Christmas happenings, friends, and a cooking class

 Here are just a few pictures from some activities we've done recently. Our good friends finally moved into their new house close by, so we've gotten to see them a lot more! We visited their house and bundled everyone up for a walk around their neighborhood.

 Here are Liam and Maya trying out the twins' stroller

 Elliott

Clara

 Maya helping Avery with her bottle

On Tuesday, our friends Dave and Mariel invited us to their house and wait for Santa to arrive on his fire truck. Dave volunteers with their neighborhood fire department, so we could plan when to go outside and wait. 

 Liam, John, and Zoe waiting on the front porch

 The fire truck passed by and made a lot of loud noises, which the kids loved. Then they announced through the speaker that Santa was coming right behind them

 Santa on his sleigh!

 Liam, once again, told Santa he wanted "a present"

 Here's a picture from yesterday, when I got both kids dressed up to visit a Santa at a shopping center. They always allow you to take your own pictures, and for free. BUT, when I couldn't find him and asked a store associate, they told me there was no Santa this year. Pretty sad, especially since I won't pay for the pictures at the mall. But here are the kids in one of the displays!

Last night, my group of teacher friends went for a moms-only party at a great cooking place! We chose a menu beforehand, and met there to make the meal (although we chatted a lot more than helped), then we ate it together. It was so much fun, and the food was so good. The owner encourages you to either watch her make the meal or help, so there was no pressure. Then she sent us with leftovers and a recipe of all the things we made. It was such a fun night out!

Shana and Kristin

The crew

Tara, our resident Martha Stewart, searing the shrimp for our scampi