On the Eve

We all woke early to make the drive to Oxacan Tamaleo. Let me explain. Among our new traditions for this year, we have added Christmas Tamale's to the list. JL did some research and found a place just a bit south of here that has recently won several awards for having the best tamales. Only problem? Most people knew this and placed their orders MONTHS ago.

But, after talking to the owner, I was able to hook us up with "whatever they had leftover." Only catch was we had to be there at 8am when they opened to snatch them up.

Let me just say, we were not disappointed. The tamales are delish! I'm not a huge tamale fan (I don't like gritty, non-flavored tamales) but these ones made me a believer! They were wrapped in HUGE banana leaves and SOOO good.

We walked away with 2 dozen! 12 pork and 12 chicken mole. Not too bad for a couple of newbie's that just had to settle for leftovers! We immediately went home and cooked up a bunch! JL made a batch of his homemade salsa and I was in tamale heaven!

After that, we did some last minute shopping. James and Isabel were kind enough to drive our cart around the store.


After that, we spent the day at home playing and getting ready for Santa. James and Dad went to the deck before bedtime to see if they could spot him. But alas, he wasn't around yet.




We sang a few Christmas carols (James current favorite is Frosty the Snowman.)



While the rest of us were singing, Izzy Jeanne sneaked over to the presents and started unwrapping! She got the hang of things in no time!

It wasn't about 10 minutes after the kids were in bed that I heard a little voice from under the bedroom door saying....."I'm awake Santa....I hear you!" :-)