Christmas Decor 2009

This will be our last Christmas in this house. I've enjoyed having a mantle and fire place.

Ward Choir Practice

I have sung in ward choirs for years, now, but this ward choir has to be my favorite! I have sung in this ward choir for 4 out of the 5 years that I've been in the ward. I love to sing and I am grateful for choirs where I have been able to improve and grow in music. This year, for Christmas, I had a small solo. I also sang a solo last Easter in the choir.

Brother Davis is our choir director. His, wife, Sandy is our accompanist. She is a phenomenal pianist and brings such passion to the songs we sing. She personally arranges much of our music.

Our men's section is finally expanding.

Aleya loves to ride her Dora Bike.

After a lot of practice, Aleya can finally ride her Dora bike (still with training wheels). She gets faster and faster every day. She loves to ride bikes with her friend, Jake.

Festival of the Mini Trees 2009

Our ward put on a fantastic service-filled ward party this year. Each family or individual decorated a mini Christmas tree to be donated to Interfaith churches to be distributed to those who do not have the means to get an decorate one them selves. Before they were donated to the Knights of Columbus (who would distribute them), they were displayed as a Festival of the Mini Trees.

Here's our family's humble contribution.

Here's one of our favorites. Here's two others:

Amara's School Musical-The Grinch Who Stole Christmas!

The 2nd grade at Amara's school performed, THE GRINCH WHOLE STOLE CHRISTMAS.

Amara and her friends were all "Whoos"(or "Hoos"). I don't know how to spell it.

Amara sang very well and spoke her part energetically.

We all enjoyed the performance very much!

Amara is a star!

Santa and Mrs. Santa House in Poway 2009

This is our last year visiting the Santa and Mrs. Santa house in Poway. A private residence is opened to the public for free, sharing their holiday decor, tasty refreshments, and their love with all who attend.

Each child gets to choose a toy to take home.

Their living room had a princess theme this year.

Their family room always has a jungle theme.

The kids liked the Frosty the Snowman display in the garage.

James . . . James Bond

Does this make me a bond girl?

Our Second Escape:Mexican Riviera Cruise 2009

14 years of marriage, 11 years of post-graduate studies, 4 children, and still going strong! Actually, we needed a break. We celebrated our anniversary and Christian's graduation as a Gastroenterologist by taking another cruise together . . . just the two of us. It was a much needed getaway and we are grateful for the time together, the fun activities we enjoyed, and the terrific weather.

Miramar Christmas Carnival 2009

While Andrea was packing for the cruise at home, Christian took the kids to a Christmas carnival.

Shamu was even there!

Of course they kids were there to meet Santa . . . or his look-alike.

The rides were decent, but FREE makes them even better!

What's a military carnival without the impressive service from the Shriners and their awesome miniature car rides?!!!!

Christmas Set-Up '09

Here's what our Christmas set-up looked like this year. It's like a Christmas bomb exploded.

Aleya set right to work arranging the nativity set.

Aleya said they all needed to take a nap. :0)