Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve - ringing in 2009! We just hung out with the Apsley's and some friends. We also got to listen to an awesome band called Made in China.

CA Academy of Science

During the Christmas break, we took the kids to the CA Academy of Science in San Francisco. It was very busy the day that we went, but we were still able to squeeze in a few hours of fun.

In the rain forest.

Ants

Jake loving the penguins.

Jake loving the big snake.

Taking a break.

Jake and Brooke chasing the butterflies. I missed capturing the funniest part where the guy in the William and Mary t-shirt is scared to death of flying butterflies - he was like a college student - it was hilarious!

Little Bear Christmas Tree Farm

We went to cut our Christmas Tree at the Little Bear Tree Farm. It was lots of fun. Little old-time trucks took us up the mountain, and then we got to search for the perfect tree. Good times!

Brooke's 2 Front Teeth!

In the Loomis Grammar School Jingle Fest, Brooke's first grade class sang, "All I Want for Christmas" - and there couldn't be a more appropriate song for Brooke this year. For those who don't know, Brooke had 1 front tooth that dangled for probably 2 months. During this time, it turned gray and began to look like it hung in the middle of her mouth - it was quite a sight! She got so attached to it, she called it her "friend." Robynn told her she needs to find some new friends. Well, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, Brooke was eating pasta, and it finally came out. It was a Christmas miracle!

Here is a picture of her tooth before it turned gray:

Starting to get looser!

Getting gray!

Finally out!

Holly Jolly Christmas - Emily

Emily hamming it up in the Loomis Grammar School 2008 Jingle Fest. You can see her at the upper corner of the piano.

Our Boys - All Tuckered Out

Ben and Jake are best buddies. Here they are catching some zzz's together. You can see Jake's fat lip - :(

Jacob Singing

Jake singing Santa Claus song - very cute.

Ben Basketball

Ben is on the 7th Grade basketball team - the Loomis Falcons. They have had a couple of scrimmages, and will begin their games in January. Here they were playing Weimar. Ben scored 4 points.

Halloween 2008

Some pics from Halloween this year.

Soccer Season

Both Emily and Brooke played soccer this year, and it was a blast. Robynn and I were amazed at how well both of them played. They were aggressive and fast! To motivate them, we told Brooke that she could get her ears pierced if she scored a goal; and we told Emily that she would NOT need to get her ears pierced if she scored a goal. Well, at the last game, Emily came really close (within a foot of the goal) - but just missed it. We were so proud of her that we didn't follow through, and we didn't make her get her ears pierced (besides, we think she looks great just the way she is!). Brooke's season came down to the last quarter in her last game. The coach put her in as forward. And it didn't take long for Brooke to realize that it was now or never - so she got the ball and plowed through several other players, taking the ball all the way to the goal. It was Brooke against the goalie, and like a pro, Brooke shot the ball right in the corner - GOOOAAAALLL! She jumped up and down with her team mates, yelling, "I get my ears pierced!" So, Robynn took her that afternoon to get her ears pierced. It was quite a day, and we had lots of fun. After the game, we took Brooke and Emily and Jake to get ice cream at the local Loomis Drug Store, where they have an old-time ice cream counter. We couldn't be more proud of our two beautiful players!

Diners, Drive-In's & Desparate Housewives

For those of you who don't know, Robynn's favorite channel is the Food Network. And on this channel, her favorite show is called, "Diners, Drive-In's & Dives." This guy named Guy Fieri goes across the country and features local food joints. Robynn thinks he's got the greatest job - eating greasy food and talkin' it up with the local folk - and she has developed some kind of sick celeb-crush on him. Guy recently opened a restaurant of his own in Roseville, and was there today to sign his books and meet his fans. Of course, Robynn had to go! She waited in line for over 1 1/2 hours, and finally had her time. Here are some photos of the "moment." She asked him to sign her book saying, "Robynn - will you marry me." Instead he signed her book - with a special message to me - "You had better keep an eye on her." Off the hook!

Harvest Festival 2008

Kids had a harvest festival at their school.  Jacob got his face painted, and then he and Brooke enjoyed snow cones with daddy.

Fun with Cousins

We recently went to a Southern Utah University football game when they played the UC Davis Aggies.  Robynn's cousin Sarah is married to Ed, who coaches SUU.  It was lots of fun.

Emily Turns 11 Years Old!

It's hard to believe, but our little Emily turned 11 years old last week. Robynn planned a party at our house with 13 of Emily's closest friends! The girls played games (slide down a slide dressed in a costume; shoot a rock with a slingshot; carry the egg; and many others), and went on a scavenger hunt. Emily had a great time, and Robynn did a great job planning it all. The grand finale of the party was a concert by Made In China - Ben's band. This was Made In China's first gig, and I would call it a hit!