A Black Friday Zoo Trip

Rather than face the crowds at the stores (never an appealing thought for me), we decided to enjoy the crisp, fall day at the zoo. Anika, Andrew, & Kathryn loved showing Nene & Papa around "their" zoo. Enjoying the zoo train and carousel were highlights of the trip.

We tried to participate in the giraffe encounter. Unfortunately after being lured the the platform, the giraffes decided they were done just as the kids got their turn. Anika and Andrew each got to give one leaf but Kat missed out. Still, it was amazing to see those creatures up close.

Waiting to see if the giraffes would return.

The headstrong animals watch from the other side of the enclosure.

Happy Thanksgiving 2010!

We were so excited to have Nene & Papa join us for Thanksgiving this year. We enjoyed a wonderful worship service and a scrumptious feast. Then we spent the rest of the day watching the Macy's parade, napping, playing games, and keeping warm by the fire. Apple pie for supper and the day was perfect:-) Playing games (and eating a pomegranate):

Model Rocket Building

Lloyd and Andrew (and the rest of the family) having been getting into model rockets lately. We've managed to save the "Blue Ninja" which we launched this summer while Papa was visiting. Now Lloyd and Andrew are building another one. This one has more steps and requires more wait time -- for glue and paint to dry, but it is still exciting. Andrew can't wait to launch it!

Everyone gets involved!

So I don't forget

I'm always telling myself to write these moments down, because I don't want to forget them. Here are a few memories of Kat:

Snitching Halloween candy (and then pulling a face that says, "you're the criminal for not letting me have any!")


A typical day:
Kat: Mom, MOM, MOMMMMMM!
Mom: Yes, Kat?
Kat: Never mind.
Repeat unceasingly for 2 years. . .



Mom: Oh, Kat! Are you hurt?
Kat: No, I aren't.


Mom: My head hurts
Kat: Mom, where my blanket? (Hands Mom her blanket to make her head feel better.)

Spook-tacular Fun!

Lots of weekend fun!!!

Carving Pumpkins: (I learned my lesson last year. Don't do this too early in central CA or they mold!!!)

The crew ready to cut:

Ah, a rare moment of affection:

Mmmmmm, Choco. chip Pumpkin muffins:

Anika jumped right in to help with the cleaning out (Andrew on the other hand was freaked out!!!):

Poking our design in the pumpkin: (Andrew took our picture!)

Hard at work:

Kathryn has to poke something too:

The finished project:

Surprised Pumpkin:

Welcome ghost:

Jack 'o lantern pizza for the hard-working carvers:

All lit up:

Dressed for Family Fun Night & Trunk or Treat (Transformer: Bumblebee, 80s Gal, Alice in Wonderland):

Alice enjoying the "treat" in Trunk or Treat!!

The dress from the back!

Thanks, Grandma

Anika, Andrew, & Kathryn were elated to get a surprise package from Grandma. Inside were Halloween treats & cards. I think they are almost as excited about the cards as the treats:-)
(Anika isn't in these pictures because she had just left for school):

Red Ribbon Week

Anika's school celebrated Red Ribbon Week - Drug Awareness - this week. Each day was a different theme for dressing up. We didn't do much at the beginning of the week and I forgot a picture on Weds. but here is Thurs. & Fri. Crazy blue/yellow (school colors) and Decades (dress from the 60s, 70s, 80s, etc.)
Anika in her blue/yellow and crazy hair (even her jeans were blue/yellow):

80s Girl (she decided this is her Halloween costume as well.):