Finally

I have worked at the same place for 14 years.

I have been lucky enough to have friends and family sign up their kids to play soccer there.

I have enjoyed watching all of them play, but I have always wondered when will I get to watch my own kiddo play there.

Well today was the big day I have been waiting for.

Today we registered Emma for her very 1st soccer season.

We even got a little practice time in on the field playing around.

I can't tell you how excited I am to know that our little girl will be playing soccer at my work.

Blessed

This year Doug and I decided we wanted to do a little something different with family at Thanksgiving. We wanted the family to give to others that aren't as blessed as we are this Holiday Season.

We put together these bags with everyday necessities. We passed them out to all of our family so that they can pass them out to those in need.

We will be sure to always have a bag in our car so that we can give a little something special next time we see a homeless person in need.

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday!

Emma showing off her pre-school artwork.

After dinner we headed over to the house on Knob Hill to see the opening night of their Christmas lights.

We are Thankful for...

Our wonderful family and getting to spend time with them

Our beautiful little Emma Rose

Uncle Ruben and Aunt Kelleen for hosting dinner

Uncle Andy coming to spend the day with us

Tía Lizzy for going shopping with me at 12 am

and the man on Knob Hill for his beautiful lights.

We gave Santa another try.

Not sure if you remember, but Emma has not been a fan of Santa.

Here she was at her very first visit in 2009.

And in 2010 we didn't even get a picture with Santa at the mall because she wouldn't have it.

Well tonight we gave the guy another shot...

woohoo, it was a success!

She sat on his lap like a champ.

She was so excited to tell him that she wants a doll house.

As we were walking to our car she told us, "I love Santa!"

Thanks to Papa and Abuelita for joining us.

Day before Thanksgiving breakfast

This morning we went for our annual day before Thanksgiving breakfast at the Golden Egg Omelet House.

We had a great breakfast and a good time with family.

I love this tradition.

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Callahan!

Saturday November 19

Yesterday evening Doug and I attended the wedding of Chad & Chantel at Wiens Family Cellars in Temecula.

It was a beautiful wedding and lucky for them the rain held off until we were on our way home.

We got there a little early so we did some tasting with Gary and Bev.

The beautiful ceremony site.

Chantel's father passed away when she was just 3 years old so his father walked her down the aisle.

It was a very sweet moment for grandpa and his grand daughter.

We couldn't let the night go by without a picture of all of us old ladies. :)

Rhonda - Miss Esco 1995, Me - Miss Esco 2001, Chantel G.- Miss Esco 2003, her sweet husband Chad and Chantel H.- Miss Escondido 1996.

I love that after all of these years we can all still be such great friends.

It was such a fun wedding and so beautiful.

We wish Chad and Chantel a lifetime of happiness!

Thank you to Abuelita for watching our little Emma!

Celebrating with Uncle Andy!

Tonight Doug and Emma went to dinner with Andy and Tami.

They went to celebrate Andy's Birthday (his actual Birthday is tomorrow).

I am so so sad I missed it!

We wish you a very Happy Birthday!

Have fun at Sea World tomorrow!

AJ's Kids Crane

On our drive home from Julian we stopped at Ikea in Mission Valley for the annual AJ's Kids Crane. We go and take toys every year.

This is AJ's 10th year! He is staying up in the crane until he raises 100,000 toys for Rady Children's Hospital.

We waited in long lines, but it was worth it because we all got Legoland tickets.

Emma made a special trip to the store with me to pick out all of the toys this year.

She picked out babies, barbies and cars.

Emma was so proud for helping, she said "I take toys for the sick kids and they feel all better."

Julian

Yesterday morning we took a little drive with Abuelita to Julian.

Uncle Omar, Tía Lizzy and JuJu had a trip planned and they invited us along.

With all of the rain and cold weather from the day before we were even lucky enough to have a little snow on the ground.

We picked up some yummy pies to take home.

And of course some cider.

We drove out through Lake Cuyamaca and it was beautiful.

Thanks to Uncle Omar, Tía Lizzy and JuJu for inviting us.

And thanks to Abuelita for coming with us.

We had a great time.