Christmas, Part III

Here we are again opening more presents. We spent the rest of the day relaxing with Dale's family.

Madison is proud of her "boy toys". She did get some girl toys too.

Christmas, Part II

Here we are Christmas Day. We forced the kids to open more presents this morning.

Michaela finally lets us take her picture.

Morgan got an MP3 player from Santa. She has wanted one for several years now.


This wasn't from Santa, but from Uncle George. At this point, Morgan is the only one who knows what exactly it is and wants to set it up right away. She is bummed when she finds out that we have to clean up here and head over to Grandma and Grandpa's house and open up more presents.

Christmas, Part I

Like I said, Grandma sent too many gifts this year. We let the kids open the stuff from Grandma and Grandpa Tecca and Aunt Christine this morning. I am saving Uncle George's gift until Christmas day.

Morgan finally got the Fur Real pig that she has wanted for about a year.


Madison and all her gifts.

Madison was confused. She thought she was getting candles. Aunt Christine gave Madison her old Nintendo DS. Madison is very excited.

It did not take her too long to figure it out.

Madison and her Speed Racer race track (with Littlest Pet shops watching).

Dovewood Court

Every year we go to Dovewood Court Orangevale to see Christmas lights. There are about 20 homes on this street that are all lit up with Christmas lights. And not just a little bit, they go all out. I still have not figured out the night setting on my camera, so most of the pictures did not turn out. The pictures that came out I took on the regular setting. Oh, Well.

This is a merry-go-round in someones garage.

This is the scene in someones front yard.

We Fish You a Harry Chris Moose

This is one of Michaela's favorite songs that she learned in preschool. Here are the words in case you are confused:
We fish you a harry chris moose
We fish you a harry chris moose
we fish you a harry chris moose
and a hippo new year.

My kids are not spoiled

What is wrong with this picture? I will tell you. My mom sent us gifts for Christmas. And in typical grandmother fashion, she went way overboard. I counted the presents. The girls each have 15 presents. And guess how many Dale and I have. Only 3 each. Something is definitely wrong!!

Michaela's Christmas Carols

Here we are at Michaela's preschool. The kids sang a couple of songs for the parents. And, as usual my child is next to one of the shortest kids in the class. At least the boy standing next to her is more her size. This year I am not sitting in the audience watching, I am standing behind a couple of trouble makers making sure they do not hurt anyone with their bells.

Madison's 1st Grade Christmas Carols

The first graders sang a couple of carols for their parents last week. As usual Madison was put in the back because she usually towers over the other kids in her class. When we got there, the cafagymatorium (cafeteria)was packed and we had to sit in the very back. This is the best picture I was able to get.

Too Much Shopping

This particular afternoon, I was running around trying to find something for a Faith in God activity. I went to 6 different stores and still could not find what I was looking for. Michaela was tired out by the end of our expedition.

Our tree

I know I said that I would be better about updates, and here it is the end of December and I am finally able to post some new stuff.

Here is our tree. We acquired a nine foot artificial tree this year. It just barely fits into our living room. I am a bit bummed that I can not put our Cinderella tree topper on. The kids do not seem to mind though.

Morgan's slumber party

Morgan was able to celebrate her birthday several times this month. We had a party with the family when my parents were here the last week of October. When we were at Disneyland she wore a pin every day and all of the Disney employees would wish her a happy birthday.

And two weeks after her birthday we are celebrating again, this time with all of her friends. She wanted to have a slumber party with 6 of her friends. The girls were, well quite giggly and loud. But I guess that is to be expected. They were good, and I think everyone had a good time. They made their own pizzas and cupcakes. A couple of games of Twister followed. Then it was time for the movie, but it did not quiet down until 11pm, when everyone fell asleep.

Disneyland - Misc. Pictures

The Lego store

Michaela wanted me to take her picture.

The veiw from our hotel.

Waiting in line for Alice in Wonderland.

Disneyland - The rides

Jumpin' Jellyfish

Michaela driving? Yikes!

Madison, Morgan and Dale on the Matterhorn.

I finally got someone to ride California Screamin' with me. Dale is releaved that he does not have to go on it with me anymore. Morgan and Madison loved it. (I don't know who the guy is.)

We ususally do not buy these pictures, but this one was too good to pass up. Before you think we are horrible parents, you should know that we took her on Space Mountain and she loved it. The second "big" ride we took her on was the Matterhorn. I think that might have scared her a bit. After that she did not like any rides that "went up" because she knew that there would be a big "down". Madison is hidden behind Dale and Morgan is hidden behind me.

Disneyland- The Characters

Aladin and Jasmine

The Disneys at Goofy's Kitchen

Goofy helps Morgan blow out her candle on her birthday cupcake.

Laurie Loves Eeyore!

Tigger is a big ham!!!

2 pirates and a ladybug

I am not sure what Captain Madison is mad at.




It is a good thing I took pictures of our jack-o-lanterns. Dale backed out of the garage the next morning and ran them over with the car.

Morgan's Birthday

We had Morgan's birthday early so that we could celebrate with my parents. She didn't seem to mind. We will have another party later in November with her friends.

Morgan loves her Littlest Pet Shops.

Morgan designed her cake herself and even helped to assemble it.

San Francisco

We went on a tour of the French Frigate "Prairial" which was docked at Pier 27 for one week. Their main duty is to patrol overseas maritime zones over which France implements its sovereignty. In peace time, they enforce navigational police, control fishery and protect trade traffic.

Michaela was not quite sure if she wanted to touch the fish in the Aquarium by the bay.

Sea lions, sea lions and more sea lions.

Silverbend Pumpkin Patch

Raia, Kate and Michaela

Grandpa finds the perfect Pumpkin.

Michaela finds her pumpkin.


The Preschoolers went to the pumpkin patch. Grandma and Grandpa got to come along also. Since I work at Tiny Tots, Michaela and I got to go twice. We did not stay for the Friday afternoon session, Michaela was quite tired.