This was our second year spending the holidays in our home here in LA. Last year Iya and Papa came to visit just before the holiday and we had a couple of Christmas celebrations! This year, we kept it simple and it was again, wonderful!

All December long we have been reading the book “The Elf on The Shelf” and the kid shave LOVED it! Every morning Ella would wake up and run around the house trying to find what that silly little elf had gotten himself into. Luckily for us he usually did nice things (like help me with the dishes or play the guitar). On Christmas eve Bruce sat down with Ella to read her the book one last time – as the elf needed to get back to Santa and help him with all the work he had ahead!

I love to watch these two together! <3 Though, they really can push each others buttons from time to time! haha Ella adores her father, and I know that feeling is mutual.

On Christmas morning the kids woke up to a bunch of fun new toys from us, family and Santa. It was really great to watch their excitement and see how they enjoyed opening and discovering what each gift was. Santa got the kids a new play house this year and I must say, while I thought the kids would like it, I am blown away by how much Bastion LOVES it!!

He spends loads of time ringing the doorbell, shouting his trademark “EL-O” and opening and closing the little door. <3 The elves forgot to send any screws along with the playhouse, so I had an interesting time trying to make it safe for the kids haha. Luckily, the kids are not annoyed with this in the least!

I loved spending the day as a family, it was light and comfortable... we could stay in our jammies all day (and maybe we did!) Another big hit present wise for the kids is a digital art studio. Ella has REALLY started taking to this and wants to use it all the time. She "builds" her name over and over. This has also now lead to her discovering that she can text her name We may need to get an unlimited texting plan!

A very special part of the morning happened when Ella actually caught Santa in the act! Since Santa is magic, we couldn't get a clear picture of him while he was in our house, but she woke up to him finishing off his cookies!

I feel so very lucky to have this family. We got to Skype with Oma and Opa and Iya and Papa as well as our siblings <3 I feel like even though we are hundreds and thousands of miles from each other we are all so lucky to be able to pop into each others livingrooms (or offices) and share these special times.