Bakker Family Christmas, 2010

The Bakker family is growing and growing, but we still are able to get together each Christmas. We are blessed to have such a large family with the majority of us in the same county. We are missing 15-20 of our family members from this gathering, as they couldn't arrange the time to come.

Our hosts' Joseph and Alicia, just moved into a large farm house, so we had plenty of room. We were grateful for their generosity. Alicia's father is Sinterklaas (Dutch Santa)..... sshhh. With his thick Dutch accent he made the visit a huge hit with the kids, big and little.

Thanks Mr. Schuringa.

Sinterklaas gave the kids large pins for a treat, if they sat on his lap.

He had such a huge belly ;)

Ethan and Justin love to talk 'shop' with Kyle. These are knowledgeable dairy/farm boys, raised by great parents. Kyle was offered a job by the younger one :) We think he was just trying to find a way to spend more time with Kyle. Cute kids.

Holding up the kitchen counter, telling stories and sharing laughs.

A quiet moment with Beppe.

Merry Christmas to all, and Happy New Year.

Christmas Card Photo time

Danielle's friend, Bridgett, took our Christmas card photo this year. She's been dabbling in the foto-craze and has been taking some great shots. You can see her blog on our site. We usually set up our camera ourselves but end up with a little attitude towards eachother at the end, since we all have ideas of our own. So, letting someone else 'stage' us was well worth the stress-free photo shoot.

Here's some of the photos from our shoot.

Aaaahhh, the kids. Danielle is 18 and Kyle is 21.
Nevermind how old we are.

She even got us up on our roof..... scary. Should've brought a broom, though :)

Love our cork tree in this shot.

But, here's the one we ultimately put on our card, since we can see Kyle's face with out his cowboy hat.

Sandpipers Holiday Home Tour, Manhatten Beach, CA

This past weekend, my friend Colette and I took in a home tour put on by the Sandpipers in Hermosa Beach. Lynn, a friend, and Sandpiper member drove us around to see the homes.They do offer shuttle, since their serving Champagne, but we had our own agenda.

"Stunning Hermosa Hacienda"

The fusion of these simple design elements with exotic Moroccan, Spanish, and Asian influences become this wonderful global and chic home.

" Elegant Manhattan Hill Section Tuscan Villa"

Even though the homes were vast and stunningly decorated, we got ideas that we can take with us. Ideas for decorating our own homes, different uses for outdoor spaces, since the weather in Manhatten Beach is so mild.

That evening we got together again, and caught up over Italian meal. I do love this area, but it's a little too crowded after living in a less populated town.