One the 1st Day of Christmas...

Rocco spent Christmas with so many loved ones and is blessed with so many people that love him.

Christmas is finally here. (well it came and went and I am finally getting to posting pictures)

We had Christmas at my brother Stephen's house in Grass Valley and it was great to spend a couple of days with all the Shelley's together. We also had breakfast with Great Nana, a Christmas night with the Belgin's and the Milazzo's. Rocco really enjoyed the endless Christmas this year.

** PS I am hoping to recover about 100 deleted photos. I have a lot to go through so a Christmas video is in the works.

On the 2nd Day of Christmas...

We enjoy an evening dancing around the Christmas tree and of course the best present ever.

On the 3rd Day of Christmas...

We take part in an old Shelley family tradition and wear matching pajamas, yes I said matching. This has been a tradition for just about my whole life, as you can see in the pictures. This is the first year for us, not sure how I will incorporate this tradition into our family, but I will be ready by next year. I think it will be hard to find pjs that would match and fit the three of us and since I don't sew, I will need to put a new twist on this tradition.

Thanks to my Mom for our gifts this year - a family photo that will last a life time and brought back so many wonderful memories.

Photos:

1. North Hollywood house - 1979

2. The Shelley and the Long family (my dad's sisters family)

Craig, Chris, Aunt Lynn, Sarah, Uncle Chod

Sheryl, Stephen, Stephanie, Stacie, Shelley and Sharon

3. Shelley kids

On The 4th Day of Christmas...

The family supports Campbell's holiday night event with sledding, horse rides (donkey), pop corn and candy canes.

This is Rocco's first picture with a Santa other than Jared. (remember last years Christmas card) It is also Rocco's first time on a donkey ride. Rocco was lucky enough to get the only donkey (mule) there. He loves the donkey in Shrek, so I thought it was be great to get a picture of him on one.

On The 5th Day of Christmas...

Rocco listens to the Christmas story narrated by Grandma Shelley in hopes that she will see what a good boy his been. This was wonderful gift Rocco received last year that will defiantly be a tradition to listen to every year.

On the 6th Day of Christmas...

Rocco enjoys a raining winter day while he puts his rain boots to the test and tries out an umbrella for his first time.

On the 7th Day of Christmas...

Mommy is wrapping presents while Rocco dreams of sugar plums. Ok, so maybe not sugar plums but trains. So far there has been no presents under our tree. Just Rocco and Daktari taking turns at being the best present ever under the tree.

The pictures are from a few days ago and the video is from the day we got tree.

On the 8th Day of Christmas...

the family makes a trip to Christmas in the park to see a park full of Christmas trees, spin around on the merry-go-round and drink some hot chocolate to keep us warm.

On the 9th Day of Christmas...

Rocco puts on his reindeer ears to see if reindeers really know how to fly.

On the 10th Day Of Christmas...

Rocco and Daddy knead their bread to fill the Milazzo house with a wonderful tradition. Jared remembers his Nana always making homemade rolls and asked for the recipe years ago. Homemade bread is becoming a speciality of Jared's and making it with Rocco every Christmas will fill our belly's with great food and hearts with special memories.

On the 11th Day of Christmas...

Rocco is Santa's little helper, well make that Mimi and Pop's little helper. Rocco helps put the star on Mimi and Pop's tree. He is truly a star in our hearts. His tender spirit brings the meaning of joy to everyday not just during Christmas.


Rocco also get to try out his rain boots for the first time. Not officially as in real rain, but with the hose in beautiful California weather.

On the 12th Day of Christmas...

Rocco poses under the tree with a smile that is brighter than the lights that shine on the tree. This is the only present Mom and Dad need. Our Christmas couldn't be any more merry or bright.

Rocco wanted to wear his new shoes with his pajamas. He is going to be stylish just like his Dad.

I'll Have What My Dad Is Eating

If Jared is eating something Rocco wants a bite. They are two peas in a pod. Rocco is a wonderful eater and loves his fruit, veggies and cheese. There really isn't anything that he doesn't like so far.

He really enjoyed two soups that we made recently. 17 Bean and Barely Soup that is really easy to make and the recipe is off the bean package from Trader Joe's. I let him sprinkle the cheese on the top and put the gold fish in a small dish that he can add to the soup as we eat.

He also really liked the Mushroom, Orzo and Leek soup that is a recipe from Mimi. I am blessed to have a great eater. I enjoy watching him trying new things and looking at me after the first bite with a tilted head and saying "It's Good"

Cut With Love

We went to the Santa Cruz mountains to cut down our Christmas tree this year. Last year we just did a small tree that we planted in the yard after the holidays. Don't ask how it is doing.

This year we went for the complete experience. We let Rocco lead the way through the tree path and enjoyed the fresh cold air. We stopped at the free hot chocolate stand to warm up and then continued the search for the perfect tree.

We had a great time enjoying family time, nature time and Christmas time!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

If you are at the Milazzo's house or in one of our cars you just might hear a Christmas song or two or maybe even 20. I don't remember the last time Jared and I sang so many Christmas songs. If you ask Rocco what Santa says he will tell you "HO HO HO." I am now trying to get him to sing Jingle Bells. It is defiantly a wonderful warm feeling with Rocco at such a special age and watching him getting excited about lights, trees and Santa. Although he only really likes Santa when he is not a jolly old man in person.

Helmet - Check

The head is now protected.