Fisherman's Wharf

 

 

 

 

After taking the ferry, we arrived at the wharf and I spotted Nigella Lawson signing her latest cookbook. The kids said I just froze and stared at her through the window. We got in line to get her book, but after looking through it I realized it wasn't my style. Too cuch of a comfort food type of book. Anyway, it was fun seeing her.

Visit to Solvang

 

On our drive home we drove through Solvang. We had to stop and take a picture at this bakery. The Wilcoxes have some Mortensens in the family, so we thought this would be a fun thing to have. Cool, huh?

Our own Taylor Swift

Those of you who know Carina already know, she loves Taylor Swift. Carina has begun guitar lessons. She is enjoying it but after a short while has very sore fingers. Her teacher says its just until she develops calluses. Ouch! We look forward to a song soon.

Zach's Band Concert

 

 

 

 

 

The Christmas concert was awesome. The kids performed really well and had a good time.
Our trumpet player has really taken off. He is in Concert Band this year, which is the 8th grade band. He enjoys playing his instrument and picks up on the music so quickly. We enjoy listening to him play and practice every day at home. He often performs for our family and sometimes performs duets with Maddie.

Temple Visitors Center Christmas Concert

 

 

Wesley and Maddie participated in a Youth
Stake Choir and performend at the Visitors Center at the LA Temple. They performend several Christmas Carols. Pictures are dark and they were both placed in the back so its hard to see them. Sorry about that. They sounded great and we enjoyed the spirit we felt that night seeing all those beutiful kids.

The Nutcracker Ballet

 

 

 

This was our first year attending the Nutcracker Ballet. I took the girls to a beautiful performance at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. We had such a great time. We went with Andra and her daughter Francesca, one of Carina's best friends. I loved being with my girls on this magical night. I hope to have this be an annual tradition.

Backstage at the Nutcracker

 

 

 

What a treat! We got to go backstage after the performance and meet some of the dancers. The little girl dancer is Francie's cousin. Because we were "family" we got to go ontage. We met the Sugarplum Fairy who was my absolute favorite. She was as sweet and gorgeous as she looks.

Downey Girls Waterpolo

 

 

 

The JV girls are having a great season. Maddie is a freshmen and is a starter on JV. She is agressive, assertive, and a real leader. The team really looks up to her and we all admire her determination. She has made many friends on the team and is LOVING the sport. They play St Joesph's this week to determine the 2nd place title winner for league. Good luck Vikings!

Christmas Eve with the Gagliardis

 

 

 

We had a fun night with Diego and family and Abuela. We even had the missionaries come by amd give us a message. Of course we had to feed them Abuela's cannelloni. Yum! The cousins exchanged gifts and Abuela handed out her gifts too.

Varsity Waterpolo

 

I just had to post these signs that the ASB kids made for the team. Aren't they great? Wes has his up in his room now, The team ended up having a pretty good season and came in 2nd in league. On to swim team. First swim meet of the season is in March.

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.