'Twas the night before Christmas

This year we hosted a Christmas Eve dinner at our house. Nisha, Manish and I cooked a meal for 18 guests! We learned that next time we will make one main dish and a couple of sides instead of attempting 7 different dishes like we made this year. Despite a few near misses in the kitchen, it turned out great. We had lots of fun eating, drinking, playing ping-pong, enjoying the late night hot chocolate bar station, and of course - dancing to the Michael Jackson Experience on Wii.

Can your toddler do this?

Gathering in the kitchen

Good stuff

Aunts and Uncles catching up

Sharing a laugh

A little ping-pong action

The Michael Jackson Wii game is pretty intense

Bhavika beat everyone sitting down!

And to all a good night!

Impromptu session with Nishamasi

So over the holidays, I left the photo-taking to my photog-errific sister Nisha. I've been waiting patiently (pestering her) as she flew back to Denver and uploaded the pictures from her home since all of her uploading devices were there. I JUST got the email with the pics and I haven't sorted through them all, but wanted to post these - taken randomly at my parents house before Nisha left. I love how they capture little Jaidan's free spirit! Thanks Nish, we miss you!

And the cards were placed, by the chimney with care...

I love checking the mail - so many beautiful Christmas cards from family and friends. We've proudly displayed them on our mantle...

Willie, the dog that doesn't shed!

Jaidan received a bouncy, cuddly "Wahoo" dog (from our friends - the Duval family) for his birthday. Jaidan loves him and we named him Willie. He takes Willie on walks around the house, hugs him, kisses his nose and pulls on his ears and tail. The best thing about Willie is that he is potty trained and doesn't bark or bite!

Jumping Jaidan's party at Little Gym!

The celebration continued at Jaidan's birthday party with his friends at the Little Gym. The kids explored the gym equipment, sang songs, did somersaults, bounced on the Airtrak, blew bubbles and bounced balls! We finished the afternoon with ice cream cake! It was so much fun (and a workout for the parents!)

Cash shows off some dance moves

Daddy and J on the balance beam

Jaidan tries out the somersault wheel..

..reaches for the mat...

..and great landing!!

Finley tries a flip

Hop, skip, jump!

Jaidan shows off a trick!

Handstands!

Jumping on the airtrak!

Avery and Karis take in the bubbles!

Jaidan gets silly!

Time for cake!

Yay, Mickey Mouse - my favorite!

Waiting for a piece..

Yummy!