California, Here We Come!

One thing I've missed while living in a brand new city is the feeling of nostalgia.
I get a glimpse of it, though, whenever I drive past this marvelous old zephyr.
{Plus, I love the Zephyr Song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers}

I've wanted pictures of it ever since we moved here.
I noticed a few weeks ago that it is a California Zephyr, so then I knew it was just meant to be!

Only in movies? I guess not.

The kids are finally partial to the idea of moving. Hooray!

I think this is supposed to be his gangsta face.

Huge amounts of gratitude to the ever talented and uber-fabulous Miss Karen, our photographer!

Miss Sweden

For school, Courtney had to fill out a family tree, and find out where some of her ancestors are from. Then she was assigned a country to present a report about.

The 1st graders then had a Cultural Fair, sharing some interesting facts they learned about their country. It was fun! The kids toured around, collecting stamps in their passports.On St. Lucia's day, the daughters dress up all in white & wear a wreath with lighted candles atop, delivering warm buns & coffee {hot chocolate:}.

We improvised and shared Swedish fish.

Sox, #5

We love watching you play, Xander Man!

Posting sideways again! Grr!

I Can't Condone This..

...as a piano teacher.
Sitting criss-cross-applesauce at the piano is NOT ok.
But.
1. She was all squeaky clean, fresh from the tub.
2. Those jammies are so cute!
3. She was practicing her piano without being asked.
4. Those little piggies are just precious. Think I'll let it slide... for tonight.

Adios, Ms. Francis.

{Named after the ladybug in A Bug's Life} This car must have been held together by angels.
203,600+ miles.
Darren got a new car with his new job, so it was time to say goodbye.

Mother's Day

I'm leaving the "Happy" out of it for now. I'll tell you why later.
Breakfast in bed {almost}. The kids loved playing with the foam peanut packaging from the box of Silhouette goodies.
Love to all you Mommas, Grandmas, Aunties, and Girls out there!

Take One for the Team

The White Sox were beating the undefeated Dodgers, 7-3. {We were elated!}
The Dodgers had a secret weapon.
All of a sudden, this huge kid came out of the dugout, no uniform, never on their roster before.
He was smoking pitches like crazy at our poor White Sox.
I've never seen a kid throw that fast.
Strikeouts every time.

After a few innings of no hits and no one on base, Alexander got up to bat.
The mystery pitcher threw hard.... and clocked Xander right in the arm.
Man on base!
Way to take one for the team, Xander!

Sorry you got hurt:(

**Update: The Dodgers were disqualified from the playoffs because this "mystery pitcher" is a club player they recruited from up in town. Xander is doing fine.

Arrow of Light

Pack meeting was lots of fun, as usual. Out in the hallway, we heard an ominous drum beating, and in entered this impressive Chief.

There wasn't a sound in the room--he did a great job talking to the boys .
Alexander & our family were then called up {yikes--a little scary!}.
Alexander was then presented the highest award in Cub Scouts, the Arrow of Light. It was a really special ceremony and an experience he won't forget.
Thanks to all who helped get him here!

He loves it! I have to give a huge shout out to the Farabees {especially Molly} for making this wicked cool plaque and taking pics for us at Pack Meeting. You rock!