Rancho Los Alamitos

This fun group of kids took an outing together to visit a historical place right down the street from our house.  It is called "Rancho Los Alamitos".  We spent an hour touring the restored barn, grounds and wonderful gardens for FREE!  This shire horse (Valentina) gave birth in June to a colt named Preston (not seen very well).  He weighed 180 pounds and now exceeds 400; talk about rapid growth.

 The rabbits were a hit and have names such as Patches, Duchess and Petey (looks just like our Puffball, but is a lop)

 Ducks that lay eggs (we felt the eggs)

 Several chickens (including these rescued ones that were forced fed  for eating).  We also saw their eggs.

 These horses we were able to pet.  They came over and wanted attention.

It was a gnarly experience (sorry for the pun).  So impressed by the gardens; I forgot to take pictures.  We ended our hot (literally in this heat) time with Slurpees from 7-11.
The docents were all patient with the million questions that were being asked.  If you need something to do in Long Beach...

Frustrated by Technology

I am excited to have so many gadgets to be let down that they won't play well together.  Since my blog is under a different e-mail/user name than my Google account...it won't sync with the photos on my phone.  It is supposed to be easy.  Yeah right!

Brooke's blossoming Writing Talent

I love how at barely age 8, she is not slowed down by spelling.  It is encouraging that only 3-4 sentences were required and she kept going.  When I questioned her about the length, she told me that her teacher says to give plenty of details.  Do you think she did?

I hope you are able to enlarge this scan of her writing like I can...

Giving my heart away...nope giving my hair

Before

On Feb. 7th, she cut off 9 inches to be donated and then they styled (textured) and colored my hair.

After shots

Feeling a little dizzy with such a light head!  Not to be confused with just air up there :)

A visit to the Symphony...not quite yet

Sage and Libby were scheduled to go the a symphony performance today.  This is very special at their school because they ride a bus and get to wear fancy clothes (special since they normally wear uniforms).  They prepared the night before and woke up early to make sure they looked their best.  I drove them to school instead of the usual bike riding.  Well, the bus didn't come because the office had made a mistake and the symphony is tomorrow!  150 5th graders will be dressing up again TOMORROW!  

This hair (all of this thick hair took 45 minutes to straighten and then curl) do was a first today :)

Merry Christmas Everyone!

 Our Family would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas!  

First Day of School 2011

No more uniforms for Perry.  He is attending Polytechnic High School in Long Beach.  The PACE program that he was accepted into only takes the top scoring 5% of the district.  He is playing water polo for them as well. Seminary starts next week.  He will be away from home about 12 hours per day during the week.

 Libby is entering 5th grade with Mrs. Turein and her best friend Caroline is in her class. She is doing well at the piano and even beginning on the flute for the past year.

 Brooke is entering 2nd grade with Mrs. Keltner.  She still gets very nervous and tells me I should home school her.  hmmmmmmm

 Sage is entering 5th grade with Mrs. Johnson.  She had this same teacher for 3rd grade and is very excited to be with many of her friends...some have been together in the same classes for the past 5 years!

 Brooke (middle with head band) walking into her bungalow with air conditioning.  It was 98 degrees today in Long Beach.  Lucky girl...

I started back at Rainbow preschool for the 4th year.  Lee started back at Pierce College last week.  Puffball started coming into the house yesterday.  Looking forward to a great school year.

Libby's new hair style

In addition to having a new style of hair with the swept over bangs, she will never need to wear lipstick!  Her rosy lips are natural, but look like I put lipstick on her for the photos.  Libby is very excited for school to start and just found out that one of her favorite friends will be in her same class this year.

New Rabbit in the House

Everyone at our house is loving and adoring this rabbit.  It came to us through Lee's sister.  He has beautiful blue eyes and brown eyeliner around them.  Loves carrots and grass!  The kids can't keep their hands off of him.  He has been getting plenty of exercise.  This video was to show off his ability to do tricks!

Awards

Libby and Sage both earned an award for Outstanding Academic Excellence that was was awarded through the President of the United States education awards program.  They were also both on the Principal's honor roll.  I believe their report cards will show top marks for the entire year. Way to go girls!

for the past 3 years i have spent time working at rainbow preschool.  several of the kids are moving on to kindergarten in the fall.  i have loved teaching them and have loved watching them grow

Sage turned 10!

Sage planned a small pool party for 6 of her friends...keeping it small this year! She received many wonderful gifts at the party as well as all week from family. She started her birthday celebrations last Wednesday with me at Knott's, dinner with Grandpa Reynolds, dinner with Gma and Gpa Ludloff, shopping with Gma and me and me again...I'm tired, but very excited for her...she has many hobbies. Making jewelry is at the top of her list right now, but she also makes cards.

caterpillars and butterflies

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1650983750547

Hopefully, you can view the videos. I entered them as links and I don't see anything except the one I pasted

Family Dog went to heaven

Zeus left our home on April 1st and I still can't write about it. I will need to edit later.

Famous!

Presenting at a conference out in Palm Springs: Libby and Sage!

They had the privilege to show off videos created in their classroom by students to many educators and even the talked to California's State Superintendent of Public Instruction from the department of Education, Tom Torlakson. The girls were well prepared to speak to him. What an honor! He really liked what was going on at our school.

Brooke came with Lee and I to tour the exhibit hall. She got a lot of attention as vendors wanted her to try out their new toys. Lots of touch screens and SMART technology. She was given many freebies, including a shirt!

Note to self: love your children, but don't drive to PS and back in the same day. Then attend a performance of Grease in the same night. Makes for a headache for sure!

The Gap

Our baby lost both of her front teeth this weekend! The first one was on the way up to Running Springs to visit some friends. She took a drink of water and there it was. The second tooth was lost this morning when she sneezed and out it came...no blood. She has been wiggling forever, so at age 7 and 3 months, Brooke lost her 3rd and 4th tooth.

She is very happy with her new smile!

Update on Grandpa Reynolds

My Dad is doing much better. He is now out of the hospital and staying with my Aunt and Uncle (saints of the the most high). The surgery went well according to the doctors. Thankfully, my Dad received a blessing by my uncle and cousin before surgery...I know that is what helped him come out without his mouth wired shut for the next 6 weeks. Instead they put plates in his cheek area. He still has quite a bit of swelling, especially since I understand they went through his nose to perform the surgery. I have included a picture of his 1971 Ranchero (what is left of it) and the pole he hit.

Merry Christmas 2010!

You are not the only one that didn't get a card from us this year. I am sorry, but it just didn't happen. We still love you all and want to wish you all good tidings. We have done many wonderful activities surrounding the birth of our Savior. Christmas parties, singing in concerts and caroling last night with 5 local missionaries.

We are happy spending time with loved ones and opening presents, but this time of year has also brought us stressful times. Libby has become ill and my dad was missing! Yes, I couldn't find my Dad and it became an emotional roller coaster until a hospital called me. It turns out he had been in a car accident on the 22nd less than 3 hours after I had been with him. His car does not have an airbag, so when his face hit the steering wheel, he sustained multiple fractures to his face, including the jaw. I finally was able to visit him today after he experienced moving hospitals and floors twice. He is a stubborn man (his own words) and is refusing pain meds. We are all praying for him and we know that this will all pass.

On a better note, we have experienced prosperity this year and feel very loved by each of you. Thank you for your love.

sewing with Grandma Suzette

Here are some outfits that have been sewn with left over material from other projects. Cute little apron and hat too!