Santa!

The girls and I zipped over to the mall after school for a Santa Claus visit and some milkshakes. Santa was awesome (as always), and the girls are so relieved now that they have officially given him their requests. Jenna even cut out the picture of the American Girl doll that she would like so he would know which one it is.

We checked out the decorations in the mall. That three-story tree in our mall is spectacular. We love to stand and watch the trains travel through all the tunnels.

After our visit, we stopped at Ruby's for a milkshake. It was fun to take a break from homework and go do something so festive and fun.

No Way!!!

Notice anyone's name on this list? (see Level 6, third up from the bottom)

Heather is da bomb! We had no clue until this came home. She was telling me who was on the Honor Roll (3.5 - 4.0) and didn't even know she was on the Principal's List (3.0 - 3.5). We are so proud! She works so hard, and we are so happy to see her get to taste some success!

More From Michelle and Gavin's Visit

I knew I left some photos out from Michelle and Gavin's visit! These were fun so they have to be included, right?

12/7 - We barley got the tree up and lights on before Michelle and Gavin arrived on Tuesday!

12/7 - Kelly tried out the surround sound for Michelle and Gavin with the infamous Buzz Lightyear opening from Toy Story 2. Infamous because he once did this to test his sound system when Jenna was a baby. Every time she saw the THX symbol for years after that, she would start crying!

Our surround sound rocks! Literally, it rumbles the walls. Note my Twilight shelf...the Alice doll was sitting upright before the sound test.

12/10 - Heather's new cheer pony tail.

12/11 - On their last night here, Michelle and Gavin got a CA sunset send off that was to die for.

It turned everything pink. You can see the reflection in the trailer window.

The sky got prettier and prettier as the sun set.

Michelle & Gavin Visit

Michelle and Gavin drove out to visit from December 7 - 12. They were very patient with our busy schedules which included my boot camp, physical therapy, book group, stake fireside rehearsal and ladies' church dinner, Kelly's groups' church dinner, cheerleading practice and gymnastics lessons. In between, we found moments to shop, go to some favorite fast food places, visit Disneyland, drive through neighborhood Christmas lights and watch movies. The kids played and played and had a great time. We were so sad to say good-bye.

Disneyland at Christmastime

Fountain Valley neighborhood holiday lights

Random Events in December

12/3 - Heather and Kelly enjoyed a Daddy-Daughter date together.

12/6 to 12/10 - Jenna was Student of the Week in her class, and Linny was one of the things she took to school to share.

12/7 - Heather went with the shorter hairstyle at the salon.

12/11 - During Michelle's visit, we notice how many trees in my area actually turn color. Why haven't we noticed this before? Because they don't do it in September/October as they do in other parts of the USA.

12/11 - After a trip to visit Auntie Marlene and Uncle Vic, we showed the kids where we grew up and went to school. Then we remembered how close we were to the Chicken Pie Shop and decided to stop and have an early dinner. It hasn't changed at all, and it's been 25 years since I last ate there.

Christmas Gifts

While browsing blogs last week, I came across a post from a woman who has five children and many gifts to buy. I love how she goes about her gift buying and thought you might enjoy this. She buys presents for her children using the following guide:

Something to wear

Something to read

Something they want

And something they need

Eclipse DVD Party #1

The Southern CA Twilightmoms who were able to, got together tonight in Los Angeles for a DVD party. Mary, Sarah, Charlotte and I hosted the party at the cute church coffee shop where Mary works. We had some great food, great decor, an awesome gift exchange, and a great time watching the movie together on a big screen.

Some of our table decor and pretty food...

Mary, Me and Sarah...

All the TMs and friends who were able to make it...

Alex, Charlotte, Sarah and Me preparing to watch the movie...

The huge screen in the church's sanctuary...

These get togethers are so much fun. Our love of the books is what brought so many of us together. The movies are nice, but the stories and the friendships are what we really love.