Sharks Game

 This last month Ryan was able to score 4 tickets to the Sharks vs Avalanche hockey game.  Originally he was going to take 2 of the kids and me.  But then we were in the dilemma of which 2 kids got to go. In the end I sacrificed my ticket and sent the three oldest.  Shayli and I did some last minute Christmas shopping (it was Dec 23).  Shayli cried and cried about getting left out but I fixed that with a big bag of Reese's peanut butter cups.  It soothed both of us. ;)

Everyone really enjoyed the fights game they watched.  Lexi was lucky enough to get a puck handed to her.  And then Kyson took it upon himself to get the attention of the "ice cleaner".  (I have no idea what they are called, but the guy who cleans the ice during time outs or half time.  I didn't go to the game so I don't even know how often he shows up?)  Anywhoo, Kyson called the "ice cleaner" guy over and managed to get a puck out of him so they both came home with a souvenir.  When I asked Kendri where hers was, she told me she really wanted one but thought it would be rude to ask for one.  Little Miss Manners.  So if you think all we did was party in December, you would be right!

Nativity

We have a friend in our ward that takes it upon herself to do a little nativity video every Christmas.  She invites the primary and any friends to participate.  This was our first year of doing it.  Kyson was a shephard, Shayli was a lamb, Kendri was THE angel, and Lexi was a wiseman (much to her dismay.  She really wanted to be Mary.  Of course she did. But too bad so sad.)

The video turned out beautifully and we had a great time making it.

And if you look close in the picture below you can find my little (or big) wiseman.  (She's on the right side wearing the red.)

And it wouldn't feel like Christmas unless we had our annual sugar cookie party. Man, those cookies our good.  I dare say I'm salivating just looking at them!

Nutcracker

 Ryan took the girls to the Nutcracker this year......and boy, was it exciting! From what I gather, the fact that it was on Friday the 13th seemed to really shake things up bit.  They went with a group of friends and family and started the night off by getting separated at the Bart station.  A few of the kids and one adult managed to get on the train before the doors closed......and then it was adios.  (Thank goodness at least one adult scooted on!) The others watched the train pull away without them!  Kendri was one of the 3 kids that got on and she said she was a little worried (I think there may have been some sniffles involved).  But then they started to play a game and she was fine after that.

They managed to regroup in San Francisco and it was off to the ballet!  During the first half of the show, the fire alarm went off and everyone had to evacuate.  After hanging around outside for 30 minutes or so, they let them come back in.  I think someone was playing a prank.

But even with the added excitement, the kids all had a great time! It's a fun tradition.

There was obviously some time to kill during the evacuation........great time for picture taking!

Happy Thanksgiving

We spent a few days up in Angels Camp celebrating Thanksgiving.  Who wants to make it a one day holiday anyway??  We played card games, went on hikes, watched movies and just relaxed.  Here we are teaching the older girls how to play Skip-bo.  It was a hit!

These are our little hiking buddies.  They did a great job making it to the "waterfall".  Except there hasn't been any rain so there wasn't really a waterfall. How disappointing!

Oh well.  Happy Thanksgiving!  Gobble, gobble!

Happy birthday to Moi!

I turned 34 this year!  I dare say I cross into my mid 30's next year.....how did that happen??  I woke up to these little schweetie-schweetie's making me breakfast first thing in the morning.  I had no idea what they were up to!  They surprised me by bringing up a banana pancake just as I was getting up.  For it being a school day, they sure were on top of things!  

Later that afternoon I was surprised to see my nephew Reese show up at the door with an envelope for me.  Apparently the spa was awaiting me and my tense muscles.  Really, it was the best massage ever and my poor shoulders needed a good work over!  After that I headed to my "surprise dinner".  The family was waiting for me at Texas Roadhouse where we partied!  Because I was showered with gifts and desserts at the restaurant, I saved my angel food cake for the following day when I could actually enjoy it!  

And unfortunately this is the only picture I have of the cake.  Oh well.  Here's to another year!  

Happy Halloween!

We decided to be a family of superheroes this year for Halloween.  It took weeks to come to that conclusion.  Weeks.  And even then we didn't have everyone on board.  Which is why we also have a ninja.  I assume ninja's are superheros in their own way.

This was the first year the kids were able to wear costumes to school.  The kids had a blast and it took me back to my childhood memories when we would have a costume parade at Parkview elementary.  This is Kendri during her costume parade!  It was fun to see all the kids in their costumes.

And here is Shayli on Halloween night.  We were ready to trick or treat by 5:30.  That's what we are used to. Start early and end early and everyone is happy.   But this year we waited.  And waited.  And waited.  We kept looking outside for trick or treaters and they were no where to be found!  Finally when it was dark they started to come out.

We joined the cousins over in Redbridge to trick or treat for the rest of the night.  We came home with bags of candy. And here was our pumpkin carving......a little out of order, but oh well!

Happy Birthday Pa!

The fun thing about living closer to family is all the parties we get to have!  Rodger had a birthday in October and the grand-kids showered him with gifts.  He loved every minute of it!

Happy Birthday Pa!