The Mendozas

Mike and Jude, with children McKenna, 24; Josh, 26; and Josh’s new wife, Mary, 26.

Mike and Jude are owners of The Mendoza Team of Keller Williams Realty and the Keller Williams North West Region (Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska) and active parents and community members.

Most memorable holiday moment from past years?
Mike: Josh and McKenna donning their Ghost Buster proton packs on Christmas morning. We have it on video! Jude: Opening the handmade gifts from Josh and McKenna when they were in elementary school.

What are your annual holiday traditions? 
Mike: Every year we have our tamale party, and Jude has her cookie party. We do the Giving Tree at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, mass on Christmas Eve followed by dinner at Va Bene. We watch our favorite Christmas movies together. McKenna and I make our special guacamole together. Jude: Helping those in need. In 1990, I started the St. Vincent de Paul Giving Tree at our church and chaired the project for 15 years. Our family was always an integral part. Now 19 years later, the Giving Tree continues to assist more than 100 families in the Valley.

Do you host any favorite holiday parties?
Jude: This year will be the 25th year of our annual cookie party. Every year we host The Mendoza Team Christmas party in our home. We also have a tamale party several days before Christmas in honor of Mike’s dad, who is Hispanic, and our love of Mexican food. It is yet another excuse to be together with family and friends.

What do you want for Christmas?
Mike: To be with my family and toast them with one of my grandfather’s Tom & Jerry’s in hand. Jude: Time with the people I love. McKenna: Pilates equipment because I am currently getting certified as a Pilates instructor. Josh and Mary: For all of us to be together and enjoy the holiday with our family.

What is the best gift you ever received?
McKenna: Spending time with the ones I love. Josh: Ghost Busters proton pack and my first regular Nintendo. Mary: Josh asked me to be his girlfriend on Christmas Eve; that was pretty awesome.

Favorite Christmas tree decoration?
Mike: All our nostalgic ornaments. So many fond memories. Jude: The homemade ornaments Josh and McKenna made as young children that hang on our ‘memory tree’ in our game room.

Favorite holiday outfit?
Definitely the family tradition: The new pajamas we open on Christmas Eve.