Esquivel Family Christmas

The day after Christmas we celebrated with Joey's parents and his three brothers and their families. We enjoyed some yummy snacks, each other's company, and watched the kiddos open gifts. Jessica always has so much fun playing with her girl cousins. Here are some pictures.

Ftacek Family Christmas

Scot and Amy hosted the Ftacek Family Christmas in their new house. All enjoyed a delicious dinner followed by the much anticipated opening of presents. It is so nice to see how thrilled the kids are to open each and every gift. Here are some photos from our Christmas afternoon/evening.

My parents spent the next couple nights with us. The morning after Christmas Jessi opened gifts from her Aunt Jen and Grandpa & Grandma Ftacek. She also enjoyed helping them open their gifts and later cruising on her tricycle outside.

Christmas

It was just the three of us for Christmas morning. We thought Jessi was waking up early but she ended up sleeping about 1.5 hours longer. When she did finally wake up, it was nice to see her eyes light up at the sight of presents under the tree. She noticed that Santa left behind one cookie so she insisted on eating it before presents. She loved each gift. She had to try on her ballet shoes, read through each new book, hold up new clothes, and play with new toys.

We took a break and went to church. Jessica looked adorable in her red dress and favorite black shoes. We saved one last gift from Santa until after church, lunch, and naptime...Jessica's first tricycle! She can barely reach the pedals, but loves to ride it.

The Esquivels are extremely thankful for all of the blessings that we have --- health, happiness, faith, family, and friends. We wish everyone a merry Christmas!

Jessica's Gingerbread House

Today we went to the Austin Children's Museum to decorate a Gingerbread House. Jessica had a lot of fun putting the different treats on the house. She realized that she could eat the decorations about halfway into decorating. She loved the M&Ms and mini candy canes. Now how long will the house last now that she knows she can eat it?

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

The Esquivels are starting to get into the Christmas groove. This morning started out with family Christmas pictures (including Ellee). Jessi was more interested in showing off her shoes than in taking pictures. Thanks Jen for helping her remember to smile. We put up the tree (including lights) when Jessi took her nap. This was the quickest we have ever put up the tree. She was very interested in the tree, especially the lights, when she came downstairs after her nap. Jessi was thrilled to help decorate the tree. We placed the less fragile ornaments on the branches within her reach. Her favorite ornament today has been a little cardinal.

Jenny has been baking cookies the last couple days and finished up today. Jessi helped sprinkle the sprinkles on Grandpa Ftacek's favorite cookies. She ate up one cookie and then asked for more! We haven't finished the outside lights yet (due to the weather), but are hoping tomorrow will be a nice day for that.

Zilker Tree Lighting

On Sunday, we went to the Zilker Tree Lighting. This was the first time that we have gone to the tree lighting. Jessica was fascinated with lights and kept looking up. She preferred to stay in mommy or daddy's arms instead of playing with two of her friends that we met for the lighting ceremony and dinner. What a fun holiday outing!

About the Zilker Tree: The Zilker Tree Stands 155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each holding 81 multicolored, 25 watt bulbs, totaling 3,309 lights. At the top of the tree, a double star measures 10 feet from point to point. The double star displays 150 frosted bulbs. This unique spiral pattern of lights was created by City of Austin electricians. At its circumference, the tree measures 380 feet. The diameter is 120 feet. The base of the tree is made up of 19 utility poles, each 14 feet tall, arranged in a circle around the Moonlight Tower.