Karate Belt Graduation Cerimony '10

Back in karate now, the kids graduated again. Chris' group went first. They gave a demonstration and then got their belts.

This is Chris demonstrating a jump front kick. In this photo he is "chambering" his leg.

Chris seemed pretty comfortable w/the process having done it a few times now so did not seem particularly focused during the actual belt distribution. He went from solid yellow to double orange stripe.

This is Acacia demonstrating a pop up kick. She gets pretty darn high. But, I don't think you are supposed to close your eyes EVER in karate...

Acacia went from orange to green belt.

Ginger Bread House - Round Two '10

The first ginger bread houses we made were a little tiny village of houses. At first this seemed cool as everyone could make their own. But, each house was minuscule and required WAY too much parental involvement. This requirement caused a great deal of stress making the project no fun. BUT, the kids did enjoy decorating as all they really did was eat the candy and frosting.

Round two. One large house with premade frosting. My kind of kit.

Acacia's Orchestra Concert '10

In addition to choir, Acacia has also taken up violin. After 3 months of lessons they were ready for their first concert. I was not sure I was ready though. Acacia got to wear the new outfit we gave her and asked that I try something with her hair. Knowing how much I do with my own hair (joke) I knew I could do something with hers. Well, this did not go the way I would have liked but she was happy with the fact that it was not in a headband or a pony tail and it was somewhat curly. Just not as curly as either of us wanted. She looked AMAZING!!

I was truly blown away at how great these kids all sounded. Again, it was two elementary schools together performing. There was a bit of a delay at the start as one little performer lost her dinner right in front center stage. BUT - once that was all cleaned up it was ON WITH THE SHOW!!

Real Concert Clothing '10

Acacia does not have much in the way of dress clothes so she was thrilled to see we got her a new outfit, complete with shoes (not seen here)! She totally looked ready for her next show! I purchased and returned at least 5 different pair of shoes to get the right look and fit.

Meeting Santa '10

The very last weekend possible we finally make it to see Santa. Chris and Acacia each got to sit on his lap and make their final requests and beg for mercy. Randy did all he could to get the kids to put in the good word for him and ask Santa to bring what he wanted.

Waiting in line to see the MAN!!

Acacia's Choir Concert '10

Acacia joined choir this year. Their first concert was for Christmas and they really sounded great. There were 2 different Oregon elementary schools performing together. They each sang separately and then did a song all together.

This is Acacia with her friend Brooke. They go do different schools but see each other after school and at events like this one! :)

Badgers vs ND - Going to the Rose Bowl '10

It pays to have friends in high places!! My friend Jeanne invited Randy and I to the last Badger game and a co-worker of mine gave us his tickets to the Badger Blast (tailgate)! After a stupid start of leaving the tickets at home we still managed to make it a great time! Well, it's hard to mess up free drinks, brats, chips, cheese and crackers and an INCREDIBLE game!! It was cold but with spending half time in the ICA conference room warming up we managed just fine!! All this for free plus free baby sitting!!! Thanks Emme and Nono!! ... and Jeanne, Jay and Jeff!!

Badgers are going to Rose Bowl!!!! SWEET!

Bye to Emme and Nono '10

It happens every time we visit or they visit us .... we have to say good bye! Just in the nick of time, Emme finished the hat she knit for Acacia! She and Acacia picked out the yarn (lots of different yarn) and the hat was created. A matching scarf is in the mail! The kids had a GREAT time with Emme and Nono here! See you next time!!!

The New Children's Museum '10

Instead of black Friday shopping we descended onto the new Children's Museum. It was pretty cool and the kids had a great time. I do fear that soon they will out grow this museum though. But, for today it proved to be the perfect thing!