Rollin'

They make cars for 2 -year olds? I'm still learning, apparently.

Emily LOVED this extra special gift from Grandma Rhonda and Peyton, but needs to work on her precision driving, as she continually runs into the curb or puts it in reverse.

And in case you were wondering, the PowerWheels is being housed and Mimi and Papa's house because we have a NO FUN ALLOWED clause in our lease.

Christmas Morning

Things I look forward to Christmas morning:

5. A visit from Santa.

This tradition started only last year after Emily's terrifying visit with Santa at the mall. We were thoroughly amused by her reaction, so we arranged a special visit from Santa to the Mindt home. Sweet.

This year, we reminded Emily again that Santa had candy and presents, so she hesitantly obliged.

Ten minutes later, with no tears and probably only a small amount of subconscious trauma and childhood scaring, she emerged with her proof of victory...her very own "baby tuff" (baby stuff).

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4. Breakfast

Everyone has their own tradition surrounding breakfast on Christmas morning, but ours is simply better than yours.

Smoky Sausage Casserole and Orange Blossoms.

Some variations this year: Orange Blossoms minus the vodka for the pregnant one and the underaged, and Orange Blossoms minus the orange juice and the vodka (ie...just the ice cream) for Emily. Yum-O.

3. The thumbs-up to enjoy the day with child-like enthusiasm.

Case in point...

-searching a tree for a glass pickle

-a coloring contest between Emily and her favorite Uncle Tony

-gleefully opening stockings to find grown-up presents like lottery tickets!

-"showing" Emily how to use her toys (playing with a 2-year old's gifts)

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2. Family

We're all here! Even though we have another family to share the holidays with, and Jenn and Evan have the same, we all still meet together.

Since Ryan had to work Christmas Day, our family graciously offered to get up and meet at 7:00 am. Although that is no feat for us and our natural alarm clock (dubbed "Emily"), my sister loves her sleep-in time. Thanks for giving up a few hours of sleep so we could share a few hours together!

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1. Seeing this sweet smile all day long.

Because, who wouldn't like to see these chubby cheeks so thrilled with everything from boxes to paper to books?

Santa has Candy

Are we above bribing our child to sit on a strange man's lap? No, we're not. Are we above using food and candy to bribe? Nope.
So we stood in line to take the traditional Santa picture at the mall. ALL OF US. Ages 29, 27, 26, 25, 17, and 2. Emily had her picture taken first. Do I need to remind you about our little angel last year?

This year, she was pretty nervous and looking like she was going to book it, so I blurted out, "Santa has candy!" She went. Quickly and obediently.

Battery-Powered Presents and Candy, Oh My!

Ladies and Gentlemen....let the spoiling begin.

Dwayne and Michele came to visit from Ventura, have a little pre-Christmas celebration, and to give Emily a doll that cries and some candy that she polished off in like 3 minutes. Thanks, guys. It was such a treat to have them, and are so thankful they drove to come see us. We hope to see you soon!

And, friends, please don't judge them because they like the Cowboys. Some people just do not know any better.

Who Screws up Fantasy Fudge?

Me.

I was reading back through my previous Baking Post, and realized I was probably not in the best frame of mind to write that. I don't do well with messes. That would surprise anyone who has come to our home in the last few months, but it is true. I also don't do well with products that don't turn out. The Fudge didn't work out, but the rest of my scrumptious delights turned out great.

• Snickerdoodles (not the classic Christmas cookie, but this was Ryan's only request, so I obliged)
  
• Aunt Connie's Sugar Cookies
  
• Lee Ann's Sugar Cookie Cutouts
  
• Seven-Layer Magic Bars (also termed "Dammit Kim Bars")
  
• White Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

And Emily and I did have a good, messy time.

Christmas Tree Lane

Christmas Tree Lane, Fresno, CA: One of our favorite (albeit slightly overrated) Christmas traditions. Instead of fighting other cars down Van Ness, we go during Walk Night, when you get to run over people with your stroller and chase your two-year old through rich peoples' bushes.

Here are some pics from our trip in December:

Yay for new times with old friends! Thanks for coming, Chloe! Emily wonders if we REALLY think we are fooling her with this 2-dimensional yellow man in a red suit.

And I cannot leave out the Great Mud Incident of 2008. Shortened version:

Emily resists holding hands while walking.

Emily falls in mud.

Kim takes pictures.

Chloe laughs until she cries mascara.

Overall, it was another splendid walk down Van Ness Avenue, and one was definitely plan to repeat next year.

To: Our Friends and Family

(Click letter to open as large image)

Baking with Toddlers 101

My vision for baking this weekend (please don't mock my naive wishes):

Notice the completely clean kitchen counter, and how mother and daughter are working together to create some culinary masterpieces.

This is more the reality of it. (Thanks to www.belly-timber.com for the use of photo):

My tiny kitchen was a disaster for about 36 hours and our little Emily was some sort of pseudo-monster. She hardly got any sleep on Saturday (at night or nap) and clearly was not getting my vision for our glorious baking weekend. I am not yet done because I had to call it quits early for both of our sanity. Will finish later. Maybe.

Christmas, Madera Style

This past week we headed to downtown Madera to enjoy the Candlelight Holiday Wine & Cocoa Stroll and Tractor Parade. Talk about juxtaposition...the refine-ness of wine against the okie-ness of tractors. That's how Madera does Christmas and we loved it! The Chamber of Commerce hosted a stop on the Stroll, so we hung out there while Mom helped serve patrons.

The parade was only a block away, so we bundled up and headed out. Emily was a little frightened when the fire engines blew their horns, but other than that she loved it (her love of the parade is pictured at left...haha)! Who wouldn't love these elaborately decorated tractors plowing down Main Street?

Tractor photo credited to Wendy Alexander, Madera Tribune