This is what happens after church every week and almost every day since Zach does not want to take a nap anymore. He just falls asleep in the most unusual places. When we notice that the house isn't being destroyed for a minute, we go find him and put him somewhere a little bit softer. This is him asleep with one knee up on the tile step.Tonight Zachie put on Amanda's yellow head band like a crown and announced, "I'm a pwince!"
At family home evening we had a few presents wrapped as part of our activity. There was one for each kid and Zach was very interested in them, as you can imagine from our Christmas Eve fiasco. He had one in his hand, so we said, "Zach, who is this present going to be for?" He yelled out, "ME!" with a big smile. Of course, he felt the same way about all the rest of the presents too. Reluctantly, he gave a present to each kid, but ended up happy about it.
This is how Brandon, Josh, and Amanda sorted the dirty laundry this week. They let gravity get it from the hallway into the pile. Of course, they had to add the work of hanging each piece of clothing on a hanger first, but they said it made the job much more fun. Whatever works.
Today Brandon, Katelyn, and Amanda all got the idea to simulate a news program. First they read a few current events from the newspaper, then they wrote up some flash cards, then they had to make a weather map and research the weather all over the U.S. and California, and then had to get suits and desks and set up a studio. Well, everyone had a job and Zachie, who really governs over all the projects, had to be the cameraman. He stood on a chair and watched the view finder and laughed and pointed. Josh didn't want to change into church clothes for something so silly, so he just went out in the backyard to ride his bike and play ball.
I just had to send that cuteness out there. There is never a dull moment around here as Grandma and Grandpa well know.
Yesterday we played at the park. Today we climbed trees, wrapped presents, and checked our grapefruit (they should be ready any day.) 
We even went to our version of Temple Square to see the lights... Notice the Nativity scene under the neon blue palm trees? The Oakland Temple is behind us.
So, things are a little different here, but we are still feeling the Christmas spirit. We hope that you all are too. We miss you and will be thinking of all of you! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Katelyn is busy making more decorations for the Christmas tree. Her presents are already purchased or homemade and wrapped under the tree. She has been singing up a storm. I think baking is next on her list.
In honor of her special day, Katelyn did her hair in a very glamorous way, curls and all. She has been Katelyn's very special friend all day. They have a "late night" planned in Katelyn's room (probably until about bedtime) where they will play Barbies and giggle. After dinner we are going to watch the video coverage of that historical day and then let Brandon rehearse his Christmas show he's planning, which includes dancing with Amanda. What would we ever do without our little Russian princess? We still keep in touch with those other families and have sent emails back and forth today. We really bonded in that little mini-van, I guess. What an adventure!
This is a picture of the Bay Bridge, the route we took to enter the city for each rehearsal and performance.
This is an example of the beautiful Victorian homes near the church where Brandon performed. It was really fun to drive around this area of the city, if you don't mind the hills, the trolleys, and the narrow streets with no parking. Notice the city in the background? That is what I had to drive through to get back to the Bay Bridge.
We are hoping we are up for it. For now, he can just sing for me at home! And maybe for Grandma over the phone. :)
