Happy New Year!

We took an overnight trip to the beach the weekend before we had to go back to school and work. We all really really love going to the beach. And I LOVE that we can go to the beach in January. The Ales came too so the kids were able to play with their cousins. The ocean was cold and only a few of our group went in but we had nice sunny weather in the upper 70's. Alyssa was lucky enough to bring two friends and they were helpful to have around.

Emily forgot her bathing suit! But she squeezed into one of Leanna's cuz I packed her two. Although, I don't think Leanna would have fit into it!

rDamien ready to go out boogy boarding with Nolan.
The group from afar!

December 2008

We had a great relaxing Christmas break at our house. Of course December is always busy with school parties and performances but then we got a full two weeks to recover.



I don't think Emily liked the present below! It was clothes when she kept looking for the Nintendo DS she asked for!

Santa left Benny a bone!




The second grade class Christmas performance.

November 2008

Well, the main thing I remember from November is Thanksgiving! Papa, Sylvie, Julie, little brother Zack, and little sis Chloe came for a visit. It was busy but fun. We started out having Thanksgiving dinner at the Ales house. The kids had lots of fun playing with their cousins. They so generously had everyone over and all the food was really delicious. Also, during their visit we took a trip to Austin. I read that 6th street was the happening street but it smelled of urine so we renamed it something else. And we did a quick drive thru tour of the University of Texas just to get Alyssa starting to think about where to go to college (you can never start to early)! We also took a trip to one of our favorite parks that has a train to ride, playground equipment, and a river full of ducks. We also ate out a lot, which is fun. Alyssa babysat for us one night and we went to the riverwalk. It actually was a lot of fun. And my brother and sister are SO CUTE!