Go Dodgers!

This morning facing the bone chilling temperatures of 51 degrees and rain, the kids had their baseball/t-ball pictures. Somehow they both got placed on the Dodgers which I think is really cool. We would have preferred Angels but we're glad they have the same team name. It makes for less bickering between who's team is better. Drew complained a bit that she looked like a boy so I think that's where her "girly" pose came in. Her team has 4 other girls on it so that helps as well. Peyton has the same coach as last year and 4 of the same kids he's having a blast with his old friends. We can't wait for the games to start next week!!

Peyton Turns 8

We celebrated Peyton's birthday with miniature golf, pizza, beautiful weather and 6 of his great friends. They're all great kids and it was so fun seeing them interact outside of school. It's hard to believe that he's 8 already. Time flies watching them grow. I wish I could make it stop and keep them this small forever.

Birthday Fiesta

Mexican food, margaritas, a friendly game of Blackjack and delicious icecream cake that turns your tongue blue was how we celebrated Al's birthday. The kids had a Wii challenge of their own which made for a night of a ton of laughs and great memories. Not to mention that AGAIN, the birthday boy's wife took off with the pot of cash.

New Years Eve

New Years Eve started off with us knowing we wanted to do something but not really sure what. Each of us in our own way had a rough 2009 and couldn't wait to start fresh in 2010. But, with the guys working that night we never know if they will be home in time. We decided for everyone to meet at our house and then head to the casino for dancing. It was the best New Years we've had in years. Cheers to a great 2010.

Christmas

Christmas has come and gone once again. And once again, we had way too many gifts, way too much food, maybe even a little too much champagne but an excellent day with family and friends. Mark and Peyton got matching shoes, Drew was most excited about her pj's and sparkly guitar and Peyton was in awe of the bike, ripstick, and most of all, the total of 11 Wii games given to him from Santa, friends and family. I will say this was the best Christmas yet. It was the first year the kids actually woke up before us screaming in our room that Santa had came. I thought my heart would fail on me. They had taken count of the gifts, let us know that our stockings were full and to hurry, hurry, hurry because we had to see it. It was amazing seeing the awe in their eyes and being so happy that they were on Santa's good list. I loved every minute of it.

Early Christmas

This year with our friends we decided to draw names for the kids and no gifts for the adults. It made it a ton easier and was a lot of fun. Since we celebrated 3 days before Christmas the kids tore into their gifts. I believe it was a huge success. We got together at the Halloway's for food, gifts and a friendly, festive game of blackjack. Not sure how but the 3 girls all showed up in the same outfit. Thats never happened but you can't go wrong with a sweater dress and boots....even if it looks like we're headed to a funeral.

Visiting Santa

The day we got our tree was also the day we decorated the house, tried to take a Christmas photo and took the kids to the mall to see Santa. It's rough with Mark only having one day off a week right now but we got a lot done. Peyton kept pumping his fist in the air. He was excited but I think nervous. Since he knows the mall Santa's are the actual Santa's helpers, he wanted to tell as many as he could that he wants a rip stick for Christmas. He wanted to make sure the message got to the North Pole. Drew on the other hand just sits and smiles. She knows that Santa brings presents but there isn't anything she's asking for. She just gets excited anytime she sees the man.

Brunch with Santa

The country club hosts a Christmas brunch where the kids get to come and see Santa. Drew could not contain herself. She hopped right onto his lap and just smiled. Never asked for anything but just smiled then told Peyton it was his turn. The brunch was complete with good food courtesy of the cute Chef.

He Did It!!!!

After 4 months of recycling not only our own glass, aluminum & plastic but also plenty of friends and neighbors, Peyton made enough to pay for 1/2 of a Wii. We headed over to Costco, got it, hooked it up and now.......we can't get him away from it. He doesn't have any games besides the sports pack it came with and still he's in love with it. I feel that the whole lesson of making him earn 1/2 was worth it when that night as I was tucking him in he gave me a hug and told me, "wow mom, that took a really long time. I will take good care of it but I want to keep recycling just our stuff so I can pay for 1/2 my games." Such a cute boy.

Student of the Month

Peyton got the Student of the Month for November. We were able to go and see him receive his award. Zach Posa received the Math award as well. Proud parents we all were! I just wish my pictures didn't come out so dark.