Legos from early morning...

All day he and Baba built legos with the big basket full from Uncle Perry. 

Even Dotty sat and watched.

NJ called this building creation his crane lego building hotel.

Christmas Day

Good morning boys, merry Christmas! So cute. NJ came into our bed this morning and we snuggled up for a while. Usually I make french toast on Christmas mornings, but we were so comfy in bed that we stayed and ran out of time. By the time we got up, it was time to get ready to go. 

Nothing says Christmas like going to a chinese restaurant. Actually, it's not only Christmas, but it's Gong-gong's birthday. We met with family at a restaurant. Baba said it was likely the best lobster he's had. NJ of coarse loves asian food. I didn't quite have as much as they did, but it was good. NJ and Baba played another game of chess while waiting for lunch. 

It is a warm southern ca Christmas. NJ is squinting in the sun with his mango yogurt drink.

NJ wanted to put a star we got onto the top of the tree. He really liked that star we got in our ornament exchange. 

Christmas dinner with Ah-ma and Gong-gong. Baba did the cooking tonight, yum, I love his cooking! We got some turkey, made some rice, mushrooms, peppers, corn, and garlic mashed potatoes. Mmm... I had two platefuls. 

Happy Birthday Gong-gong! 

Everyone enjoying their chocolate cake with chocolate chip ice cream...

Especially this one.

Lots of gifts under the tree.

I mean trees.

NJ only opened a few gifts tonight. We didn't even have the time this morning. When we came back from lunch we napped and then started cooking. He's being so patient. We'll have to open the rest tomorrow. 

By special request, I made one for Baba. 

Yay, a visit from some of our favorite people! Awww, the boys are so cute! Thanks for dropping by! 

NJ concentrated for the rest of the night on putting the lego set together. He did a great job putting it together without help. We tried to help, but he wouldn't let us. He corrected us and did it better and faster than we would have. His grandparents were impressed. 

Christmas Eve Service

Making a last run to stock up for the next few days and to make two Christmas dinners for family. NJ was disappointed not to have more samples. There were only two today. But he still got some sushi from the korean market which made him really happy. He ate an entire roll by himself! He would have had more, but I ate some and had to stop him so that Baba could have some too. 

A quick dinner before heading out. It was a relaxing day at home with just us so we thought it would be nice to go to our Christmas Eve service at HOPE. As many years as we've been attending we've never made it, but always wanted to! Usually we have a family gathering or we're sick or running around too much. 

Candle lighting. NJ tipped it as I was trying to light mine with his and he burned my fingers! Ouch.

The sanctuary was full, it was so festively decorated and the music really nice. 

NJ is taking his first communion. Baba was explaining the significance to him just before this. 

Candle lighting again.

NJ, meet baby Sophie! She was so cute, we all met for the first time at church tonight. They are another THOGL family visiting from out of town and we invited them to the service. It was nice to meet, talk, and we were able to give them some stuff they needed for their stay here. They were cute sitting nicely next to each other on the pew. Maybe next time they can run around together when she's a bit older! A great Christmas eve!

Baba and NJ squeezed in a quick game of chess. This is the first time NJ's played anything on one of our phones. But it was to practice chess. 

We finally get to catch up again with Auntie Becca and Uncle Dan who we've missed! It was nice to spend some time with them especially since things have been crazy (for all of us). 

After lunch we met friends at the park. I can't believe I didn't get any photos of that play date! Well, NJ had lots of fun at the playground while Mama talked to his friend's mommy and Baba talked to the daddy. Worked out well. We were so tired after, NJ knocked out in the car. We went home to rest and then had a visit from friends. We went to church in the morning, a very festive celebration, lunch, park, and then after dinner guests. Turned out to be a full day without planning it that way. It was tiring but worth it to spend it with good company.