Feliz Navidad

I can't focus on creating a proper post about my trip to Cabo San Lucas. . . .yet. I'm still in denial that it's over. It was a wonderful trip full of lots of fun and special moments.

Here's one of them--
Here's a few more----

There were beautiful skies---

Beautiful water---

Great fun---

Some real characters---

Eventually we DID have to pack up and come back home. . . . . .

Details will come as soon as I can admit that I'm home. . . .sighing with a smile on my face.

The lights!!

Rain, rain, and more rain--in Bakersfield, LA and everywhere in the southland. But it cannot dampen the Christmas spirit.

Cooking with Gramma--my favorite thing.

But first. . . .This is who I get to play with every Thursday morning. It's a miracle he doesn't have bite marks on his cheeks.

Baking Christmas wonderland--Part I--Wednesday

Owen, Liesl and Clara love to make our annual "Christmas Wonderland". This consists of a Christmas Tree with a Train around it. It involves LOTS of frosting, candy and creativity.

Ta Da!!! (I should have taken a picture of my kitchen floor).

Part II: Thursday Same thing only different kidlets.
Even 12 year olds enjoy it.
Kitchen floor, again, not photographed.
Ta Da!!!
Random picture of these four. So darling.

Part III--Friday at Charlie's 1st grade class. Each student was allowed to invite an "adult" to participate in the annual "gingerbread house" decorating day.
"Gramma, we can invite a parent, a grandparent, an aunt-tee or an adult friend. I choose YOU" I had to hold back the tears.

I found this gingerbread-type house to be a SUPERIOR concept from my point of view. Graham crackers, a milk carton for stability . . you get the picture. No baking, very little clean up and just as much creativity and fun. This idea may be enlarged for next year and replace actual baking. We'll see.

It was more fun than a barrel of monkeys. And this one IS a monkey.

Smiley boy

In case you need a laugh today.

Thanksgiving Show-N-Tell--Oregon style.

This post is all about my road trip to Oregon to spend Thanksgiving with Kevin and Nick and their families. It was chilly with beautiful snow flurries. I love crisp autumn days.
The snow lasted a couple of hours--just enough time to break out the cute winter outerwear.

It took almost all the front yard snow to make a small snowman.

We had soooooo much fun. This is Luke's tribute to "The Office". Ya gotta love it.



Tracey did a terrific job on all the food. Lots of people helped--but her turkey was the best.

Friday morning was the perfect time to get out the Christmas decorations. I've never seen a tree go up so fast.

Decorating the front porch.

Chillaxin.

Lots of little elves helping.

Friday: Trim the tree--roller skating--Cold Stone's ice cream--Disney's "Tangled" (loved it)--then out for Chinese food. It doesn't get better than that.

Saturday: It was all about the BYU-Utah game. Christmas crafts kept the kids busy and entertained.

Waiting for the game to start. Nerves on edge. Excitement in the air.

Let's just say they were invested in the game.

Sunday after church we had fun playing with the parachute.

It was such a great week full of family, fun and good food. Well worth the drive. I'd do it again tomorrow. (well-maybe not tomorrow--but I'd do it again.)

My favorite veteran

I'm very patriotic at heart. Love my country. Love the flag. Love American history. But most of all--I love this veteran. We entered the air force after 3 months of marriage (Vietnam era) and after officer training school headed to Georgia for pilot training. After passing the prop plane training and 1/2 of the small jet training, it became very clear to Cris and his trainer that he was NOT going to be a pilot. His slow, methodical approach to everything in life wasn't working in the cockpit. He left pilot training and we spent the next 3 years in North Carolina at Pope AFB. It was a great experience that blessed us in many ways over the years. Just wanted you to see how handsome he was.
So cut to yesterday. . . .Veteran's Day parade in Bakersfield. We LOVED watching Riley's middle school band march in the parade. It was soooooo fun. And we also were able to honor Papa and his service. Melted my heart.

Just some of my favorite Trick or Treaters.

Natasha and Isabella--a beautiful fairy and Rapunzel.

The Rickster as "Rusteze"

Little Miss Caroline (Rachel) as a witch.

Tracey is a gorgeous gypsy but what is Christine?

Looks like Seth is a rapper.

Tracey and her punk rocker dude.

Liesl as an angel and Clara as a cute witch.

Question: How many parents sneak candy from their kids stash? Lots!!

Weekend Fun

Super fun weekend. Memzy and company (not kids) went to Vegas to run the "Regnar" (can't wait for her post) and I was having fun with Jack (also Charlie a bit cuz him was sick and needed Gramma). Nick and the girls came for a visit and let's just say--We had a blast!!!! I took these people to "Disney on Ice" and our seats were 5 rows from the ice!!! 5 rows!!! I thought Liesl was going to have a stroke every time a princess skated by and waved at her. "She can see me--she waved to ME".
Great show.

We celebrated Becca's birthday with special food, cake and decorations. Happy birthday to a wonderful daughter/wife and mother. And then we visited Cris' grave and planted flowers. I love spending time with Bella and Tasha and miss them when they leave. It was a great weekend. Thanks to everyone.

Shopping Savvy

I tried a new hair dresser/Salon last Friday and although I really like the new girl and her cut--the color/weave is too blond for my taste. Others say it's fine--but I'm not sold. Anywho--I saw a purse at this salon that was darling times 10 but decided I didn't want to spend that much money, so I passed.



Tonight I decided to take a swing through Marshall's and look what I found!! Isn't she pretty? And my new wallet is edgy/quirky and adorable. I'm so happy. Marshalls rocks.


These little angels are coming this weekend for a visit and we're going to "Disney on Ice"! I'm excited.