Our Christmas Card to You

Why did this card disappear??

Patricia Wins Most Outstanding Student Award in Tae Kwon Do

What an amazing Christmas demo! Patricia and Gino both did a great job. We couldn't be more proud! Trish is going to put together a little slide show to post later.

Papa Claus came to town

We had a great time this week. We met Papa at the airport. We actually went to baggage claim, but Papa only had carry on so he called and we ran across the bridge to greet him. We wanted to do so many fun things this week. We did lots! Papa took Trisha shopping (which ended in cookies- still not quite sure who wanted them!) Gino and Papa went on an adventure to try to find a specific gift for Trish- they found it! Papa went with us to a life learner game day- it was loud loud loud, but Papa felt right at home on a Sunday and managed to sneak in a nap. Afterwards we went to Joanne Fabrics and had a wonderful time picking out Christmas ornaments. Thursday we all went to Valley of Fire. It was a bit chilly but they all climbed and had a great time. Afterwards we went to Ethel M's and showed Papa the chocolate factory. It wasn't a busy time but it was neat anyway. The kids all got a hankerin' for chocolate so Papa treated all to hot cocoa at Wild Oats (I had a yummy smoothie instead.)! Friday came too soon and we took Papa to the airport. Always hard to say goodbye.

Trimming the Christmas Tree

We have an artificial tree again this year. Gino had a respiratory problem with a sprayed tree and we couldn't find an organic one here last year so we bought this one. It's pretty for an artificial tree. We miss the pine smell though. Trisha suggested we buy some pine essential oil. Sounds like a good idea!

What happened to the popcorn popper??

Gino and Roman take apart the air popper after a huge cloud of smoke came from it when we tried to use it.
Gino stuck with it taking apart all he could. He thinks the problem was in the "spring thing". (the heating element).

It rained!!

The boys had a great time playing in the rain. It rained all day long. Our yard should smell alot better now!!! They loved looking out the window and seeing the fog over the city. Gabriel watched Elvis the dog drink the rain water dripping off the roof and thought it a good idea. So, Gabriel had a taste- yuck!! I couldn't believe it. I asked him to stop, of course. He didn't seem to find it gross, but after no rain for months and months, the amount of yuck coming off the roof was disgusting to me!! Anyway, they had a ball.

Exploration Park- awesome!

Gino, Roman, Keegan and Gabriel getting "held up" on the stagecoach.
Trisha climbed to the top of the trail.

Roman learned it's colder at the top of the mountain! BRRRR