Christmas Eve with the Zerizefs

It's Christmas eve here in P-town, and we have finally settled down and are anxiously awaiting Santa's arrival. We had a fun-filled day hoping around Portland. My mom got in town early this morning, and we've been going non-stop ever since. We took her around the city, but then came home for a bit before heading back out to an x-mas eve service.

The table is all ready and set for x-mas eve dinner.

The great thing about these place mats is that they can be used for every holiday. Very versatile. ...and yes, I promise, I will put up the how to soon. I ran out of time between Thanksgiving and now.

Centerpieces

The stockings are hung by the ...window with care.

Olive is staying with us for a few weeks, and Zizou couldn't be more excited.

My mom and I started a little craft project.

They are little appetizer skewers. Aren't they cute? I think they'd make great gifts.

Cute little Zizou dressed up and ready for papa elf.

Olive is much better about letting me put a Santa hat on her to take a picture. Isn't she so cute!?

It's going to be a great Christmas at the Zerizefs! We wish you all the best Christmas day as well, with love from our family to yours.

Until next time...

Snowshoeing after Thanksgiving

Last year, Nabil and I wanted to start a new family tradition. We decided that we would try our hand at snowshoeing. Thanksgiving day can make you feel a bit bloated, so we thought snowshoeing would be the perfect day-after activity. Last year it was just Nabil, Sydney, and me. We had so much fun that we kept the tradition alive this year, but we had a few more join.

This was the crew, minus me and Brooke who were busy taking pictures.

Pretty sweet view huh!?

We went hiking at White River which is just south of Mt Hood Meadows. Both this year and last the area has gotten a lot of snow, and as you can see, you really can't beat the view, especially on a day like last Friday. It was about forty degrees so we really didn't even need gloves, and it was an unusually clear day.

Olive and Zizou lead the pack. I'm pretty sure Zizou never thought he would have so much fun.

The young lovebirds

Jacob was teasing Zizou with the chuck-it, so Sydney socked him in the back.

...but then they made up.

Zizou kept chasing the ball but then it got covered in snow, so it looked like a big snowball. :)

PDA

Brooke looking out into the great abyss.

Such a perfect day.

What a cute little sister she is!

Mr Jacob making snowballs.

Olive making snow angels and Zizou running and running and never stopping the running.

Sisters

Until next time...

Sandy River Delta

Last weekend, Nabil and I were in McMinnville, OR for Linfield's homecoming game. A few of our friend's were nice enough to take Zizou to Sandy River Delta (aka Disneyland for Dogs) with their dog, Olive. Luckily, this weekend was nice enough that we were able to go with the group. Oh man did Zizou have fun! I swear that dogs never runs out of energy! ...until we get home that is.

Swimming and running, and running and swimming!

He is such a good listener when you are holding the ball. "I'll do anything mom, just throw the ball!!"

The Adventures of Olive and Zizou.

He's so fast and LOVES the water. While Zizou was swimming (again and again)...

...Olive took a few breaks.

        

BFFs 

And when everyone is ready to go, Zizou is still running about.

the pups cuddling in the car on the way home

Once we got home, Zizou was passed out tired for the rest of the day and night. It was a great success of a day!