Had some pictures from the past month that I thought I would share with everyone. Enjoy.

These two pictures are of the only the snow Antioch has seen in over 30 years! It didn't actually snow in our backyard but these pics were from our back door and of Mt. Diablo. It was absolutely beautiful to see the snow. It dusted not only Mt. Diablo but the surrounding low hills for a couple of days afterwards.

The Kids after McKenna's City of Antioch Holiday Delites Parade (for her Ballet Class). They got to see Santa and Mrs. Clause.

The kids right after we set up our 1st live Christmas Tree in 4 years.

McKenna and I getting ready to head to The Nutcracker at The El Campanil Theatre in Antioch.

Yep. Mason does not like Santa one bit. He is utterly scared of the man in red. So sad.

Here is the Burittozilla from Iguana's. This is Clayton's forearm.

This is probably my favorite pose of her while skating..so cute.

McKenna and I taking a minute out of ice skating to take a picture...

Christmas just days away

and The Peddy parents do not have any presents wrapped.
Sounds about right.

Today is the first day of McKenna's Christmas break (well and Spencer's) for two whole weeks. So far so lazy. Its 11:24 and the kids are still in their PJs. Well Spencer is naked but Spencer is ALWAYS naked so nothing new there. Its freezing and wet outside and somewhat warm and toasty inside. Howls Moving Castle is on the TV and we are about to make lunch.

We only have 2 days left until Clayton is home for a whole week and a half. We are so excited. We hope to plan 1 or 2 day trips but as long as we together that's what counts. I wanted to take the kids to see a lighthouse along the coast as I have never seen one up close. I think it would be very interseting and fun for them. As long as it doesn't rain or isn't really freezing then I think it will be a blast :)

Last week brought new and exciting adventures for McKenna and I. We both ice skated for the very first time. McKenna's school went for their holiday field trip and it was soooo much fun. McKenna made me so proud. She went right out on the ice having zero idea of what to do and took it upon herself to get onto the ice and skate. Not scared, not timid, not at all. She actually skated, though fell alot, but she skated and had a blast doing it. I didn't fall once which I was totally amazed at. I wasn't even really wobbly. I didn't skate fast but then you know I'm scared of going fast on skates or ski's. So we skated for an hour and a half had so much fun.

Saturday, Clayton and I had a blast with our good friends, Jon and Kelly. We headed down to San Jose for our double date night. We decided to stay over and come home in the morning which worked out wonderfully. We checked out a restaurant that was featured on the show, Man v. Food called Iguanas because it was home to the Burrittozilla. A 5 pound, 18 inch, burrito!! We had to try it. So we split it four way even though Clayton wanted to eat half of it. He was banking on my remaining 1/4 of the burrito to make him full but I ended up polishing it all off. Yes I'm a pig but it was soooo good. We chose the al pastor meat and boy was it tasty. Their beans are to die for...

Yesterday McKenna and I made our annual trek to the El Campanil Theatre in Downtown Antioch to see a showing of The Nutcracker with Grandma Susan and our friends. We made it a girls afternoon and got dressed up to attend this holiday must see. The show was beautiful and made even more beautiful seeing little girls and boys doing a majority of the show. Wonderful dancers. McKenna, of course my little me, was more interested in socializing than actually watching the show. Had to nip that in the bud but overall she did enjoy the show. Her favorite part were the little girls dressed like gingerbread cookies. And the little gingerbread cookie who shakes her butt. Of course.

Well I'm off. I'm off to make lunch, mop the floor, Facebook of course and at some point during nap time, wrap presents. Now I just need to find the energy.

Until next time all.

Christmas already? Really?

Okay so yes, its that time again. I have been reminded numerous times that I have failed to update this blog that I promised I would keep updated. This is just too damn hard people! Justin how do you remember to update your blog so frequently?

The realization that Christmas time is quickly approaching came slowly to the Peddy household. We started out great for Halloween decorations and then Thanksgiving came and went and nothing was decorated. We did head down to Grandpa Bob and Uncle Eric's for yummy Thanksgiving grub. We had Turkey, mashed potatos, green beans, rolls and pies..all the stuff you would want on a Thanksgiving table. Except that Mom wasn't there to celebrate with us.

I did get to visit with her though before I left. Dad took me to visit her and this time it was a bit harder than usual. Had a few tears. I have been missing her a lot more lately and really could have used her wisdom and her hugs. Mostly I would just love to hear her voice again. January 18th she will be gone 4 very very long years and its unimaginable how long that is. My grieving comes in waves though. Sometimes I'm doing great and then other times I just miss her so much it hurts. Thankfully I have my wonderful Clayton there to comfort me and to tell me its alright.

We all got to see the cousins and we got to see my sister, brother Sean and my brother and sister in law, Joe and Karen. The Friday after Thanksgiving was so much fun. All the cousins got together and played and went to the park and just had a great time running around. I got some great shots of McKenna, Spencer, Sophia and Kara together which is extremely rare. Will post at the end.

The Peddy's did finally decide this year to enjoy to a fresh Christmas tree. We do have our beautiful artificial spinning Christmas tree, however, this year we all needed to experience the beauty of nature and the wonderful smell of a freshly cut Christmas Tree. And we are thoroughly enjoying it.

Since my last post, we have added a new member to our family, a nephew to be specific. Ashton Kristopher Marshall was born on November 11th. We get to spend Christmas with him and get to really know the little guy. Can't wait. Apparently big brother Aidan is more than protective of his little brother and has already picked out which toys he is allowed to play with and which ones he is off limits from :)

McKenna participated in her first school musical. It was called Aesop's Fable and she absolutely loved it!! I was so proud of her. She knew the lyrics to each and every song and sung along so enthusiastically, it was so adorable. She even had a part at the microphone to sing a song with 3 other students. Exciting!

On an exciting Clayton and Stephanie front, we have decided to renew our vows. Come this March 7th, Clayton and I will be married 7 years and together 13 years. During the Thanksgiving weekend, Clayton asked me to marry him once again. And I couldn't be happier. These 13 years have been wonderful. We have honestly watched each other grow up, become college graduates, supported each other during tragedies, become husband and wife, become a father and become a mother. We have known each other since I was 19 and Clayton was 21. Have known each other a good portion of each others lives. What is so wonderful is this is a time to pause and reflect on where we have been and where Clayton and I are going. We feel it is also a wonderful example to set for McKenna, Spencer and Mason. Can you imagine a more beautiful scene than the kids watching Clayton and I joining hand and hearts as we affirm the strength of our enduring love? We can't either. We do not plan to have anything fancy just something very simple and small for us.

Hugs and Love to everyone. So the pictures are not uploading...dagnammit!! Those will come soon :)

Hugs to all