footBOWL

Hunter's first season of tackle football came to an end over a week ago in Murrieta.  His team, the La Mirada Titans played agains the Mexicali Zorros.  Even with a language barrier, these boys played their hearts out and most importantly showed the guest team what true sportsmanship is all about.

We will always look back on this first season with fond memories.
I have a feeling it won't be his last.

The friendships:

The number:

The fans:

the excitement:

the life lessons learned:

the coaches:

We are so proud of our football guy.

all mine.

disheveled

The end of football season for 2 of us.  The end of winter baseball for 1.  The start of flag football for 3 of us.  And in the thick of holiday card photo session season has left me feeling spread thin.  Lots of editing to be done as the house falls apart around me.  December is approaching and I will close up shop for the month and just enjoy.

We'll adjust and catch up.  We always do.

tonight's the night.

Mid-week night practice. 

Villa Park is preparing to take on the Tustin Tillers tonight in Round 2 of CIF playoffs.  Tustin ended the Spartans season last year.  Tustin is Dusan's alma mater.  Villa Park is 11-0.  These facts combined will make winning that much sweeter.  This is THE year.  We need to WIN.  I'm so nervous I can hardly take a deep breath. 

We can do this.  Go Spartans. 

blessed and thankful

not bad for a self-timer pic in the backyard on our way out the door to Grammy's for Thanksgiving dinner.  and all 3 dogs??  minor miracle.

might just throw a stamp on it and call it Christmas!

recap and a gig

week at a glance: Gram turned 88.  We celebrated with games, Costco pizza, and carrot cake cupcakes.  Dusan's team went 10-0...hi ho hi ho its off to CIF playoffs we go.  Avery got a gig.  A cute one.  Today my mom and I took Avery to Pasadena to "try on" a line of children's boutique clothing and take pictures with a few other adorable kiddos.  I was giddy that the pictures were done by Madison Ave Photography.  Amazing, simple amazing.  I managed to sneak a few shots of my own here and there...

Avery did great.  She was herself.  Who could ask for more.

Do I want her to be a model? no.  We don't even make mention of the word.  Would I like her to have her pictures taken in exchange for beautiful images by an amazing photographer and sometimes some new clothes?  absolutely. 

My scavenger had a little time for creativity in between shoots:  just plain Avery.

I can't wait to see what the real photographer came up with...

at the end of her rope

her latest craze: my silly girl.

winningest

My father in law is retiring as the winningest high school football coach for the state of California.  Yep, he has truly earned that title with over 360 wins to his credit and thousands of athletes who can attest to his greatness.  On Friday we attended a pep rally at St. Paul High School in his honor just before going to the last home game of his career.  Isn't he handsome?

when dad does the shopping

the Target list:

 the loot:

his defense: they were on clearance.

UCLA vs. Cal

85 degrees at The Rose Bowl in October surrounded by family... the perfect day.

costume craze

A week's worth of festivities...

 I had an opportunity to be the Fortune Teller at my school carnival last week.  I think I've found my true calling...  Avery came along dressed as a "kitty cat cowgirl".

 Avery and her buddy Ryan dressed up as Jack & Annie from the Magic Tree House series of books... Revolutionary War period to be exact.

Hunter was determined to be scary this year.  I was just glad he is still a participant...

 Davin who refused to break character... my gorilla (thanks to Aunt Mari) Oh SO scary.

As you might be... we are all suffering from severe sugar hangovers today.