Christmas with the Warners

Christmas this year was spent with my side of the family in good ol' sunny Southern California. Mickey made the 7 hour drive with us down to our parents (and the drive back). We got inventive and played lots of games, but mainly "ABC", it was actually super funny and passed the time. The hardest letters to find were J, Q, and Z. So when we got to those letters, we tried to claim them before the other person could, it got a little crazy haha (it sounds lame as I type this, but it was a great source of entertainment). The whole week was 80 degrees (it was probably high 60s, low 70s in Folsom) and I didn't bring anything except long sleeve shirts. What was I thinking?

Naturally, we spent a lot of time outside. Grammy and Caleb hittin' it off. 

Since we don't get to see them as much, my mom has to win over their hearts every time they visit. She's pretty darn good at it too.

We spent Christmas Eve at my aunt's house with a lot of my cousins and aunts and uncles and grandma. I love them all so much, it was great to be with them again.

On the left is my beautiful cousin Kalynne and the picture on the right is my older brother Scott right after we all gave my grandma a brand new TV for Christmas. She was very surprised! It was special to be apart of and I'm grateful that my cousin Meghan was able to put it all together.

Grammy and Grampy love their little miss Ellie.

My cousin Grayden and Caleb. When I was Grayden's age, I sat in that same room and rocked him to sleep as a little baby. I must have told him that 12 times and probably irritated him haha.

Forcin' the kiddos to take a picture with me... didn't go over too well.

"Hey Markie, take a picture of Caleb and I'll just be like 'whatever'" HAHA

Kalynne, Jonathon (her boyfriend) and Grayden hangin' out, what we do best.

Playing with the train with Dad!

Cole (Stevie's fiance), Stevie, Mickey, and Shelby playing farkle? Or some weird game like that. 

They're in a big play room that my aunt has that Ellie made a mess of. She's talented.

We came home that evening and wrapped all the presents we brought (we didn't bring them all due to lack of space). Mickey, Stevie, and Cole all helped us. It was a great memory.

This was Ellie on Christmas morning. Tristan and I were like, "Ellie, do you want to go open presents?! It's Christmas!!" and she replied, "Umm, not yet." What child does that? Haha.

Eventually they made their way downstairs and opened up the loot.

Christmas morning!

Grammy and Grampy got Cabe this spiderman ball thingy and he loved it!

One of my favorite parts of Christmas day was spending it outside and enjoying the weather. As a kid, we always went outside to ride our new bikes or scooters or roller blades, etc. I've never experienced a cold or rainy Christmas, the idea is foreign to me. 

Picnics outside. The picture on the right is the illustrate how sunny it was. 

 A really great Christmas miracle was to see Allison and her husband Kevin. They were married this past summer, but don't kids look so good on them ;)? Love those too. 

Later on that day we went to the park and played a round of hoops (is that what cool ballers say or do I just sound like a poser?). It was so fun! I think I forgot how fun it is to play sports with my family. 

The next day my real Chrismas present came. All my sisters together. 

Brittany flew in from Idaho. Andrew had to work, which we were all bummed about, but we'll take what we can get! Any slice of the Littles is better than none at all.

Once again you may notice Stevie playing with our hair. As usual. You're the best Stevie.

Ellie sleeping next to Stevie. And Grampy getting Caleb fall asleep on him; a real talent you got there dad!

Love these two beautiful ladies.

Without fail, every time we're down we have to have some eardrum-popping dance party. My dad always says "if it's too loud than you're too old." Haha. 

My dad's stereo system is so big that I had to do a pano to get the whole thing! 

Also, Tristan is a deer in the headlights. 

The next day we went to the mall in Chino Hills called The Shoppes. It wasn't around when I was younger and was built while I was in college. But I love going to it, it's very kid-friendly and super adorable.

Tristan getting Caleb's feet wet in the fountains.

Me, my mom, and Mickey. This is not an unusual site--Mickey getting his back scratched. If that's all you got him for his birthday he'd probably consider it the best b-day ever.

Every time we come we have to go on the train. The picture on the right says it all: pure joy. This wasn't me telling her to smile, that was her face right when she sat down. It costs two bucks for her to ride; I refuse to pay for me because I'm too cheap. So I just walked next to it with her haha. Tristan said I looked like kind of strange walking next to the train, but you know what? I didn't care! Saved myself a little mulah for later!

Britt, my mom, and Mick (again with the back scratching haha)

Love these two beautiful souls.

Ellie got a free balloon! She loved it. And accidentally popped in about an hour later.

Taking a picture next to the humongous Christmas tree. Also snapped a candid of Britt and Cabe. Love it when I get those.

My mom's birthday was the next week and I'm so glad I got to see her semi close to it. 

She's the best mom and an even better grandma. She's a good listener, great at giving advice, and loves me no matter what. She's funny, goofy, and I'm grateful I get to call her my mom. Love you so much mama!

That evening we went to see the nativity scenes they have lined up on Euclid. I forgot to snap the pictures of it, but got some good ones and B and C and Stevie and Cole (I seriously love those two and can't wait for them to be married).

Stevie is a special spirit and someone I would do anything for. Love you little Sis!

It was a sad day when we left for home. Ellie loves her aunt B. I think they have a lot in common despite their age difference. Both beautiful, both kind-hearted, both know exactly what they like, and both like camel baks apparently! There's no one negative thing I could ever say about Britt and it was a real treat to see her again. I've said it before and I'll say it again: it's not right for twins to be separated!

And finally this picture; I love it so much. It sums up how I felt about leaving home. Ellie was sad to be leaving her grammy and grampy but at least we'll see them again in a few months for Stevie's wedding. We had a great Christmas; material things aside, family is what matters and I'm grateful I got to see most of them for Christmas.