Christmas Morning

We had a lot of fun this Christmas. Allison has been asking Santa for a talking doll house for a long time... and she was such a good girl Santa listened. She also has been wanting a Cinderella baby doll and we told her the elves would have to make it and they did! She also got a fridge to match her other kitchen appliances and enjoyed making "dinner" for her dollies! It was so cool to see her on Christmas morning. I caught some of it on tape and will post more pictures later.







After opening gifts from Santa, Grandma and Paka joined us and we opened a few gifts with them and then had a nice breakfast. Aunt Jennifer made yummy sticky buns for all of us to have on Christmas morning and Grandma Ganne made a casserole. We had a good breakfast and Allie liked Aunt Jennifer's "doughnuts" the best! We had a relaxing morning and went to Colusa for the rest of the day. Santa left some gifts in Colusa for all of us and we had fun opening. We got lots of nice gifts and had a good dinner. It was another great Christmas!!

Christmas Eve

We had a busy Christmas Eve. We went to Uncle Jerry and Aunt Fay's for lunch and went to Uncle Jerry's church service in the evening. It is a very nice children's service that we go to every year. Last year, Allie was busy saying hello to everyone and walking around, but this year we were in the front row and she loved seeing all of the kids in the service. Her favorite part was seeing baby Jesus. She turned to Geoff and said "This new church is better than our church" oh how kids are so honest. She asked Kainoa and Ryan "What was your favorite part?" and before they could answer said "mine was baby Jesus". Then we went on to Dixon to celebrate at Uncle Scott and Aunt Nicole's. All of the cousins had fun playing together and Todd did a great job of leading the dance party in his room. It was a lot of fun and we had a very nice Christmas Eve.

Cousin Todd leading the dance party with Als, Carlie & Alena
(Marcus not so into it)

Gangsta Allie in Toddie's Rockstar hat

Ryan & Marcus opening gifts

Als, Kainoa & Marcus listening to Todd play his instrument

Hugs from Unc Scott

Our Little Elf Princess

Today we had to deliver a few gifts to our neighbor so Allie decided she wanted to dress up in a tu-tu. She was all decked out and ready to deliver presents to our neighbor and then she said "Oh wait...I need a purse"...so we found a purse and off she went. She was happy to see Mr. Sun and sang "Noche Buena" on her way up to the door. It is a beautiful Christmas Eve day here in Cali. I had to snap a few pics because it was so random and so Allie!!! She is such a little character. These are the little moments we love!




We also made are annual gingerbread house. Allie was into it for a while then dad and I finished up!

Early Chrismas in Oregon

Last weekend we went up to Oregon to spend Christmas with my family. Last year we were in Portland on Christmas Day, so this year we will be in California with the Hulberts so we went up north a little early this year. We had a very nice Christmas celebration with everyone at my brother's new house. It was fun to see the new house and for all of the cousins and family to be together. The kids loved going up and down the stairs to the basement and watched a Christmas classic...Rudolph. Then they had a little caroling session upstairs and everyone joined in. After celebrating at Joseph's house, we went back to Scappoose and opened presents with my family. Allie loved opening and said "Oh this is my favorite" (about everything) and then would move on to the next gift. At one point she said "Are there any more presents under the tree to open?".....it was a lot of fun to see her this year. She really got into opening and will be a pro for Christmas morning! Allie, Uncle Jo-Jo, Grandma & Pa all made a gingerbread house. Allie did a great job of tasting the frosting and eating the decorations. It was a lot of fun.

All Aboard......

On Friday all of the Rise cousins went on a ride on the Polar Express. We all headed up to Hood River to catch the Polar Express Train at the Mount Hood Railroad. Grandma Rosie bought all of the kids matching Christmas pj's and they all looked cute and comfy in their new jammies. The conductor greeted all of us, and we were on our way to the North Pole. We had hot chocolate, cookies, read the story of the Polar Express and sang Christmas Carols while waiting to get to the North Pole to meet Santa. We saw where the Elves lived and they got on the train to help us sing. Finally, it was time to see Santa. He met the kiddos and gave them each a silver bell. Allie says it is a bell that a reindeer wears around its neck when guiding Santa's sleigh. Allie and Makena did not want to sit on Santa's lap but they both took a bell. All of the other cousins sat on Santa's lap and were happy to tell him what was on their list. It was fun to all be together on our little trip to the North Pole.

Morgan, Als, & Xavier

Als waiting in the Depot with Alex, Uncle Jim, Pa & Dad

The Springfield Rise Clan

Grandma Rosie & Grandpa Ron

Madison, Allie & Morgs

Uncle David & Alex

The Hulbert Clan

Pa & Grandma

Morgs & Allie waiting to see the conductor

Allie waiting to get her ticket punched

Geoff, Allie & Jeff singing

Dada, Allie & Santa

Kyle

Morgan

Xavier

Alex

Gracie

Makena & Mike