Christmas in California

The Sunday before Christmas Day, we were able to have the whole family together for dinner. This is a family photo we took. Rick's brother, Steve, and family came for dinner - including a co-worker of Kathie's from Japan. After dinner, we sent to a neighborhood in Brea that goes "all out" with decorations. It's hard to describe. Let's just say there was a live manger scene with live sheep and Steve could see the neighborhood from the air when landing at John Wayne Airport Friday night. It was special to have all the kids and their families together for the holiday's. We aren't sure when this will happen again.

Nathan being stopped by Santa.

Josh being pat on the head by Santa.We ate Christmas Eve dinner at the Masters. All but Nathan and his family were there.

But after the dinner at Masters, all the family met for the "open a gift on Christmas Eve" tradition (usually PJ's, slippers...).

It worked out that everyone was able to be at our home on Christmas morning.

Katelynn & Jen are here!!

Jennifer and Katelynn flew in for the holidays on Sunday. Nathan has finals and will drive down at the end of the week. Katelynn is growing very fast. Her vocabulary is growing and pronunciation becoming easier to understand. It is amazing how much they comprehend at this young age. Of course you can tell, we are not proud grandparents. Nate and Jen are doing a fabulous job.

Katelynn didn't take long to find the ginger bread houses from Jarrod's party (see previous posting)!!

Proud grandparents!!

Jarrod Party

Jarrod had friends over last Friday night for a party. One of the activities was building ginger bread houses. They had a good time. They also played Wii and DDR.n Funny thing-- from the pictures, it's obvious the girls out numbered the boys by about 2 to 1. We just roll our eyes as parents thinking "here we go again through the teenage years" - but with a big smile!

Getting a bit cool but the fire and patio heater helped.

The final masterpieces!!

Katelynn's, I mean Nate & Jen's visit

We spoke with Nate & Jen the Sunday before Thanksgiving. They were spending the holiday with Grandpa and Nancywith Jen's family is Salt Lake. On Tuesday afternoon, Sue was out shopping when she received a call from OUR HOUSE. There was initial panic as to who was calling from our house when I was at work and Jarrod at school. Nathan and Jen had decided to drive down and surprise us. They did. It was wonderful to have them here for a few days.

Katelynn has some of the cutest faces.

Grandma (Sue) saw this at Costco several weeks ago and couldn't resist. When you press the ear the head and tail move and it makes a clopping and naying sound.

Look out, she will be driving before you know it.

What a good looking family.

We went to Rainforest Cafe on Saturday night.

In the restaurant, there are jungle noises every 30 minutes. She imitated the monkeys.