Christmas Boat Ride

Special Thanks to Captain Ryan & his co-captain Meredith!





Last night Ryan & Meredith treated us to an awesome boat ride along the canals and bays in Long Beach. We had such a good time!! We had a great group with: Andy & Allison, Mark & Joanne, Ryan & Meredith, Jeff, and our family. We all fit comfortably in the boat & were able to enjoy hot apple cider and goodies while looking at all of the Christmas lights. Jeff brought the Christmas Vacation soundtrack - so all of the guys were quoting Griswold lines all night! The kids had a great time too - but since the boat ride was from 8pm - 10pm - they were worn out & fell asleep on the boat. Ryan & Meredith have started a wonderful tradition!!! We can't wait until next year! Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Naples Boat Parade

On Saturday night we took Blake, Mackenzie & her friend Breanna to Naples in Long Beach. Naples is this gorgeous area with multi-million dollar houses - that every year are decked out for Christmas. There are canals running in between the rows of homes with arched bridges connecting the sides. Going to Naples is one of our favorite traditions. This year we happened to go on the same day as the Belmont Shores Boat Parade. People decorate their boats for Christmas & ride along the canals as well as around the bay. It was great walking around the canals & watching the boats float by. There were so many parties going on that it was a little difficult to squeeze through the crowds - but it was totally worth it!! I wish the pictures of the lights came out - because it really is gorgeous!!

Knott's Berry Farm

On Saturday we met Andy & Allison & the Ryerson family at Knott's Berry Farm for our annual breakfast. We had such a nice time!! We normally take pictures in front of this huge Christmas tree by the entrance to the Christmas craft fair, but this year the tree wasn't there. So in our family picture, you'll have to use your imagination & think of this tall beautiful tree behind us!! We are so glad to be able to participate in this wonderful Christmas tradition again!!

Cheer Competition

This year Mackenzie's cheer squad participated in a Middle School Competition at Millikan High School. They did an awesome job & took home the 1st place trophy!!

December 1st - Belmont Shores Christmas Parade

Mackenzie & her school cheer squad marched in the Belmont Shore's Christmas Parade this year. They all looked so cute!! We had such a great time. We had to wait in the neighborhood for a while before we could actually march, but the girls had a fun time entertaining the neighbors with their cheers & stunts.The girls cheered up and down 2nd Street and stopped to do a special cheer for the t.v. crews! I walked along with the cheer squad & was very thankful that I didn't have to join in with the cheers (I'm sure the crowd was saved from watching me too!). Blake and Jacob had a great time on the sidelines watching the parade. We had a great time & are looking forward to participating next year!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year Andy & Allison spent Wednesday night at our house so we could spend all day on Thursday together. We had a great time! Allison & I leisurely prepared the meal throughout the day on Thursday. Mark & Joanne Stump & Ryan VanSteenis came over to celebrate with us in the evening. The kids also had a great time with all of their friends in the neighborhood. I've included a picture of them playing touch football in our neighbor's yard. Well, I hope each of you had a wonderful holiday!!

2007 School Pictures

Sorry for the sloppy scan - but at least the pictures came out pretty clear!!

Happy Halloween!!!

You can't tell these two are brother & sister can you?!

On Sunday we went to a Halloween Party at Mike & Melissa Lastrina's house. If you haven't guessed from the pictures - Jake went as Magnum PI, with the harry chest, short shorts & all! We had a great time. I just laughed all night at Mike & Jacob in their short shorts!

On Halloween we took the kids to "Trunk or Treat" at Seacoast Grace Church. This is something we went to our last Halloween in CA. People from the church park their cars in a few rows - decorate their trunks or the back of their vans / trucks & fill them with candy. The kids then go around & have a safe place to trick-or-treat. Plus they had a ferris wheel, slide & many fun carnival type booths. The kids had a blast! Blake was a skeleton and Mackenzie was a Geisha Girl. We had a hard time finding something that Blake & I both agreed on - he wanted something with blood & guts. This was our compromise. We sprayed Mackenzie's hair black, but we didn't get around to painting her face white. She did get to wear make-up though!

I also had to post a picture of our fat lobster!