Tacey had a stressful situation the last week of school. . . well, actually the last week she went to school before Christmas (but that is another story. . . ). Her Choir teacher had a feeling her daughter would have a baby during the Christmas Concert (which would be the MOST inconvenient time, so OF COURSE that is when it would happen!), so she asked Tacey to lead the choir. I have to say, that although directing isn't the most difficult thing in the world, being in charge of your peers is VERY difficult - especially at the age of 14. She ALSO had a solo. She did a very good job. I was super-proud!
This is Tacey and Lincoln - the very talented young man who accompanies the choir!
The concert was on Wednesday Night and we left as directly after school on Friday as possible with three kids and a dog. We met up with Jilana in Utah and traveled to Rees' 'vacation' home for the night. It was super nice, super comfy, super quiet and super cheap! All things we appreciate.
However, the view from the upstairs to the downstairs seemed a bit scary!
(Not really. . . . )
We all know the best part of family gatherings is playing with the cousins. . .
And Haley seems to be everyone's favorite this year!
They also helped Grandma and Grandpa deal with the devastating winter weather in Southern California!
Christmas lights are a TOTALLY different thing in California - and the lights at the temple are exceptional. It takes a certain amount of finesse to light palm trees.
Cousins together!
Christmas lit temple!
New camera + Lots of Christmas Lights + Lots of Pictures!
Also in Penasquitos there is a neat-o thing called Christmas Card Lane. It started back in the day I lived here and has progressively larger over the years.
This is one family that re-enacted the famous movie "A Christmas Story".
It was a big group of us that went through the several blocks of amazingly decorated homes. Here is everyone posing with Frosty.
See, the unofficial, official sign for Christmas Card Lane. (hahaha)
There are also places to do fun & silly things. This is Tacey as an Elf
And Dallin as an Elf
And McCade as an Elf.
And THIS is McCade's FAVORITE Christmas Card, any guesses why?
This was Shane's Favorite
As there are WAY too many people staying at my Mom's house, Shane and I secured optional lodging. It has an amazing view of the skyline. that is the Coronado Bridge in the background.
Christmas morning, there is the annual 'coming down the stairs' picture.
Koda joined, which makes sense because he IS one of the family!
Walking down the stairs!
There were lots of presents to open!
Then we went to my Grandma's house; this is too, too many cooks in the kitchen. I guess everyone was very hungry.
Dad and JoAnne
My Super Beautiful Grandma
Then on the next day, we broke with tradition and went to the Zoo instead of the Beach. We went with my Dad.
ANd I FINALLY got to FEED THE GIRAFFES!!!!!!!!
HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!
This is a new Baby Giraffe that is less that 3 weeks old.
And of course we always take pictures of Meerkats. . .
And we actually got to see a Koala do something OTHER than sleep and Eat.
On the schedule to come; more Zoo and Disneyland, and general fun'ness'. Do you think anyone would miss us if we stayed longer???
Danielle
