Christmas 2007

We had a nice Christmas this year. Gabe returned from Bahrain on the 22nd in time to enjoy a few days of the holiday prior to Christmas. The kids were out of school the entire week preceding Christmas and had plenty of time to ramp up for the big event. We enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner on Christmas Eve, delivered a few "things" and retired for the night. Lucy was up Christmas morning before anyone else at 5:00 AM and stayed awake with Dad (it was his turn after being away for a couple of weeks) waiting on her siblings to arise. We thought we had decided upon a more simple Christmas this year as far as presents go because we spent last month on vacation in Disneyland, but after finishing unwrapping our gifts on Christmas morning it looked like we did not accomplish our goal. Thank you to the kids' grandparents who were so generous as always. We hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas. We missed you.

Natalie has been singing her preschool songs around the house for the past month, and now we can see the results of her efforts.

Little Lucy and her big, sweet eyes.

Lucy and her big smile following a scrumptious meal.

The kids made their annual gingerbread house and looked forward to after Christmas when they are able to eat it.

The Tree

Christmas Morning Wonders

Jonah's stamp collection.

Natalie's stocking

Lucy's paper

Nat's pile of presents

Ash's alarm clock and CD player

Nativity

We have had quite the entertainment this past week. Natalie had a school play of the nativity. She happened to be chosen as Mary. When they read the scrptiure of Mary pondering - she was very much the actress.

Music To The Ears!

Ashlin had two great concerts this week to help us get into the Holiday Spirit. The first was her first ever piano recital in which she played "What Child is This". Lucy decided it was time to eat the song before, so I had to pass the camera to the adult sitting closest so I am not responsible for the picture. Ashlin does have it memorized but took her music just in case. The second was her 5th grade musical night, in which they not only sang, but performed with the recorder. In the attached video, Ashlin is playing her piece at her recital. Again, sorry for the video. I had one offspring in my arms and two others close at my feet. There is a prevalent fear of sitting next to strangers. Luckily, Lucy loves music and was quite attentive. Happy viewing Dad!

Disneyland, Sea World and the Beach!

Our trip to Southern California started out in Disneyland. It was great! Ted and Jennifer met us for lunch at Downtown Disney after which Ted stayed and played with his nieces and nephew for the day at the "happiest place on earth."

The kids (and parents) met a few characters and obtained their autographs.

At Sea World we were joined by Becky's extended family. Shamu was there. The dolphins, we must admit, put on a better show than the orcas.

Mission Beach was a blast, and the beach house was luxurious...

It was nice to renew family ties while together for Thanksgiving. We enjoyed seeing the newest cousins and checking up on their progress. We also enjoyed seeing Lauri and Anthony who were in San Diego visiting family and dropped by to see us during the week.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lucy O.

We found this video of Lucy on the camera taken from someone underage. We think it was done 3 weeks ago or so so add on a little more chub and that is Lucy for all those who have not met her yet.

HALLOWEEN

Well here we are again ,Halloween. This year Nat is a beautiful butterfly,Jonah,a doctor,Ash a "crazy" scientist and mom a Siberian person. here are the pics. p.s. the baby pumpkin was moms idea! Ashlin

LUCY'S BLESSING DAY

As you can see she wasn't to happy about having her picture taken. She is wearing a dress that my moms friends mom made and the bracelet mom made. (sorry its so late)
Ashlin