Parting (Random) December Photos

Mama's sashimi plate, which her, Yumi and I pigged out on, I mean partook in...


Sammy making a sand/snow angel...


Anna and Yumi decked out for Xanadu...


Anna and friends resting after their Christmas concert performance...


And Kean's Mocha. Wow, such detail to this to-go order!
What an eventful 2009!
Happy 2010!

Violin Concerto

Anna spotted my dusty violin case in the closet and asked to see the instrument. It has been years since it has seen the light of day.


Steve joined in on the fun.


I was able to read some simple music we found online. Squeak, squeak! I could see myself joining a community orchestra down the line, if they'd have me, hee hee...

Environmental Nature Center

Through one of mom blogs I visit, we discovered the Environmental Nature Center. It's one of those free hidden treasures tucked away on a nondescript street in Newport Beach.


There are lots of interactive displays here. Sam was in animal heaven.


There is a meandering walking trail and running stream on this 3 1/2 acre property.


Anna and I played Cat's Cradle while Sam read some books.


These kids absorb all the new information given to them, we love these educational spots.

A Tale of Two Temperatures

At the start of our winter break we went to Huntington Beach for some play time. We enjoyed the sand and surf in 70+ degree weather.






Then over the weekend we went to Mt. Baldy, alas, no snow except for the mountaintops. Still, it was fun wearing our winter clothes, we'll try again soon!

Christmas Day 2009

We let Anna and Sam have a mini slumber party, and they promptly woke up at 6:30am. Anna said they woke up earlier but she sang a few songs to Sam in the meantime. Steve had straightened up the living room the night before and filled the stockings to the brim.


Sam was so excited to open up his Motorized Marble Racer.


It really is one of the coolest toys ever and perfect for Sam, who is always making new "inventions" from various odds and ends.


It's fun for both Anna and Sam!


Later we enjoyed the window decor which Steve received from a popular coffee venue which was discarding these the day before Christmas. He's so resourceful.


For once we deservedly gave my mom a break from cooking and had Honeybaked Ham, corn pudding and a potato bar for brunch.


Posing before eating!


Yumi made some beautiful cupcakes for dessert.


Mari enjoyed opening presents for herself and Baby Julia. She also wove some gorgeous scarves for myself, Yumi, and Mama.


At this moment in time, I think Anna's statement was true: "We have the messiest room in the world!"


Later we had a Guitar Hero marathon. Do you like Rob's jammies, selected by Anna? We took a break during our jam session and visited Papa at his rehab center. (He is doing better and better each day.)


Guitar Hero from left to right- Band Manager: Mari, Guitarist & Keyboardist & All-Around Musician: Rob, Vocalist (posing with guitar and new Hurley jacket): Anna, Bassist: Yumi, Fan Club: Sam and Mama, Drummer: Steve, and Vocalist: Mina. :)


Later Mama shared the cutest and yummiest Christmas cake she received from her work friends.

Thank you everyone, for all the wonderful gifts!
Merry Christmas everyone!

Our Christmas Photo

Anna's Performances

Anna had two choral performances recently, the first was a "Country Christmas: An Evening with Jesus". She is singing to the right of Pastor Chuck.


Her second performance was the Christmas Eve service. The children sounded amazing. Anna practiced diligently and attended chorus rehearsals every Monday after school. Some of the songs included, "Christmas Joy", "Hark the Herald Angels Sing", and "Joy to the World". We are very proud of her.

Sam's Christmas Concert

Sam performed in his school's Christmas Program last week. He was first on the stands and was very patient while the rest of the kids filled the stage.


Look at the parent paparazzi! We joked that the line outside the church was longer than for a U2 concert.


The kids did a nice job singing, we especially enjoyed their rendition of, "Go Tell It on the Mountain", which Sam described as the "song with the funky rhythm".


Here's a close-up of the cutie waving to everyone.


Afterwards we enjoyed some Happy Birthday Jesus cake.


And this green concoction, I was surprised Sam enjoyed it as much as he did, such a unique consistency.
Merry Christmas!

Our Christmas Tree

The day after our trip up north, we were inspired to get a Christmas tree asap. We went to Lowe's and Anna fell in love with this cute chubby tree.


We went for a 7+ footer instead, a Noble Fir.


It is the tallest tree we have bought for our home to date. It looks nice with the vaulted ceiling!

Walnut Creek Part 3: Family Photos

I set up the camera timer to take the first five photos in this series, (I'm just sorry that Gretchen had to work this morning and missed getting in the pictures.)

I love the line-up of cousins even if Sam couldn't let go of his goldfish crackers.

We had a wonderful trip up north and look forward to our next visit!