Ella and Andrew's Class Parties- Dec 22nd

Ella's class had finished reading Charlotte's Web. Their party consisted of making pigs and performing some Christmas songs (one of which they played the recorder for), and having pizza for lunch, then watching Charlotte's Web, the movie and having popcorn. Andrew's party was filled with fun little center's that the kids rotated thru. James and I were in charge of Bingo. Oh, James came to school and helped out in Ella's class all morning and then helped in Andrew's party in the afternoon. He was there from 8-3 and then we played at the park for another hour before going home! What a long day-he took a nap after that!

Kaitlyn's Choir Performance- Dec 21st

Kaitlyn is in her school choir again this year and is also in Honor choir. She sang in a quartet for one of the songs their school performed! She was so happy to have a new holiday dress and shoes for her big performance!

Karate Potluck Dinner- Dec 20th

Ella's karate class had a Christmas potluck dinner. We went thinking there wouldn't be a big turnout because it was so close to Christmas and everyone is so busy. But we were way off. Last year, the potluck fell on the same night as Kaitlyn's choir performance, so we didn't go, but this year they were on different nights. SO, it was super packed! There was tons of good food! It didn't start until 6pm and our kids were starving so they ate a lot. They played musical chairs and then there was a visit from Santa.

Temple Lights-Dec 17

We took a trip with some other families in our ward to see the Christmas lights at the Los Angeles temple. We had hot chocolate out in the parking lot after. It was nice to look at lights and walk around outside and not be super freezing cold. It was 65 degrees and drinking hot chocolate outside really warmed you up.

Kaitlyn's Class Party-Dec 16

Kaitlyn's classroom had their holiday party, which included a book gift exchange. It was an hour filled with crafts, games and cookie decorating. I think everyone had a great time. What was really nice is that it didn't coincide with the other kiddos' class parties. James was able to come too, and be in charge of the games. He took his last final that morning for the end of the semester! Now he is off for 2 weeks.

Our ward had a family Christmas dinner, complete with a Santa Claus. Our kids recognized him and said, "That wasn't the REAL Santa, it was only Omar Sanchez." They still sat on his lap and I was surprised that Andrew did, since he was adamant all evening that he was just going to stand by him. Ella didn't tell him what she wanted. I think she didn't see the point in telling an impostor. Kids are so funny.

Ella Tests for Purple Belt! - Dec 8th

Ella tested for and earned her purple belt on December 8th. We were in a rush to see her test and be able to pick up Kaitlyn from dance at the same time. I was bummed that I didn't bring the video camera. She was so cute doing the Kata moves along with her sensi. We did at least take this picture at home before she got ready for bed.