Holidays.

The second round of Christmas and New Years in Spain proved to be just as wonderful as the first. Here is a picture from Daniela's Christmas program (she is top and center). Her english song this year was "Oh Christmas Tree." Absolutely adorable little Anne Geddes babies.

Papa Noel has since come and visited us, now the kids are still waiting for the Reyes Magos to come on the 6th. Then everyone goes back to school.

On Christmas Eve we had the same big dinner here at the house as last year. Nothing new, still 100% spanish: lots of food, champagne and a late night.

CHRISTMAS DAY:
On christmas day we go to the houses of both sets of abuelos. We get the presents that Papa Noel has left at each house for the children. At the home of the parents of Victoria we eat a big afternoon meal of cuchinillo again..... That is the baby pig. (in the picture below)

Above is a picture of Diego and I. Diego is the baby of Victoria's sister (maybe 6 monthish now). He is absolutely ADORABLE. He doesnt really cry. He is like a little doll that we all pass around and play with at every family gathering.

Below is Victoria and Diego's older brother, Josete. He is probably about 2 years old now. He is a little terror. He throws everything.... and normally spills at least one glass of something. But is a loooot of fun because he loves to run and play, like all little boys and is as light as a feather so you can't resist picking him up and running around with him or throwing him or something. He is pretty shy with me, but always seems to be keeping an eye on me from across the room. He just stares and stares at me.

I decided to put in a different picture of the cuchinillo this year. This is what was put on the table in front of me. Appetizing, huh? Don'tworry- we dont really eat the head...... But the skin is crsipy delicious.

NEW YEARS EVE:

New year's eve was spent in Madrid at the home of Manolo's sister. We went over there until midnight and then the young ones (me included) normally go out afterwards.... but we were tired and that did not really happen. I went home with the kids and made it into bed by about 3 am.
Of course the jamon is ever important during the holidays.......

And the grapes. I told the tradition last year..... a brief review: Eat one with everyone gong of the clock at midnight. It began as part of a great marketing scheme 100 years ago and continues today. Everyone does it and its super fun. 12 grapes.... but its actually one every 3 seconds.
Below are pablo "my cousin". His mom, Manolo's sister. Javier "my other cousin." Abuela Paloma (grandmother of Pablo and Javier). Pablo is around my age and javier is probably about 1 or 2 years younger. Everyone has thier grapes ready to eat and of course tons of that new years streamer crap that we throw in the air.