Lamb of God Performance - Dec 21

Tonight the Glendora Stake put on a performance of the "Lamb of God."  It was very well done with a full orchestra and choir.  We got there early to get seats as it was a popular event to attend.  It was fun to do something on a Sunday night to get in the Christmas spirit.

Christmas Cat - December 20th

Found her lying under the Christmas tree taking a nap today.  She has found her new favorite spot!

Last Day of School! - December 19th

Andrew and Andrew

These guys have been best buddies since preschool!  One of them can still pick up the other one!  :)

Ella's Karate Christmas Dinner - December 16

James had to work this evening.  The rest of the family went to Ella's karate dojo's Christmas dinner.  It was fun.  They play musical chairs after eating a potluck dinner and then Santa comes to take pictures with all the kids after the kids sing Christmas carols.  I guess my kids are all too old to have their picture taken with Santa.  Ella thought it would be weird to sit on Santa's lap, since she knew that the man who was playing Santa is in her adult karate class she attends.  I compromised and they all posed for a picture by the tree in the lobby instead. 

Living Nativity - Dec 13

We look cold!

Ella in the petting zoo.

Ella was happy to find a dog to pet.

There was a Living Nativity program out in Rancho this weekend.  We went tonight to see them act out the night Christ was born.  They had a huge city scene set up and a stable.  There were some animals to pet and cookies and hot chocolate to enjoy.  It was a fun evening attending something we haven't been to before.  It was nice to hear a children's choir sing and listen to Christmas music to get in the holiday spirit. 

Choir Christmas Concert - Dec 9

Emma and Kaitlyn after their choir performance.  They did a wonderful job, singing Christmas songs.  The Christmas programs are my favorite to get into the holiday spirit.  They always sing Peace, Peace, Peace as the last song of the evening.  Such wonderful tradition in the schools.  Performing at the old Church of the Brethren also enhances the performance to make it even that much more spiritual. 

Soccer Games - Dec 6

Finishing the first game of the day.

Wish this picture wasn't blurry.

Ella's teammate has a tiny puppy!

Ella's team won first place in their division of U12 girls.  They had more games today, one at 8am and another at 12:45.  They easily won the first game 4-0.  Then the afternoon game ended up being a real challenge with their first loss for the whole season of 0-5.  It was a bummer to end the season with a loss, but on the flip side, soccer is over and we didn't advance to Sunday's games.  She wouldn't have played on Sunday regardless.  This Saturday also consisted of picking up our Band Fundraiser Christmas tree at the middle school, Kaitlyn missing a set building day for drama because she went on a last minute youth temple trip, Andrew having basketball try-outs, and a birthday party to go to at Sky Zone and the Ward adult Christmas dinner, where Ella and Kaitlyn watched little kids in the nursery.  There was also the primary pancake breakfast that the Bishopric puts on, but that was the same time as Ella's first soccer game.  It was such a busy day, running around everywhere.  It will be drastically different next Saturday, when there are no sports games, or anything on the calendar! 

Band Christmas Concert - Dec 3

The night of Ella's concert for band, it was already dark and pouring rain. They did an amazing job playing holiday music.  They sure do show signs of improvement each time they perform.  This was a photo I took right after, but Ella already had her instrument put away.  It's hard to walk through a crowded room with a bass clarinet. 

Thanksgiving in Anaheim - Nov 28 and 29

A little mall shopping

Kaitlyn, Lori, Spencer and Ella (a little blurry)

Ella, Kaitlyn, Spencer, Ivy and Alisa

Luke, Brogan, Landon and Andrew

Ella lounging in the 90 degree pool.

Andrew doing a cannon ball.

Reading sunbathers.

Sitting in a floatie together.

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Rick, James and Luke

Blurry photo bomb!

Andrew and Landon

Family Photos - Nov 27

Mockingjay Movie - Nov 22

Kaitlyn, Thanh and her sister Trisha

Went to watch Mockinjay today.

Surprise Breakfast - Nov 22

The Whole Team!

Funny Faces!

Ella's soccer coaches kidnapped all the girls this morning and took them out to IHOP for breakfast!  I have never seen Ella get out of bed on any day of the week as fast as she did when she heard from her teammates they were going out for breakfast.  She thought she was still dreaming.  She sure had a fun time!

Ella's coach giving out soccer bags with their names embroidered on it at their team party Nov, 21st at Roundtable pizza.

Cub Scout Firestation Field Trip - Nov 21

A big group of boys!

In the middle are Andrew Bell and Andrew Alva.

Sliding Down the Pole.

All the Boys with the Firemen.