The Emma Awards

 

 

 

 The Young Women recently had Young Women in Excellence. This year the theme was "Emma Awards." The Girls were honored and praised for their accomplishments during 2012 for Personal Progress. Some girls received their medallions, others ribbons, and others are working on future goals for 2013. It was a night of formal gowns and glamour and much paparazzi (parents).
I am grateful for Maddie and her accomplishments this year, but mainly I am grateful for the young woman she is turniong into. Love you Maddie!

Las Vegas getaway

 

 

 

We got a great hotel deal and took the kids for a couple of days. We enjoyed the Bellagio waters, the Mirage volcano, swimming, eating, and the forum shops at Caesers. We also saw some very strange looking people and street performers. The spray paint artist was a favorite. Zach prefers to be behind the camera these days.

Varsity Water Polo

 

 The Varsity team had a great season. They came out 21 and 6. They advanced to CIF but lost at the first round. Wesley made huge improvements this season and is as fit as can be. The kids have endured grueling practices starting in the summer. They swam 4 miles in jeans and t-shirts during hell week and burned over 10,000 calories per day during that week. Wes was even too tired to eat during those days which is virtually unheard of.. But the hard work paid off and they had an awesome season. They beat the rival high school Warren High for the 3rd straight year. Great job Vikings!

Downey World Cup

 

 

 

Brazil versus Argentina. Our constant rivals: our next-door neighbors
The kids love to put on their jerseys and play soccer together. I  must admit, Argentina wins most the time.

Halloween Night

 

 

 The kids had a great time at the ward Halloween Party. Kinda blurry, but Zach's in the wig. He was a rock star. Carina was my darling 50's girl, complete with poodle skirt and red lipstick.

Franken-mower

The lawnmower broke today while Zach was using it, and he despaired because the lawn was only half-mowed.  He was also in a hurry to go play with his buddies.

We  spent 45 minutes in the garage, and emerged with a 'peg leg' that may serve for years.

(special thanks to Wesley who supplied the aluminum stock needed for the repair)

Nice work Zach!

Backyard Camping

 

A couple of nights ago Carina and Zach decided to camp in the backyard. They took strudel with them for protection of course. Gotta do it at least once in the summer right?

Beach Day with the Girls

 

 

Last week we had such a fun and relaxing beach day. I took Maddie and Carina to the beach and they each invited a friend. The boys were away with the scouts so of course we had to do something fun too. It was the most perfect beach day we had all summer. Amazing weather and waves! So fun to be with my girls!

The girls and their buddies

 

 

 

 

Carina has really gotten brave this summer. She has become quite the boogie boarder. I don't have pictures because I was in the water with her. Maddie is a pro and spends hours in the water and seems to never get tired. Sitting here typing this makes me want to go back. I have been taking the kids once a week the last few weeks, but it's never enough. We love the beach!!

Big Day in our Family

 

 

This was a great day for our family! Zachary received the priesthood and Wesley was ordained a priest. Wesley stood in the circle when Zach was ordained by Willie and I felt the spirit so strongly testifying to me of the truthfulness of the priesthood. It is a responsibility and a privilige to have the priesthood and I feel so blessed to have three priesthood holders in our home now. Wes has now been blessing the sacrament for one month and Zach has been passing. Zach says he likes route one because it is the "easiest and least confusing." He goes up and passes on the stand and then goes out to the foyer. I love my boys! All three of them!

Abalone Cove

 

 

 

Arlene (next door) and I took the kids to the tide pools. These are the best pools I have ever been to. The wildlife is amazing! I got a video of a crab eating a sea urchin. I'll try to pist later. We saw a plethora of starfish (different colors), lots of crabs, hermit crabs, and other creatrures. It was overcast and the breeze and smell of the ocean are incredible!

Wesley's Scholar Athlete Award

 

Wes received an award for $100 through the Stauffer foundation. Wes maintained a 4.0. during water polo and swim season. Way to go Wes! You're awesome!

8th Grade Promotion

 

 

 

Abuela, Gabby and Sam, and myself(mom) were all there to congratulate Maddie. As promised to DeeDee, a picture of the "Prom" tree. Good luck on your next adventure Maddie, "High School."