Family Time

Matt took some time off this holiday and although we don't go on vacations, we manage to get in some fun family activities. It is our tradition to go to the Los Angeles Temple every year and look at the Christmas lights. This year, the visitor's center is closed, which is a little dissappointing since they usually have several trees decorated in fun and creative ways. We have added a new tradition to this tradition in the last few years - we get dinner at Tito's tacos....YUMMMMM!!

We also had a chance to go to the Getty Museum. As Kendall would say, it was so, so, so, so cold out that day. The museum and grounds were beautiful. I could do without all the 17th century furniture, pottery, etc. This is what I go to see:



and this:



Something about a Van Gogh, Pissaro, Cezanne, Degas, Khnopff etc. just speaks to me. Also, I loved the "family room" where we got to write on the walls (in dry erase marker) like the monks wrote in their beautiful books. Here is what Kendall wrote, which was my favorite:




And finally, here is what Matt likes to call the "I'll Build You A Rainbow" family picture since I am never in the pictures (too bad we didn't name Jared "Jamie").

Oh, whatcha makin'?

Gingerbread boys - that's what we're makin'. I remember when we were younger and it was our turn to make dessert for FHE. I think we tried to keep it a secret so it would be a surprise. One time I was making it while Mike practiced the theme from the Godfather on the piano. He sang to the tune of that song, "Oh, whatcha makin', whatcha makin', whatcha makin'?" It was hilarious to me, probably not so much on a blog. It's Christmas cookie baking week. It always sounds like fun, but I forget all the work that goes into it. It is always worth it to hear the kids laugh and get crazy as they frost cookies. Send any favorite recipes our way - we always love new ideas!

Kenoes the Big Girl!!

For all of you who know Kendall, she is extremely shy around people. We find this really odd because at home she is quite loud and does a hilarious opera imitation in the shower. This week she had an oral report in class. Her teacher and I were very interested to see how it would go. Well she did it with flying colors! She received a ten out of ten. The teachers comments were, "I didn't know you could talk so loud!" Most people are not aware she can talk period! Way to go Kendall! I took this picture because she wrote on her lunch bag, "I am Friendly".

GO BEACH!!

Well they did it!! Maelen's team won their division of CIF. They went undefeated the whole season and even in CIF! Those are great stats for a sophomore goalie who only started playing the sport as a freshman. The seniors on the team had the whole varsity team go out to dinner and celebrate last night. The whole day was a great early birthday present for Maelen.

How much do you love this??

Trunk-or-Treat

Here are the kids in costume. Those of you who play Guitar Hero may recognize Jared as "Izzy Sparks" (the 80's version).

Check out my Slide Show!

Check out my Slide Show!

We're Here!!

We've joined the world of blogging against Matt's better judgment.

Not much interesting happening in the lives of the adult members of the family, but we are enjoying our kids.

Maelen's team came in first in their league for field hockey. They will now go on to playoffs and CIF. Maelen is enjoying being the goalie for the varsity team, however, I am stressed out at every game I go watch. Today she had an amazing save with her stick, which is a risky prospect since the stick is not very wide and she has a better chance hitting off her leg padding or kicking it. She saw that she wasn't going to make it over there fast enough and wacked it with her stick, making her coach quite happy.

Jared is busy obsessing about surfing. He got his first taste in Hawaii and had his awesome cousin, Brent, take him out for some more surfing this summer. He would go every day if I let him, but somehow I don't think I could help him as much as Brent. His new thing for the winter is football and wants Matt outside every minute he is home to play with him.

Kendall is slowly coming out of her shell, and maybe we would like her back in it. When Matt asked her to do something, she yelled back, "Be patient! I'm doing the best I can!" After spending an afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa, she told Maelen and Jared that Grandma and Grandpa love her the best. Nice. You can tell she is making a lot of friends around our household.

We look forward to hearing from more of you when you have the chance.