Manly Beach, Noche Buena with mum and Christmas Day with dad

The title pretty much says it all! Dad and Ceci took Zachary and I to Manly beach a few days before Christmas. Zachary loved it and loved the ice cream treat that I bought him afterwards! He is a true little Aussie-American. He loves the ocean almost as much as mummy does! 

We spent Christmas Eve ("Noche Buena") with mum's side of the family. This traditionally involves an evening church service, lots of yummy South American food and then opening up presents at midnight! Every year we have a Santa (Zev was Santa back in 2003, when I was deployed to the Middle East and my family went to the beach for Christmas)!!! Our family is usually VERY LOUD and hey like to clap whenever someone's name is called out. Let's just say that on Christmas Day, the next door neighbour asked Zev "are you Zev"?!

Then on Christmas Day, Mario and Gabby and their kids went with Zachary and I to cousin Carol's house. The kids all jumped in the pool because it was really hot. Dad loved having all his grandkids together! 

Noche Buena at Auntie Charo and Uncle Jorge's: