Monday, December 31, 2012

WJDN?

He's snug as a bug in a rug, watching the Electric Company. It's definitely a lazy day. I wouldn't expect anything more from me!

 

Cupcake Love

I made this cupcake cake using the pan from my sis Kiki. Love it!

James did too. He couldn't wait to dig in.

 

It was pure torture to wait. I caught him sneaking a sniff. At least I hope it was a sniff, not a lick.

 

And finally he was allowed to have a piece. It even cut into a cupcake!

 

Star Wars art

James did these projects solo. I purposely stepped back to see what he'd do on his own. The only help I gave was to cut the pieces of tape as he asked for them.

He cut colored paper to make a double sided lightsaber. WHOA.

And this is a X-wing star fighter. And little Dude. I think I have the ship upside down. The red strips are supposed to be the tail-fire?

 

Yes, I agree. This is fairly geeky.

 

Good/Bad Mom

I was a Good/Fun Mom for allowing a Pajama Day. We even headed through the drive-thru in pjs and slippers :)

I was a "Bad" Mom for doing the drive-thru. We are trying to cut back. I felt badly for James because his playdate with George didn't work out. George ended up with Pink Eye so I was glad he stayed home!

 

Rice is Nice

Tia Kiki and Tio Berto always send us unique presents. I think this might be a gift from Japan!

Rice molds! They worked out awesome!

 

Our House

Has been taken over by all things Lego!

 

MOA Fun

Jim had the whole week off too so we decided to go to the Mall of America to browse and have fun. We also had a Lego certificate for a free box of loose Legos, from a birthday present from Grandma Rose. It was a sweet deal and James ended up with lots of little unique pieces for his collection.

James spied the Nickelodeon Universe rides and wanted to ride one. We settled on the bumper cars. Mom was the lucky parent that James chose to ride with.

James in the line. I call this picture, Crazy Eyes with a Bat in the Cave.

Dad took a few pictures so here's Mom in another picture. It must be a Christmas miracle!

 

Hullett/Kolden/Tauer Christmas 2012

Ready for Christmas! Excited? Check. Goggles? Check.

 

My sister Ana always sets up the family pictures, right away before anyone gets too excited about presents or goodies. I appreciate this. I make it into some pictures. Yay!

James negotiates with Grandma about present opening...

 

 

My Mom always hangs the stockings by the chimney with care!

The present scene.

Ana was so creative with wrapping a bunch of little goodies in wrapping paper shaped like a stocking!

This will hold me for a couple of days...

James got his own refreshments :)

Jim/Dad looks happy!

James helped hand out the presents, using his reading skills but also using this handy chart by Tia ChaCha.

James received so many presents. Too many presents. Thank you all!

Celebration! I hope it doesn't get to a Police Navidad state...

Crab and Pico de gallo Tostadas for a snack... Mmmm....

On to the tamale making! The ladies set to work on making masa and assembling the tamales. We each came with a prepared filling- good teamwork!

Ana also provided the margaritas, as seen in this picture. Pomegrante and then Cucumber margaritas! Delicioso!

 

Masa hands.

 

 

 

I probably had the easiest filling.. I brought sweet corn to add to the masa, roasted some poblano peppers, and cut the cheese. (OMG I said it again!)

The boys were downstairs, teaching James naughty things like pool hustling, poker, and swearing. (You think I'm kidding, but I'm not!)
 

Cookie plate, made from melted peppermints!

 

I didn't get any pictures at our Christmas dinner which is shame because my Mom always sets the table beautifully. Here are my tamale leftovers the next day. Nom nom.

And pan dulce for breakfast. Thanks LarrBear!

 

We had a wonderful Christmas with all of our families! We are so lucky to have you all and be so loved! Thank you :)

 

Tauer Christmas

On Christmas Eve we went to both Tauer grandparents' houses. In the morning we headed over to Grandpa Roger and Linda's house for brunch. Uncle Joe joined us.

James spied the presents and couldn't resist a shake or two. Uh... and apparently a pick.

It was pure torture making him wait until after we ate... But he was in good spirits.
James received many more fun games and presents. He must have been a good boy all year!

 

 

In the afternoon we headed over to Grandma Laura's for presents and dinner.

The cookie tray I took over-

 

Charlie Brown Christmas decor.

And presents! So many presents!
 
And one more surprise present. Again, love the reactions!
 

An Angry Birds remote controlled balloon!? What will they think of next?!

Thank you to Grandma Laura for hosting :)

 

And then a big thank you to Grandma Laura and Uncle Joe for saving Christmas. As we left Grandma's, it was windy and cold. One of the Angry Bird's wings must have blown off as we loaded up the car. We noticed the wing was missing when we got home. We looked everywhere. Nothing. I had the idea to call Laura to see if maybe it had blown off in the driveway. Sure enough, Uncle Joe found it quite a ways from the house, near Laura's pond. Such a big relief that the Angry Bird can fly again!