Eliana with personalized chef apron & hat set with Gourmet Girl Cupcake Maker, gifts from her big sis, Soleil -12-25-08

Friends:

I love the holidays. This holiday season was no different. On Christmas morning, we woke up to Santa’s overnight magic – stockings stuffed with goodies and presents galore. Here is Eliana reading a note from Santa…

Eliana reads a note from Santa Claus on Christmas morning - 12-25-08

The first picture shows my little chef Eliana beaming with excitement from the cool gifts she received from her big sister. After opening all our family presents, we headed to my mom’s house for more holiday celebrations. It is an annual tradition to take a family picture in front of my mom’s Christmas tree. Here we are!

L-R - Eliana, Dianne, Soleil & Antonio, Our Christmas 2008 family picture

The grandchildren had a blast at Nana & Paw Paw’s house. Here is a picture of my mom and stepdad with all the grandkids.

Nana & Paw Paw with all the grandkids - 12-25-08

Of course, no holiday celebration is complete unless there is a big feast. Mom made a HUGE spread. We even had lechon, roasted pig slow cooked in the “Caja China,” a box that simulates underground roasting. Mmmm.

The Christmas Feast at Mom's House - 12-25-08

Soleil, my 18 year old, made 4 delicious desserts from scratch!

Soleil's Homemade Desserts - Clockwise from Top: Apple Pecan Cheesecake, Eggnog Cake, Coconut Cake & Amaretto Bundt Cake

We had a full-swing Christmas party filled with friends and family. The kids enjoyed themselves in Nana’s Virtual Playground, playing the Wii, Guitar Hero and Rockband. The grown-ups played Scrabble and Catchphrase. It was so much fun!

Dianne's eyeball is falling out! 12-25-08

I hope you and your family enjoyed a very Happy Holiday! Happy 2009! May the New Year bring peace, love and happiness to you and yours.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne