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.

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

On December 6th, the elementary school had a "Family Fun Night." They had Christmas crafts, had cookies and milk and sang Christmas carols. It was a fun little evening.


James got a jump on the Christmas holiday, bringing home a little artificial tree for us to decorate for FHE. The kids had it decorated in lightning speed! The past two years we have not bothered with a tree at all since we would be traveling around the holidays, but this year they really wanted one. It sure makes it feel like Christmas time when there's a decorated tree in the house!

We met up with my parents on December 3rd at my Aunt Bonnie's house, who lives about 25 minutes away. We had a nice visit and Bonnie took us all out to eat at Marie Calendar's. We all enjoyed a great meal and wonderful company. I am sad to say I forgot to take more than just this one picture. We need to go back to visit Aunt Bonnie and get a picture with her in it!

Thanksgiving Weekend

The Cook's came down from Northern Cali to visit for the Thanksgiving weekend. We had a yummy meal, actually meals, courtesy of Jason. The weather was beautiful. We even fit in a trip to the beach that we squeezed in around going to stores with Tiffany to scout out any great deals. Newport was wonderful, and here it is November! The kids and James and Jason actually went swimming too!

Kindergarten Friendship Feast-Nov 16th

Andrew as an Indian

Andrew's class (there are a total of 4 kinder classes)

Andrew and his friend, Jacob

Andrew had a little program at school where they dressed up like Pilgrims and Indians and sang some songs. I don't know why they call it a Friendship feast rather than a Thanksgiving feast...I was proud of Andrew for wearing his costume, even if he took it off and handed to me immediately after the last song. They had little snacks for all the kids to eat afterward. I can't believe all my kids are in school!

Soccer Team Party-Nov 12 and Bowling-Nov 11

Later in the afternoon on the 12th, we went to the FireBolts team party. It was at a pizza place and the boys were able to get their trophies. Wow, they are big! The soccer ball on it actually spins around like a globe and the plate has their name engraved on it. They sure had a super fun, undefeated season! It's been neat to see how much the boys have learned and improved in such a short time.

Friday the 11th there was no school, so I met up with the Burton's and went bowling. The kids sure had a blast! It was the perfect thing to do since it was a little chilly and wet outside.

Last Soccer Game and 50's Day!

We weren't sure if we were going to play on Saturday, due to the weather forecast saying it was going to rain. We lucked out and didn't have much more than a few sprinkles, but the other team didn't even show! So all the boys played all the adults in a fun game. We then had all the girls (mom's included) against the boys and then all the adult guys against the boys. It was fun and the kids were happy to still get the chance to play.



The fifth graders celebrate the 50th day of school with a 50's theme. They get to dress 50's style and have a hula hoop contest, bubble gum sculpture contest and learn songs and dances from the 50's. They had In N' Out hamburgers and root beer floats for a special lunch. It was quite a production and a huge celebration that lasts the whole day!

Later that same day we went to Anaheim and met Lori and Rick, Ma, Rick's parents and Spencer for dinner. It was a fun filled night! They were all in town going to Disneyland that week.

Halloween!

We had tons of festivities going on all day at the kids' school. They have an assembly where they get to parade around in their costumes. The school has a theme every year so that they are still able to do Halloween. Many schools don't anymore. This year the theme was "Back to the Future." It was pretty broad. All the teachers came dressed like hippies. They had a car from Back to the Future movie out on display at school too! It was a fun day with their class parties and then dinner at our friends house and trick or treating in their neighborhood.

Last Night at Gigi's House-Oct 30th

My grandmother sold her house and she, along with my parents went down to Newhall clean out the last of the remaining things the end of October. We met up with them on Sunday and had dinner there. Erin and her family were there and also my cousin Cari and two of her daughters. It was nice to see some family, even if it was for just a few hours. Congrats to my grandma for selling her home!

Carving Pumpkins-Oct 29th

These were the perfect pumpkin carving treats! They were apple slices with marshmallows stuck in the center with caramel sauce. They looked like smiling mouths. We also had popcorn with cheese and apples diced into it. Our kids really like the combo!

I can't remember the last time we actually carved pumpkins. It's not my favorite thing to do, and the kids have been happy to decorate them with out cutting into them. But this year, we went to our friends house and really had a super fun time carving. We had treats to eat and a book with lots of patterns and designs. After carving pumpkins we went to the ward Trunk or Treat dinner. It was combined with another ward so the kids literally filled their treat bags. They still haven't actually gone trick or treating yet and we have tons of candy!

Kindergarten Pumpkin Patch Field Trip-Oct 24

Andrew's class went to the pumpkin patch that is near a little park by their school. It's so close we just walk there. He had so much fun! I was glad that I was able to go with him! I have some more really cute pictures I took on my phone, but I have to figure out how to get them on my computer first to be able to include them as well. My camera batteries were too dead to take the pictures when he actually picked out his pump

Soccer Game-Oct 22

Andrew's soccer game is undefeated! He played against a really tough team on Saturday the 22nd. The other teams coach told our coach that they were also undefeated and we won them still! The close game really challenged the boys and they really stepped up and came through with another win for the Fire Bolts! Way to go Andrew!