Hailey’s school performance

Hailey practice for weeks on the moves for her school performance.  We played it up at home and kept talking about Hailey’s Big Performance.  She took it very serious.  She was a Mexican playing a guitar on the show.

By the looks of Papu’s face you would think she was at the Comedy Club

  

I took Shane out of school early to see the Big Performance.  Hailey was so excited he came, and he was so excited for the buffet of food afterwards.

Who is coming over

Most every evening the kids ask, "Who's coming over, and/or who's house are we going to.". They think we are suppose to hang out with friends every night (which we do about 4 times a week). This has been going on for over a year now!

Westfield Santa

Santa annual visit to Westfield.  Our adoptive family

 

The Grinch was an added touch this year.  Hailey was a little hesitant but Mischa helped her out 

 

Tipper and Alissa made it down to the party too.  That is one patient horse, Hailey wants to ride her this weekend.

Manhattan Beach Christmas Fireworks

We never miss going to the Firework show in Manhattan Beach.  The Katos joined us this year

  

Such a festive place with a live band playing Christmas music during the fireworks and everyone wearing their Santa hats.  One of the unusual things we saw this year as we were walking was a 6 foot tall Christmas tree, decorated, playing music, and was moving along the strand all by itself.  The owner set  it up with a remote control and was guiding it.  It was pretty cool.

This year was by far the best show. I have never felt the intensity of fireworks on my body like that. It was incredible.

Champions

Our indoor soccer team played in the Championships and we won. These girls are the nicest, warmest group that always make me feel so important. They beg me weekly to come play for them. Technically I am on the team but told them I will only play when they are desperate for subs. It's just so hard to get out of the house in the evenings but when I do, I come home on cloud nine. Nothing can describe the feeling of playing a good hard soccer match. Love It!

Shoe

We are having a common theme with Shane at school. This is the second time within a few months that he has come home with a shoe that is taped up by his teacher. He somehow rips the entire sole off his shoes playing soccer. This is going to get expensive fast!

Bethlehem

We took our annual trip to Bethlehem and Hailey was a little frightened by the Roman soldiers. She saw them drag a guy across the ground by his arms because he didn't pay his census tax. Then we saw Mary screaming in pain about to give birth, and later got to see her and baby Jesus in the stable. There were 2 occasions when the kids were using their schekels to buy stuff when a thief would come and steal all the money from the shops. The locals would all scream "thief" and it kind of caught the kids off guard. Hailey kept asking why there were so many bad guys? It is pretty amazing how real they make it feel, everyone is in character 100%. When Shane was making his candle holder they asked him where he was from and how far he traveled. It was funny because Shane is so literal and answered Texas. The guy acted totally confused and said, "where is that, never heard of it.". Then Shane told him he came out on an airplane, that really confused the store keeper.