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.