MP 2nd Annual Christmas Progressive Dinner {Happy Birthday Steve}

We all look forward to this night.  Even though we live on the same street doesn't mean we get to see each other that often.  But this special night helps all reconnect or catch up and enjoy each other's company.  This year Appetizers were at the Vieselmeyer's, Dinner at the Battan's, White Elephant gifts at the Rodriquez's and Dessert at the Symes'. 

Here we all are (except for Robert and Lisa Brown) - Amber and Ricardo Rodriguez, Eddie and Dina Bustos, Bryan and Allison Battan, Steve and Melissa Spendlove, Tim and Allison Dolan, Eric and Melissa Symes, Brad and Dana Vieselmeyer, Ray and Dina Enriquez

 

Melissa and Melissa

In the back of the truck heading to the next house.

Allison and Melissa

Happy  Birthday and Merry Christmas!

Allison's beautiful table set up.

This also happened to be on Steve's 42nd Birthday. 

So we had some Sweet Surrender's Red Velvet Cake for him and a little song.

Stake YM Flag Football Tournament

Ethan was one of the Brimhall Green Teams.  They were divided into two teams.  He customized his jersey with his name on the back of his T-shirt and the #4 with a fabric marker.  He was ready to take this serious.
The tournament started Friday night at Bakersfield College Stadium. Pretty cool with the lights and all. (it really was pretty cold too) He played in the second Brimhall game that they won with his touchdown he ran in. He also received a punt that he judged the bounce well and was able to have a long run before pulled. Their second game wasn't quite as successful but he did catch a touchdown and got the extra point in the same spot.

Their Saturday games were at a park. Ethan's team came into 3rd place out of 8. During his second game his favorite Nike shorts were ripped by an opponent wearing a shirt that said "Crush the Deacons" and was upset with the ref for not calling unsportsman-like conduct. And then ended up getting kicked out of the first half of the game. Just the beginning of some exciting church ball.

Nutcracker 2012

So lucky to have been able to finally take my girls to the Nutcracker.  It was put on by the Civic Dance Center where Lauren is currently taking dance lessons.  It was a beautiful production.  And a great evening out and a wonderful way to welcome in the Christmas Season with these two cuties. 

Matthew's Arrow of Light Ceremony

We have been blessed to have some wonderful scout leaders for our boys.  We will miss Brother Gil Johnson.  He has been a great leader for our boys and a wonderful Sunday School Teacher.  Congratulations to Matthew for earning his Arrow of Light.  Way to grow up so fast Matthew!

Rachel + Volleyball=Who Knows What In Store For Her Future

Rachel mostly enjoyed hanging out with her friends while playing volleball. She wasn't too impressed with her coach and they didn't have a very successful season as far as winning goes. But we are glad she tried something new and kind of likes it. Steve hopes she really likes it. He has visions of her playing in high school. She looks like a pro!!

Built in Fan Club!

Thank You Mom!

THANK YOU Grandma Cannon for making us all these totally awesome beanies. Stylin!!!!

It's hard to even notice the beanies with these beautiful blue eyes staring at you though!

Love it when Steve SMILES!  At least his eyes are open.....

Lauren's 2nd Grade Turkeys

Thankful Turkey: 

Decorating with my family, Sharing with my family, Eating with my family and Swimming with my family.

 

And she won most original with her Sassy, Pretty, Sparkly and Soft Turkey.

Susie's 50th Surprise Party

We were invited to Susie St'John's Suprise 50th Birthday Party.
It's a Lipstick and Mustache Bash.
It was the Friday after Thanksgiving which we spent with Grandma & Grandpa S in Santa Paula, and made it perfect for us to be able to head to Simi Valley for the party. We brought a Tollhouse Pie and they had all kinds of black, white and red desserts.

Happy Happy Birthday Susie Dear......

Here we are in our black & whites. Such a cute idea!


The whole crazy clan!
My Aunt Virginia and all four of her daughters, Susie, Jani, Diane & Linda. Never a dull moment with all those crazy beauties!

Susie's doesn't really turn 50 until December 25, so this was a great surprise. And probably a much needed bash, since her dad, my Uncle Bob passed away almost 2 weeks prior to this. He was suffering from a few different illnesses but it was his heart that finally took him.

Ryan drove down from Utah and picked Ethan, Jacob and I up and we all headed to the funeral in Thousand Oaks. Funerals are always those unplanned family reunions. I was able to see Aunts and Uncles I haven't seen in a looooonnggg time and of course my parents were there too. My Uncle Bob was the kind of guy you picture greeting you at Walmart. Always had a smile on his face. He is one of those that would do things for lots of people but you would never hear about it. His daughters spoke at his funeral service and had lots of stories about how much of a boy he always was. He played an active part in their lives growing up by taking them camping, fishing, motorcycle riding, etc. I think it is great he had all girls and then had about 13 grandsons and 3 granddaughters. My heart goes out to my Aunt Virginia for I know he will be truly missed. But I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and for the Plan of Salvation. What great peace and comfort it brings to us all!

ABBAMANIA

Our girls trip to St. George to see ABBA. Well, okay maybe it was just to see an ABBA wanna be. We went to the TUACAHN Amphitheatre to see ABBAMANIA. Anything is fun when you are singing ABBA songs with a bunch of crazy ladies.  {Renee, Vaun, Liesl, Vicki, Michelle, Cherylynn and I} And can I just say that we had more fun than anyone else who attended, although we were probably the youngest one's there too.

A little up close and personal.  Too bad this wasn't U2 or Coldplay or ........

Ok, so maybe this group might have had a little more fun than us. 

A trip to St. George wouldn't be complete without a stop in Las Vegas to do a LITTLE shopping at the outlet malls, which we did.  We were able to stay in a friend of a friend's home for two nights just outside of St. George.  My sleeping buddy was Renee and late night laughing sessions and discussions are priceless.  Since room and board was free, we found that there was some good shopping in St. George too.  This is where I discovered Tai Pan Trading.  It fulfilled my void of Hobby Lobby, which I LOVE.  It was on this trip that I also discovered these Pink Frosted Granny B's cookies.  I discovered that I never want to have another one again.  Nutrition Facts per cookie:  500 calories and 22.5 grams of fat.  Oh, YUM!!!!

Something that always adds a nice touch to a Girls Trip is going to the temple.  We were able to attend the St. George Temple.  Loved it ladies.  Thank You!!!!

Not sure how I got away without taking a picture of my van packed with 7 ladies, all their luggage for 2 nights and all their shopping. All I have to say is, good thing we decided to bring along the carrier for the top of the car. And Thank You Steve for letting me take the car!!!

Jacob 1 Year Pictures

 

You can just look forever into those deep blue gorgeous eyes! 

This was a quick photo shoot by my friend, Emily.  You should check her stuff out.

 

 I am absolutely in love with this baby boy and these pictures show just a little bit of why.