Christmas this year was scheduled for CALIFORNIA with Erin's family.
FIRST, we spend Christmas Eve with the extended Robinsons at Jeff & Robyn's house (above). They are great hosts and the events include but are not limited to:
1. Big feast -- this time Robyn served a side dish of kale pomegranate salad (Robyn you rock! Seriously yummy antioxidants)
2. Live nativity scene -- we read the bible story of Jesus' birth in Luke and we act it out
3. Race car competition -- Jeff set up this four track racetrack and we all got to pick a hotwheels car and race against each other
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| We are picking our hotwheels cars for the BIG RACE |
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| Gearing up for the race (the track is orange) |
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| Zoom! |
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| The boys watch their cars compete |
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| Do you see this rats nest -- oops, I mean hair? So delicious |
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| Grandpa Steve and Grandma Marion observe from the stairs |
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| It was so fun to see Christian (my cousin who lives in CA) and his son Dylan |
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| Heather wore herself out the few days before Christmas because she was handmaking artistic gifts for everyone in the family (we got a large pen and ink drawing of Joseph -- to die for) |
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| Joseph messing around with the race track (I think he escaped after a diaper change before we could put on his pants -- he is very good at squirming away during diaper changes these days) |
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| Joseph, Dylan (dressed like a shepherd) and Mike (dressed as Joseph) getting ready for the nativity scene reenactment |
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| Grandma Jillair (my mom) has such a bond with Andrew going way back to his Chicago birth |
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| And Jesus is born! Joseph got the part of Jesus. You can see my brother, my cousin, and Heather's hubby in the back as shepherds |
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| Here's the group shot of my immediate family. You can't see how tall everyone is since they're sitting down, but suffice it to say that even though I am the oldest I am the shortest. |
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| Christmas eve events at J&R's are coming to a close and Joseph decides to drive us home (it takes 20 mins to drive from J&R's home in Foothill Ranch to our home in Irvine and we sing Christmas songs the whole way) |
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| This is the new way of doing Christmas lights in southern CA -- neighbors string lights to each others' homes across the street from each other |
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| Good night Christmas eve, and we can't wait for tomorrow! |
Okay now its time for Christmas morning at home in Irvine. Here the boys run out to the living room to see their new toys.
Such a fun morning.
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| Then the Robinson extended family came by and if you know my mom you won't be surprised that we had a big talent show (multiple guitar songs--originally written of course, several piano duets, a rap, and poetry). |
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| Here is Andrew playing the piano for Grandma Marion (his great grandma). He LOVES the piano in CA. You can see the martinellis lined up as gifts to everyone (as my family does not drink alcohol sparkling apple cider is the way to GO!) |
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| Opening presents with the fam... |
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| Brian got me a I (heart) MT KINABALU shirt while he was out visiting, and of course brought it all the way back to CA to give it to me at Christmas |
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| Here I am wearing my shirt -- and here are my two brothers (told you they're tall) wearing their Christmas presents--down coats as they are preparing to climb Mt Whitney in the WINTER (yes, they are crazy but if you knew my family you they are Robinsons thru and thru, as we grew up taking family vacations backpacking in the High Sierras) |
We had a great Christmas. Thanks to all our Robinson family. We love you all.
Merry Christmas
