Christmas Time is Here!

I am so behind on posts!  It has been a crazy past couple of weeks with some stressful times at my work and the holidays coming, but that's normal for everyone, right?  :)  There has been so many fun things we have done lately with Mini, I don't even know where to begin.  Last Friday night James' family had a "Castillo Family Reunion".  There was yummy food, a dance floor, and even Santa came and surprised all the kiddos with gifts!

Last Saturday, James and I went to my college roommate, Erin's, wedding.  She looked so beautiful and her wedding was so much fun.  It was really nice to see old friends.

Last Sunday, we celebrated Aunt Angela's birthday.  Afterwards, James took Mini and I downtown to look at the Chesapeake Energy Building's lights.  All the trees surrounding the building were covered in lights from head to toe.  Mini was fascinated!

On Monday we went out to eat with my Grandpa Bill, parents, sisters, James, and Blake.  Grandpa lives in San Diego, so we don't see him often.  Kathryn enjoyed spending time with her Great Grandpa!

Last night we decorated Christmas cookies at my parents house.  Mini had so much fun.  Well, I should say she had so much fun running around, shaking the bottles of sprinkles. ;)  That kid is such a chunk of love.  She is a VERY loved baby!

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I cannot wait to spend it with my husband and baby girl.  James has to work Christmas day, so we are doing everything on the Eve.  I'm so excited to make breakfast and open presents tomorrow morning.  I'm sure Mini is going to have a blast!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!!!

Greentooth

Have you ever heard of bluetooth? Well, this is our version....Greentooth :)

Grandma's Birthday

Sunday was Grandma's (my mom's) birthday. I knew I wanted to make her a tasty treat, but didn't know what.  She loves chocolate, but every chocolate recipe I found was either too difficult or didn't look very good.  Those who know me well, know I don't cook or bake, unless it comes pre-made with instructions on how long to heat in the oven.  :)  I have been trying harder lately now that I am a mom, because that's what moms do, right?!?  So I found a pretty easy, tasty-looking strawberry cake recipe on the Martha Stewart website.  Surprisingly I had all the ingredients minus the strawberries in my pantry.  1 1/2 hours later, I had this fabulous dish in my kitchen!

Before....

After!

   
James, Mini, and I met her for lunch at her favorite restaurant, Mi Chulas. We got her a handmade turquoise neck wrap and a McDonald's gift card so she can get her daily diet cokes.  Aaand, she LOVED her cake!  Woohoo!

Happy Birthday Grandma (Mom), we LOVE you!!!  :)

Santa Baby

On Thursday we went to the Gaylord with the Cockerhams to have pictures taken with Santa.  I prepared myself for the worst; a kicking, screaming, and very unhappy baby.  I was pleasantly surprised when this didn't happen....

 I sat Kathryn on Santa's lap, she looked at him, looked at me, and gave a huge smile!  I swear my child is just fascinated with older men.  I think I should be worried! ;)  Needless to say, we got a wonderful picture out of it!

After pictures with Santa, we walked around and took in all the sights.

 We were able to get a family picture on Santa's sleigh.  Everyone's smiling, amazing!

 Kathryn couldn't stop staring at all the pretty lights and the big Christmas tree.

 This Sheriff Santa was pretty cute.  Kathryn liked him as well!

 Mini playing in the snow that was off limits.  Oops!

 Mini and I posing for the camera.  Well, I was posing :)

 So many places to go, so little time!

 Such a big girl now, wanted to walk everywhere!

 Touching the huge gingerbread house made out of real graham crackers and candy.

 Kathryn getting in trouble with daddy.  All he has to do is give her the look, and the lip comes out.

 We had a yummy Mexican dinner after walking around.  Minis is busy reading the menu.

 Clowning around with Jack.  They have so much fun together.

 Just me :)

 This was a very, very tall Soldier.  Kathryn wasn't too sure about him!

 The trains that Kathryn and Jack were obsessed with.

 Watching the trains with Daddy.

But I'm not ready to go yet.....

 Ok, I'll go if I get to ride on Daddy's shoulders. ;)

We had such a fun time at the Gaylord.  Next Christmas adventure....Daddy taking us to see Christmas lights!  I love this time of year. ;)