Twas the night before Christmas and then some..

Twas the night before Christmas.. and the family gathered for a feast and traditions. We started with tamales and then Papa read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and "The Manger Story" and finally the kids preparing a snack for Santa, his reindeer and Santa Mouse. The kids went to bed and the "elves" Darren, Matt, Papa and Casey did their thing (Can't include photos..wink wink).

We woke up to presents galore! A couple highlights of the day were Rock Band and Air Hockey.

19 people showed up later for a big family and friends dinner. Good times had by all!

The next day we headed out to Redondo Beach to The Carapellottis for more family & friends fun! The weather was beautiful and the company just right! Our favorite Italian Chef, Larry prepared our favorite raviolis & meatballs and we drank wine, hung out and talked. Lisa, Beau and the girlies, GiGi and Kylie were there. Love them!! Dan brought his new girlfriend, Alyson from the East Coast and it was a fun time. The kids played and played.. of course, Auntie Cathy spoiled them rotten including a massive bubble bath in the jacuzzi tub.

The Rodda clan spent the night, ate a yummy pancake breakfast and headed out to the pier to meet up with the Lazars for some afternoon ice skating sea side. Are we Californian's lucky or what?!! Ice skating at the beach!!! Kennedy rocked the ice while the rest of the crew did their best to stay upwards. Darren, Matt and Papa joined all the kids on the ice. Michael got a little (okay a lot) mad because it didn't come to him in the first 30 seconds of being on the ice. I convinced him to stick it out and take a group lesson. He ended up skating just fine and having fun. We ended the day at Ruby's Diner and even sang Lisa the birthday song.
I know that I say it often, but we are truly blessed with awesome family and friends.