Christmas Performance...

Last Friday we got to go to Miss Emerson's Christmas performance at her

pre-school.  She was so darn cute.  She knew every single song and all the hand motions.

it was so cute when she spotted her cousin Jack in the audience and gave

him a big smile and a wave.

she was so cute when Santa came in.  She doesn't really care for him and

was trying so hard not to cry.  We were so proud of her.

proud parents

Emme and her BFF, Luca Bella

Mrs. Smith and her sweet little class.

so glad that we were able to be here for this.

We love you Emme!

Oh Christmas Tree, 2014 edition...

One of our family traditions is the decorating of the 

tree at the MH.

Our tree here is just a smallish, artificial tree with multi-colored lights.

What makes it so special is that it's decorated every year by the grands.

All of the ornaments are unbreakable, so there isn't any worry 

about spoiling anything.

We noticed this year that now the tree is decorated all the way to the

top because the kids are so much taller, they can go all the way up.

Emme got to help poppa put on his "cherished Mexican (ugly) ornament"

it was Laurens turn to put the star on the top...they take turns every year.

these four are the most cherished things of all

(yes, even Chloe got into the picture)

We love this four and love this tradition.

Up On A House Top...

Grey and Emme decorated  gingerbread houses the other night.

Quite a lot of work went into these creations...

all by themselves.  Miss Emme even told her parents to leave

them alone!

they're quite the works of art

and each show the personality of their designer...loads of sweet candy and perfect precision.

and they smell pretty good too!

Polar Express Comes To A9...

Last week we did Close Reading with my very favorite book,

"The Polar Express".

Our homework packet, spelling and Language Arts was all about

the book.

I was surprised how many kids hadn't seen the book or even the movie, so

it was extra special for them.

When we finished on Friday, each of them got their own bell.

I brought in my own Christmas bell and let them ring it.

During the movie we made hot cocoa (you have to have it right?).

Kids were just enthralled with the movie.

After the movie we discussed it and I was surprised how many of them

got the message and said that they just loved it. 

Believe

A Vintage Christmas...

Last Sunday we had lunch with Dave & Iris at "The Alley" 

(my second time in a week!).

During lunch they just happened to ask us if we'd read the paper yet.

Both Terry & I hadn't since we had church.

They told us that there was an article about them in the "Life" section

about their Vintage Christmas collection.

we've been to their house and seen it all set up and it's really something to behold.

I've never seen anything quite like it, except maybe at Rogers Gardens in Newport Beach.

These photos really don't do it justice.

At www.staradvertiser.com, there are 23 pictures of their house...

but it really should be seen in person.

(star advertiser photos)

Yes, that's a real sleigh inside their house!

The tree in the background must be 25 feet tall!

I love that they have a story to tell about all of the ornaments.  It really is

interesting!

Market Day...

yesterday was "Market Day" at Waialua Elementary.

Market Day is held a couple of times a year.  Students can earn "micro money"  (fake)

for good behavior, etc during school. They can then use the micro money to play games

or buy donated treats.

 Grade levels, academies and clubs can sell

items as a fund raiser.  In the past 2nd grade has sold; cotton candy, shave ice, nail

painting, etc.  Yesterday they sold pudding cups and musubi rice. Its great because

families are invited, so it's a real carnival going on!

One of the best fund raisers yesterday, was what the 6th grade did...purchase a piece of duct

tape to tape Mr. Moore (the principal) to the wall.  It was great and I'm sure

they made a lot of money!  The line was so long!

(thanks Kerilynn Pollock and Heidi Luarca for the photos)

I love the look on Reef's face...priceless!

The money made by groups during Market Day is always put to good use.

Buses for field trips have doubled in cost over the last couple of years.

Some groups use the money to help defray the cost of camp, etc.

The kids love Market Day and so the the parents that come.

A Look At Haleiwa Town...

this video was shown on Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaiian Skies.

watching it now makes me realize how much has changed in Haleiwa

since it was made.

One of the best things about it is that our friend, Francis,

is doing some of the narrating.  He really is a wealth of

local history.  

I'm glad this was made, so that we can remember what Haleiwa was all about before

people started to change it.  It was nice to see Aoki's again.