Chistmas at Grandma Kathy's & a New Family Car

Christmas at my mom's house was great!  Liam and Marlo had a blast thanks to Grandma Kathy and Uncle Chris.  My mom always makes us feel at home and Uncle Chris was on fire!

He dressed up as Santa and Liam totally believed it!

Liam is obsessed with his gift from Uncle Chris - a huge remote control truck!

Even Marlo got a new ride from Uncle Chris!

In addition to plenty of family time, I got to meet my girlfriend Sarah's baby girl Mazie for the first time and got to see my dear friend Francie and her daughter Patty Lu who are visiting from New York.  I love that I have friends who also had baby girls in 2012 - second generation friendships!

Marlo and I came back to the O.C. on Wednesday night, but Liam was picked up by Grandma Mary and is staying with my in-laws in West Hollywood until tomorrow morning.  For being only 3 I think he's doing a great job being away from home for so many nights.  He's only had one major "I miss mommy and daddy" meltdown.  

It's been so quiet in the house without Liam.  It's crazy how easy one child is.  I'm stating the obvious, but sometimes I forget how peaceful everything was with just one.  Although the peace and quiet has been nice, I miss my boy.  I'm really looking forward to seeing him tomorrow.

Oh, and tomorrow is Joe's 36th birthday so we're having a daytime date - lunch and a movie! We're both really excited since neither of us can remember the last time we went to a movie - possibly it was before Marlo was born and she's a year next month.  So, yeah, it's been awhile. 

Lastly, I think we'll be heading into the New Year with a new car!  Our lease on the Prius is up soon and we're buying a family car.  Joe's getting off work early today so we can "close" the deal we have on a new 2012 Chevy Traverse.     We're considering buying the Prius out and trading in Joe's car.  I hope we do end up keeping the Prius.  I'm not into cars at all!!  I just want something that is safe and easy to drive.  But the Prius is the first car that I'd be sad to get rid of.  I love the Prius.  But we need a bigger car. 

We've talked about MAYBE having another baby next year and if we decide to grow the Friedman clan, the Prius ain't going to cut it.  More about baby business in another post!  I still need to get one kid walking!

Well, I suppose my next post should include my new year's resolutions...I better get to thinking!