CHRISTMAS 2015

Abby and Kevin arrived a couple of days before Carly's and Jesse's families got here, so we had time to go shopping one day and go by David and Margaret so they could see what's going on at Dad's work.

Wednesday, the day after the others got here, we took a little trip to Hollywood to hike up to the historic landmark.

Audra and Rich aren't in the picture at the top because Audra got tired and they hiked back down sooner than the rest of us. Although she really didn't want to go at all, she was a good sport and made it most of the way up.

Jesse carried Stella up, but she got pretty antsy in the backpack! 

I took this picture, and was supposed to make it look like they're holding up the sign, but it's a little off!

Stella was carried by Sarita most of the way down. Others would have helped, but she just wanted her mom. She gets pretty heavy after a while, but Sarita did it!

We found a Chipoltle's afterward for lunch, right near Hollywood and Vine. Since this is also a tourist attraction, we walked around, looking for the famous Chinese Theater, but it ended up being a long walk. We did get to see some stars of famous actors though.

Katy and Paul's family came over for Christmas Eve. They hadn't seen Jesse and Sarita in several years, so it was their first time meeting Stella. It was good to have so many of us together to celebrate.

We wanted a family picture, and got a pretty good one when the Ellsworths first arrived, but realized we'd left Stella, who was napping, out of it.

So we took another one when she woke up.

Abby directed the Nativity and Carly played the piano. Audra and Bella both wanted to be Mary, but we convinced Audra that since she did it last year at her other grandma's house, that maybe Bella could have a turn.

Evan volunteered to be Joseph, and even remembered his lines from last year at the Ewers'.

Kelsey and her dad.

Here's one of Jackson playing with his baby snowman. Joey's family couldn't make it because Katie's due date was too close.

Much like Audra and Bella, Stella took right to Kevin. He is a baby girl magnet.

Evan really liked Stella, and spent a lot of time with her. Riding with them to Hollywood gave him some time to get more connected with Jesse's family. They started a story game that he and Sarita may continue via texting. She's giving him some subtle pointers that will help him develop his writing talent.

Redhill Park isn't looking very good right now, but the kids still wanted to go play there.

Abby and Carly have been talking about going skydiving for some time now, and they actually did it this time! I tried not to worry too much, but it was a little scary to have them jumping out of an airplane.