Corcoran or BUST...

Avery and i took a little girls-only road trip a few days after Christmas to visit my college friend, Rochelle and her girls.

Rochelle lives in Corcoran, which is known as the Farming Capital of California (or is also known for its high profile prison where Manson resides). But it is beeeeautiful.

Avery and Bailey (also 4) got right into the swing of typical girl behavior with their matching headbands...

I got to meet a few of Rochelle's friends and their kids. We had a gift exchange/ playdate in her friend's fabulous backyard.

Rochelle and her husand Troy own a pizza store where the motto is so CLEVER...as you can see by the door to the joint...

The girls couldn't get enough of dressing up and playing with babies...

There was no question when it came to what to do for dinner: MAKE PIZZAS!

Rochelle's youngest cutie, Gracie.

And this is what happens when you turn your back on a 21 month old while helping 4 years olds make pizza:

The finished products: Yum!

At the end of the trip, Rochelle and I realized we hadn't taken any pictures together. I did take a few of her to use as profile pictures on her NEW BLOG! You can click to see it here: just around the bend

Isn't she purdy? I am lookin forward to having a new blog buddy, and keeping updated with her day to day.

It is amazing how so much time can pass yet, with old friends it is as if you were just together yesterday. Like an old pair of your favorite jeans, right?

doll making

For Christmas, Avery was given this doll making kit from our next door neighbor Sofia... Dusan was the brave soul who took on the responsibility of creating the doll with Avery today. (Notice the words on the box: Easy-to-do)

Avery had it in her head that the doll was going to look just like the one on the package. It did not exactly turn out that way. Dusan wasn't sure how to braid.
This sums up Avery's expression when seeing "Daddy's braids"...to quote her exactly, "What in the heck in the world is that dad?"

Here are the finished results of "Selena" the fairy doll:

And the winner of "Most Patience" goes to DADDY!!

Merry Christmas to all...

...and to all a good night.

ohhhh a caroling we will go...

On Sunday night, we hosted our 6th annual Christmas caroling party. Family, friends, and neighbors joined in the fun of singing door to door.


After we returned from caroling, a special guest knocked on our front door... Santa himself!

Santa took time out to talk to every single child to make sure he had their lists just right! Santa is the best listener!

Hunter stayed consistent with his gentle request of a Wii.

Avery, wanting the doll house married couple?

Davin, getting in that last plea for his G.I. Joe guys...

And some adults had a few wishes to be shared....

Cousin Adam, so thirsty after trying to explain why his name had appeared on the naughty list this year.

Cousin Tony knows he is never too old to talk to the big man.


As busy as this time of year can be, it was fun to gather to enjoy a spirited evening of songs and good cheer.

Old Towne Orange

Playing around with dad's new camera...some of my favorites...







What a difference a good camera makes...

Children's Center Christmas Show

Avery was especially excited about her program this year. She had been singing the songs in the shower endlessly leading up to the big night.

Zoe is often a dinner time topic in our house. She and Avery have a great time each day in class together.

Here are Tess, Karissa, Zoe, & Avery. Cute picture of the 4 girls...

too bad I cut Avery off a bit.

Avery really new her lyrics this year. She was into it!

She was so proud to show all of us her classroom after the program.

She got to take home her self-made nativity set which was constructed out of toilet paper rolls and paint...so kid-friendly. I love it.