Snow!!

We had a very nice visit to Granby over the last few days to see Jip's parents. We enjoyed hanging out, exchanging Christmas gifts, and just relaxing.

On our drive back to the Front Range today, we encountered a bit of snow. It was pretty, but I let Jip concentrate on the road and the other drivers and kept my mouth shut.

On the way down Berthoud Pass, we tried out the windshield wipers on the rental car. Um, nothing came out. So, we stopped in Idaho Springs to clean the windshield. It appeared the snow had stopped so we didn't think we were going to need to worry about the wipers. Wrong!! The snow picked up almost as soon as we got back on the Interstate. So, we then pulled off at the Evergreen Parkway exit, bought fluid, and tried to get the wipers to work. The reservoir was indeed low, but the problem was the hose had become dislodged from the nozzle, so fluid was spraying all over the engine every time we tried to clean the windshield. Jip reattached it and we were off. We got back on the Interstate. When it came time to clean the windshield again--nothing. So, we pulled off on West Colfax. Jip tried again to fix it, but there was something seriously wrong with where the line split between the two nozzles. Our trip got a whole lot longer because we had to return our car to the airport and get a new one. By the time we got to the airport, we could barely see out of the windshield. But, we made it, and thankfully, they had the same model of car waiting for us. We changed out car seats, luggage, and kids and finally headed north. What should have been a 2.5 hour trip turned into a 4.25 hour trip.

Lesson learned--test the windshield wiper fluid before you leave the rental car place!!

Three Nights of Christmas Lights

San Diego Family Magazine published a list and map of the best Christmas Lights in the area. So, we decided we should see a few. It started Thursday night with "Christmas Circle" in Chula Vista.

Last night, we headed north. We identified nine places to go. We hit four of them, including "Tinsel Town," and decided that we couldn't do it all in one night. So, tonight we finished up our list.

Check out the "smoke" coming out of the train's stack!

RJ asked for a fourth night, but with only three more nights before we head to Colorado for Christmas, we need to spend some time in the house. But, maybe more lights in Colorado?

Santa Visit

We went to visit Santa at our local mall tonight.  It was a pajama party theme.  The kids received their Xmas jammies in their advent calendars early so that they could party in their pjs.  I was hoping Santa would wear his jammies, too, but no such luck.

RJ started freaking out right before we went in, but he was fine once he actually saw Santa.  Ryleigh was great until Mom and Dad stepped out of the way for a picture.  So, the nice picture ladies shared a wand with Ryleigh.  She stopped crying.  But, no smile.  So, it goes.

Yet another perk of being back in the States--getting overpriced pictures of your kids with the mall Santa!

Christmas Decorating

I normally set up our Christmas decorations after Thanksgiving.  This year was no exception, but thanks to Thanksgiving being so late and us hosting a work get-together at our house today (which went great!!), I had to be extra quick about it.  I like the process of it going up--thinking about where things should go, deciding what to add this year, etc.  I love how everything turned out.

The tree and Village had to go in the formal living room--there was only one spot for the tree without moving very heavy furniture.  But, it is nice to look at, especially when I'm curled up on the love seat with a cup of hot tea, just enjoying the soft light.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

RJ's personal Christmas tree

RJ's door with an old-fashioned-type entertainment poster announcing Santa's arrival.

Ryleigh's personal Christmas tree

Ryleigh's door with a Frosty poster.

There are wreaths hanging on various doors throughout the house.  Bob the Elf moves around every night after he visits the North Pole.  The outside has miniature trees by the front door and swags of greenery across the porch railing.  We are definitely festive here!  My only wish is that it put itself away--I love getting it out, but I far from love putting it all away.  Oh, well.  I won't worry about that until December 28th or so.

House Tour

I've been promising people for awhile that I'd post some pics of our house in Chula Vista.  So, here it goes.

From the entry

The "living area."  The dining area isn't big enough for the buffet and china, so they get to hang in the living area.

The kitchen

A better, brighter shot

From the top of the stairs, looking toward the bedrooms

RJ's bedroom, part 1

RJ's bedroom, part 2

Ryleigh's bedroom, part 1

Ryleigh's bedroom, part 2

Master bedroom, part 1

Master bedroom, part 2

Kids' bathroom, part 1

Kids' bathroom, part 2

Kids' bathroom, part 3 (I love my new art, so I wanted to show it off!)

Master bath, part 1

Master bath, part 2

Playroom, part 1

Playroom, part 2
(Yes, that is a giant screen.  The homeowner made this his theater room before he had kids.  Now we get to try not to destroy it while we are here.)

Playroom, part 3--oh yeah, this is the guest room, too.

The back patio.

It is truly nice to have all of our stuff back and have a place for everything and everything in its place.  

Now, come visit!!