A Fun Christmas Week...

Michael started the fun with his Polar Express Parade at school. The kindergartners walked through the halls of the school while all the classes stood outside of their classes and cheered and high-5'd. Michael had so much fun!!

Next was Kennedy's class Christmas party. We made pancakes and sausage and had a whipped cream filled breakfast. Then the kids frosted cookies while listening to Christmas music and sipped hot chocolate. This is Kennedy's buddy Lena. They are both new to the school this year and are both really smart kids. They have a lot in common.

Although it is not a good picture of me... it was a nice night out with the girls. They rallyed with me when I found out about the cancer. We hung out at a new wine bar in town. Good friends :)

Newport's 101 Boat Parade!
Our friends, Trish and Chris White invited us out on their beautiful boat for friendship, yummy food and a great view of the parade. We cruised the harbor to look at the beyond beautifully decorated homes along the water. Boy! The electric bill must be insane!! Then we parked the boat in the slip and watched the parade front row. We danced to the music coming from the boats and wished everyone a "Merry Christmas!". The kids had a blast! Kennedy played with Elle (an old friend from Linfield) while Michael took over the boat. That boy was everywhere!


GREAT MEMORIES!!

Meeting Santa

It was a cold, rainy night this past Saturday, but that didn't stop us from going to Newport for our annual trip to Roger's Gardens to talk with Santa. We drank hot cocoa, talked with Santa and shopped for ornaments. The kids pick a special ornament each year. Kennedy picked a beautiful, blue angel with feather wings and Michael picked a cute, little polar bear on an ice cap.

Us being goofy!

Next we went to Pepino's Italian Restaurant on the lake in Mission Viejo.
They never disappoint with delicious pasta and atmosphere.
Here's Kennedy (oh so lady like) slurping her spaghetti :)

Next is the coloring competition... I believe it was a tie!!

Thanks Nana & Papa for the fond memories and tradition.

Michael's Christmas Program

"Who laughs this way....HO! HO! HO!?" That was Michael's big part in his kindergarten Christmas program. He was a STAR! They sang about 6 or so Christmas songs including Silent Night (in sign language - so touching). One of the highlights was when they sang Feliz Navidad and Michael ROCKED DA HOUSE with his dancing. Kennedy's teacher was nice enough to let her out of class for the program. She was so proud of him and silently sang along while sitting in the comfort of Papa's lap.
Kennedy escaped back to class before we could get a family picture after the program. What a fun way to continue with the holiday season.

Christmas Lights Parade

Last night was the annual Temecula Christmas Lights Parade in Old Town. What we usually do is gather with our friends, The Rings in their motor home and eat pizza, drink hot chocolate and sit outside on the sidewalk and watch the parade. They kids run around and play gathering candy from the people on the floats. This year was a little different. Michael joined his baseball league (TYB) on their float. He was beyond excited to hand out candy to the parade on-lookers.
Michael rode on the float just past the judges and then off he went running along side the float handing out candy and wishing people a Merry Christmas. I was fortunate enough to ride on the back of the fancy truck with a few Moms and chit chat. I tried to take pictures of Michael, but he was too fast for my little camera. I can't tell you how I felt realizing that Michael was experiencing pure joy along the parade route. I got all chocked up watching him. He was wearing his uniform and we strung lights around him so he was flashing brightly along the way.

Above is a picture of Michael's BFF, Reagan. She was also in the parade this year as she is "Miss Pixie Temecula". Roo was in her element!! The crown, the dress, the fur and the beautiful car. She loved waving to the crowd and blowing kisses. So Reagan!! We passed her along the parade route while we were walking to meet up with the rest of the Ring/Rodda clan in the motorhome. Our float was number 18 of 97 entries so we ended somewhat early.

After a 3 mile walk to where the motorhome was, we met up with the gang, ate some pizza and then saw Santa and the parade was over. Michael was beat! He walked over 6 miles!! He wants to watch next year..LOL