trying to climb and her reach has grown, so things are getting moved. Kristy is loving having a playmate. Kristy can carry Katy, of course Katy doesnt always love that, but they really get along so well. Anyway, here are a few of the girls playing. Enjoy!
PS. both girls have had a new tooth grow in!

Christmas

We put up the tree last week. Kristy was a big helper. Since we dont have as much room as we used to we only assembled half of the tree so it is a nice 6 foot tree, thank you Grandma and Grandpa Graff. Kristy checked the lights and couldnt wait to get them on the tree. so here are a few from the set up process. I have a couple of posers... wonder why?

Katy walks

So I am a slacker. About a week ago Katy took her first step. Followed a day later by 3 steps and has slowly but surely been working her way up to more. Its a crummy video but it shows her walking and if you have sound you can tell she is blessed with selective hearing... Enjoy!

December Already!

Tonight the base had their tree lighting ceremony and Santa arrived in a sleigh with reindeer and all. A firetruck escorted Mr and Mrs Clause to the ceremony. IT was very entertaining. They also had snow surrounding the tree that the kids got to play in after the lights were lit. Kristy played for about 3 minutes before she came begging to get her hands warmed up. I will post more when I get a little more time. I have been doing a lot of pictures besides working at the frameshop and Brian is working and still trying to fulfill all request from CHP to see about getting hired... hopefully soon we will have some news. Take care.