It's February and time for the Blue and Gold!!

If you grew up a Cub Scout or were sibling to a Cub Scout you know all about the annual Blue and Gold banquet. Becky is the new Cub Scout Committee Chairperson and was in charge of the banquet this year for Jonah's pack. The theme was Chinese New Year. Jonah earned his Wolf badge and a few arrow points. He worked on the badge requirements right up until the day before the banquet (picking up trash and checking the house for fire dangers).

His pack also put on a couple of great skits.

Basketball Champ

Jonah finished his basketball season today, February 23rd, by playing four games in a season ending tournament. He made a written goal earlier in the season of making a basket during one of his games. He came so very close during one of the games today on a fast break opportunity, but the ball literally bounced out of the rim after his shot. His team made it to the championship game of the tournament but lost by just four points. He returned home spent of energy after the tournament. The last game was played on a full court with regulation baskets. Natalie had her fill of the tournament by the end of the third game but stuck it out with the promise that the next game "was almost over."

Europe- here we come!

It's official, we are moving to Italy this summer. Gabe spent a few weeks there this month on assignment and had the opportunity to spend a number of days in Naples to check things out as it were... it is going to be an adventure to say the least. Gabe has been to Naples a few times in the past, but he came away from this extended stay with an overwhelming feeling of 'what are we getting into?' because Naples is literally a world apart from anything he's ever seen or experienced. It could be that he is now just more sensitive to certain aspects of the city and culture since he knows he'll be taking his young family there to live for a few years. To sum up Naples in just a few bullets:

• the drivers in Naples are much more assertive than the most aggressive drivers in the U.S. (think New York cabbies on steroids)
• the Naples way of doing things will be much different than we're used to (read 'my way or the highway' and 'you will have to wait until my schedule dictates' when dealing with Neopolitans)
• there will be some things we'll never understand or be able to change such as the garbage situation

Although there are a dozen things not to like about moving to Naples one cannot discount the fact that we will be living a stone's throw from some of the best sites in Italy and Europe. We will be experiencing something new every single day. There will never be a dull moment. Thus, it will literally be an adventure.

Roman Holiday

On my way to Naples I had the opportunity to spend seven hours in Rome due to a missed flight connection. While waiting for my connecting flight I decided to catch a train into Rome and see some of the sights instead of lounging around the airport. Here's just a sample of what Rome has to offer...

the Roman Coliseum and Arch of Constantine

St. Peter's Square- to prove I was there

View down the street from the Coliseum with Capitol Square in the background

January is for Birthdays and Parties

Of course, three of our girls celebrate their birthdays during the month of January. Ashlin had a few friends over for a slumber party to celebrate her 11th birthday. Natalie had an 'art party' for her 5th birthday. Becky celebrated the big "35" in Utah with a surprise party that she claimed totally caught her off guard. Thank you to all who helped pull that one off. We don't have pictures of that event, so if any of you have one to include please send them our way. Thanks!

New Year's Party and Snowfest

For New Year's Eve this year we stayed in a cabin in the mountains and enjoyed the fresh snow and company of some good friends. It was relaxing to come in from the cold and warm up next to a wood burning stove while savoring great food and the friendship of great people.

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!