Christmas at Sylvia's and Tavio's house

This year we had a wonderful trip the Los Angeles area, where we got to visit almost all of our relatives. We stayed with Uncle Kevin, Aunt Anoosh, and Cousins Sylvia (4 1/2) and Tavio (almost 2 1/2). Brielle had a great time playing with both of them.

We also made visits to Cousin Emmy's house (described in the next blog entry).

This year Brielle was old enough to understand a lot more about what happens at Christmas. She had in her mind that Christmas meant it snows and Santa brings gifts. So when it snowed at our house, then the snow melted, she decided it meant that "Christmas is over". She also seemed to think that Santa gave her all the gifts under the tree, so we had to explain that they actually came from family members. Still, she really enjoyed the whole process and loved her gifts. The fun started with stockings waiting for the kids Christmas morning.

This was Ronan's first Christmas and first Christmas stocking. Daddy had to help him open it.

But he loved the toys inside.

We also opened some gifts from Uncle Chris (Granddad's brother) and Aunt Carolyn.

Ronan sometimes sat in his new purple chair while others helped him with the unwrapping.

Later on Christmas day, we were joined by Grandma Pat and Grandma Sue.

And we opened even more presents.

Aunt Anoosh enjoyed holding a little baby again.

At meals, the kids were finally old enough to have a true "kids' table".

The weather in LA was much better than Portland. It was still a little chilly in the wind, but at least there were bursts of sunshine, and it was good enough for us to take a family walk to a nearby park. Brielle wanted to hold hands with Grandma Pat.

Ronan rode in a stroller and was happy as usual.

At the park, Brielle, Sylvia, and Tavio played on the slides and climbing equipment. Ronan enjoyed watching and playing with Daddy.

During our stay, the cousins enjoyed a lot of activities together, including watching Caillou...

...the (now) traditional, "cousin bath"...

...and a BUNCH of ballerina dance performances by Sylvia and Brielle. On a daily basis, they'd dress up in their "princess ballerina" outfits and call everyone into the living room to watch a show.

Brielle seemed to have developed some nice moves from being in dance classes at the community center during the fall.

The nice weather gave Brielle and Sylvia an opportunity to paint together out in the sun in the backyard.

Brielle painted a beautiful tree. Her artistic abilities and interests have blossomed during the past couple months.

Everyone had a great time with Grandma Pat and Grandma Sue. After they left, Granddad Scott came to continue the Christmas celebrations.

We had another gift opening.

Granddad enjoyed the traditional calendar featuring the grandchildren.

And, of course, he enjoyed getting to spend time with his newest grandson, who loved him very much.

On our final night together, we all took a nighttime walk around the neighborhood to enjoy the Christmas light decorations.

We had a fantastic time at Sylvia and Tavio's house, and we appreciate Kevin and Anoosh's hospitality. Brielle was so happy to see her cousins, and Ronan loved all the smiles and attention he received.