It is the bestest Christmas in my whole life

This was a quote from my youngest daughter. She is one who feels (and expresses herself) to the extreme. It was a small Christmas so it made me feel really good to hear her say that. It means she didn't even notice.

Robyn showing off her necklace. Annalise bought matching necklaces. The one for Robyn says "Little Sister" and Annalise's says "Big Sister."

Boy, was Jeff surprised. The girls made these picture frames (Robyn's not shown) when we were over at a friend's house for dinner. Thank you Staci for being so sneaky!

For dinner we headed up to Jeff's mom's house. Once up there the girls had a fun time opening more gifts. It was a nice Christmas for everyone.

Happy New Year everyone!

Christmas News 2009

Merry Christmas everyone! It's been a crazy year. So crazy that I didn't end up mailing out cards this year. Sorry! Anyway, I thought I should write something about the year so you know what we are up to.

Jeff -- This has been a busy year for him. The school district closed his middle school but fortunately for us they transferred him to another school. Now he's principal at a K-8 school. He's never worked with elementary school kids so this is definitely a learning experience, but he's enjoying it as well. At the same time as the job transfer Jeff started graduate school. He's going back to get an educational doctorate in Educational Leadership. So this fall has been crazy busy for him. The icing on the cake (?) happened a couple of weeks ago. Jeff just got called as the second counselor in our ward bishopric at church. They know his time limitations so hopefully everything will work out. Wish us luck.

Susan -- I'm just trying to keep up with everyone else. I still help out when needed at the gym's daycare. I'm still chauffeur to the girls. Never fear, I still read a ton of books, spend way too much time on the computer, and I've also gotten back into sewing. Check out the girls' Christmas outfits -- I made them. I was able to buy a serger which is exciting for me as I've wanted one for many years. I entered in the county fair again this year and received two red ribbons. I enjoyed receiving the ribbons so much that I'm already planning on what to enter next year -- hopefully this next year I can get a blue ribbon instead of a red.

Thing One -- She's now in fifth grade and doing very well in school. This year she participated in the summer swim team and played soccer again this fall. Besides sports she also takes dance (jazz) once a week and participates in girl scouts with her friends from school. She's gotten so grown up that now we just let her answer the phone. It's usually for her.

Thing Two -- She's in her last year of preschool. Next year she will start kindergarten. It's hard to believe time can pass by so quickly. She loves to spend time with her sister and play with her friends from school and church. She's been begging me for dance lessons but I figure that next year a good time to start. I think I need to get her in piano lessons in the future. She's already picking out tunes on the piano.

We hope you all are having a wonderful holiday and enjoying your time off of work & school. Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.

Mr. Bean Nativity Scene

One of my favorite clips. Merry Christmas everyone!

Charles Schulz Museum

Also over Thanksgiving vacation, we (plus one) headed over to the Charles Schulz Museum one day.

It's a pretty neat place to visit, especially for Peanuts fans like Jeff & I.

This mural is made up of individual cartoon strip tiles all the way from floor to the ceiling. They even had cartoon strip tiles in the bathroom. How considerate, you could read while you wait. :)

The museum had a few activities especially for the kids. One activity was a crossword puzzle. The answers were found on the back of the Linus sculpture in the garden. When they turned in the activities' sheet the museum gave them character magnets -- which are now proudly on our refrigerator.

The girls just goofing around. I'm not sure if you can see him but that's Snoopy underneath the girls.

Afterwards we went ice skating. Across the street is Snoopy's Home Ice, and it's a really nice skating rink. Jeff & the girls went skating while I just watched. Robyn did really well. She was able to skate without touching the wall.

Hockey player Charlie Brown posing with the girls.

Let's Go For a Walk

One thing we've done several times over the years has been to walk the Golden Gate Bridge. Whether it has been with grandparents, cousins, or friends we've always enjoyed the walk. A good thing about this area is that as they've been replacing old bridges they've also been adding pedestrian/bike paths as well.

Since this week the girls are out of school, and the weather has been nice, we decided to walk across the newest bridge. It was just Annalise & I (plus friends) as Robyn ended up bowling with a friend's family. This was probably for the best.

Vista Point view -- overlooking the straits and the mothball fleet -- see the beautiful day.

This was the view we had of the girls on the way across the bridge. Never once did they walk with us. It was either way in front or way in back.

We had a great time, but boy, were our feet were tired that night.

Now, where is . . .

Anyone who has been to my house has to know that decorating is not my forte. Heck, I have a hard time keeping the house tidy. But the other day when I was at Target I made a purchase that I'm pretty proud of (and the family likes as well) . . .

Now we have a new (functioning) shower curtain and Annalise can complete her geography homework at the the same time. I just love multi - purpose items. :)

Fancy Nancy

Last Saturday we went to a Fancy Nancy party at the local bookstore. In order to attend Robyn had to dress up special for the occasion.

There was coloring,

storytelling,

and general crafty fun.

Next week there will be a Polar Express party and I've been told we have to attend. I guess I have a party girl in my house.