Since it is getting close to 11, and I haven't finished all I need to do for our trip tomorrow, I better not get caught blogging! Just felt like I hadn't been "here" for a while!

What a whirlwind Christmas week we had!!! Celebrating with Grandma and Grandpa, then "just us" Christmas morning, followed by a day with Grammy Linda and Papa Mike, then taking Grandma and Grandpa to the airport. . . . . . We had a great Christmas, but it was really packed!! Tomorrow we go to visit Grammy Lynn and more family up north.

I'll have to write more later about the package from South Africa, all the toys and games, the yummy (dairy free!) food and the wonderful memories made with family.

Gotta go finish folding and packing the diapers and odds and ends, before I get caught on the computer!!

A new look

Yesterday was Rebekah's big day. She had the first of MANY appointments, to get a new look. Yes, Rebekah is embarking on an orthodontic adventure--well I guess we all are. We went to the office of a friend's orthodontist and were very impressed. Rebekah had been very apprehensive, but now is excited to go back to the office. The staff were nice, and the movies she can watch from the chair were a big plus too. She's also excited that she can pick out the colors of her bands every month. The lady at the office showed her all the choices, and she was overwhelmed! What to pick first? One of the several shades of pink? After all, by the time this all gets started, Valentines day will be around the corner. Then again, the thought of glow in the dark bands is appealing as well! Oh the possibilities. I'm sure there will be lots of pictures to detail her choices. Stay tuned : )

Christmas Tree

Our other activity Saturday was going to get a Christmas Tree. I think most other families in the greater Los Angeles area also decided to get a tree Saturday afternoon. Oh well, it was a kind of festive business and that makes it better right?

It was chilly Saturday, and the wind was absolutely freezing. I mean, it couldn't have been 60 and that's freezing right? At least in California! Poor Rebekah left her jacket in the car and thought she would die!!

Emily wanted to get the perfect tree, and must have looked at a dozen. Instead, we just got this one : ) Seems that every year, the first one we look at, we always end up buying. We should just go in, pick one up, and get it, instead of spending an hour looking at lots of trees, and going back to the first one!

When we got home, Emily and Jesse helped Dad get the tree ready to go in the house. One was more helpful than the other. With one final adjustment, Jesse had it set to go in the house!

Decorating was enjoyed by all, but some needed more supervision than others. . . . . still do!

Emily is not pictured at her request. . . . . having just gotten out of the shower, her hair was not quite photo ready ; )

You may notice that the tree has almost no ornaments on the lower branches. That is on purpose. Jesse really loves that tree!

Cookies and Concerts

Friday we started our annual Christmas baking! Everyone got to make his/her favorite, and we all decorated together that night. Somehow there are never enough cookies and we always have to make more. Especially gingerbread.

Some sampled while we decorated I guess. . . .

Saturday morning was Hannah's first "in front of strangers" concert. Her new violin group played at a retirement facility nearby. Hannah had a great time playing, and the residents seemed to enjoy it too! One sweet lady planted a big kiss on her cheek as soon as the concert was over!

Hannah is the tiny one there on the left. . . .

look at that determination! Hannah was especially pleased that her violin was tuned properly this time!

Our Busy Weekend

This last weekend was a whirlwind of activity for us. Usually we are tired by the weekend anyway, and that was true this week as well. . . . .

Friday was our last day of Friday classes with our homeschool group. Hannah's strings class got to play in Chapel, which was exciting!
After school we spent our typical afternoon in the park, and then instead of coming home, Hannah headed off for a dress rehersal. She is getting to be in a concert at a nearby retirement home next week!

Saturday, bright and early, Johnny and I attended Angel Breakfast at our church. This is an annual event, and lots of fun to attend with the kids as they fall into that age range. We celebrate the Christmas story, with the announcement of the Angels that Jesus is born!

While we were at Angel Breakfast, Emily had her own Jr. High girls breakfast. Of course you must know there are no pictures here from that, because it really wouldn't be very cool to have your Mom attend, much less take pictures!

After all that, we had lunch, rested a bit, and headed out for the Christmas tree decorating party at the Library. Another annual event for us. The kids help make ornaments for the tree at the library, and a few to bring home too. Maybe next year Jesse can handle the glitter a bit better.

That evening, we headed out for our homeschool's Christmas party. Sadly, my camera was out of battery by then, so there are no pictures of Hannah playing her violin again, John running with the boys outside, or the girls all joining in the square dancing. There are also no pictures of us collapsing into an exhausted heap either. Good thing Sunday is a day of rest!

A visit with Grammy and Papa

Over Thanksgiving weekend, we got to visit with lots of family. We all enjoyed seeing Grammy Linda and Papa Mike for a day. There were presents. . . . .

Hannah all suited up to ride

And then there was a trip to the park, that got really chilly. Some of us kept warm though!

Why hot chocolate shouldn't be left out

By the time Jesse got it, it wasn't hot anymore, which is good. The face, not so good. I'm hollering "get the camera--fast!" Of course, everone comes to see why. . . . . my reply. . . "because if you don't, I'll be really upset at who ever left out the cup!" But who can be upset with a face like that?

and someday, someday, I will get around to putting up all the pictures taken since last time I posted!