LET IT SNOW!!

The forecast said snow, but we were all doubting it would actually happen since we haven't seen snow here for 10 years! The kids were determined to stay up to wait it out. Zoe and her friend Savannah woke us up at 1am to tell us it was actually SNOWING and they were heading outside. Coop got up too, and we joined the neighbors for some fun snow play outside.

 The snowballs started out small, but got bigger as the night went on. No one was safe from getting hit!

 So crazy to see palm trees and snow!

 Trying to catch the snow in their mouths...

 Just barely getting started...

 Coop was freezing in his sweatshirt, but loving the snowfall...

 The snow was starting to stick on the streets, and we headed back inside about 3am. Coop jumped in a hot bath and the girls made hot chocolate. We went back to sleep, but only for a couple of hours.

We woke up to this beautiful winter wonderland!

It's a good thing we have freeze protect on our pool!

Sweet Zippy was the only dog brave enough for the snow! He was so fascinated, he kept running out and coming back in, and running out again and again.

 Joe and the kids decided to build snowmen...

 Then we went for a walk to explore the ravine and the neighborhood...

 The creek at the bottom was frozen...

 So beautiful!

Later in the afternoon, as our snow was melting, I wanted more! So we packed up our snow gear (which has gotten way too small for the kids!) and drove up towards Idyllwild for some more fun.

We started here, and made it down a few hills. It was pretty worn so we moved on to a new spot.

Just gorgeous!

 So happy in this snow!!!!!

 Kids had a blast creating their own sledding paths.

 Loved the sun shining through, before the snow started falling again!

 

 making a snow angel...

 catching a little air...

 Zoe finished with an epic fail!

 and Coop did one last big run...

 before the sun set behind the mountain.

 As we drove back home it started snowing again. Such a beautiful drive. It was neat to see the snow falling and driving by the mountain homes with their Christmas lights on...the perfect winter scene. It was such a fun and unexpected way to spend the last day of the year!!

Just can't stop...

Zoe decided to go take a class at a studio in Orange County since our studio is closed for the break. With auditions upon us, she wants to stay in shape for January. Miranda decided to meet us there, and the girls had a great master class.

 Zoe also needed pointe shoes, so we made a stop after that for shoes and lunch. The girls decided to do some impromptu hip hop while there. These girls are too much fun!

Laura and I were cracking up watching their attempts, and their fails...

 Zoe, Coop and I spent the rest of the weekend at Mimi and Gramp's house, still helping them pack and move. We got a lot accomplished, and things are coming along. We did break for a bit to have a delicious lunch at Bruxie! Love this place!

Some of the Dunamix girls also decided to take a class in San Diego this week. They followed up with some shopping in La Jolla, and a stop for macarons and Starbucks!

It is also time for audition photos, so they spent an afternoon at the studio working on arabesque shots.

Hopefully the girls will get another class or two in before the break is over. It's nice to be able to have a class here and there, and not dealing with a packed schedule and homework!

Christmas Day 2014

Merry Christmas!
We had excited kids ready to come downstairs this morning. :)

 Cooper is excited about his drum set. He's been asking for one for a couple of years, and we decided to give in. We got him a 3 month rental on it, so we can see if it's something he really wants to do, and if we can find time for lessons!

 Zoe loves her new make up case...perfect for performances.

 They got new iHome clocks/wireless speakers, along with clothes, more Kendama's for Coop, beanies, dance stuff for Zoe, and more.

 Martin came over this morning to join in the fun and share some hot cocoa.

 The dogs loved their new sweaters and treats.

After enjoying breakfast together, the kids went up to see their mini stockings...can't forget those.

Martin helped Cooper set up the drum set in our guest room. I have a feeling I may regret this decision!

 Then we headed to Mimi and Gramp's house for the rest of the day. The house is a little barer than usual, but Mimi managed to still make everything special, and they spoiled us all!

 Lots of dance stuff, and regular clothes, for Zoe...

 and the new Hurley wetsuit Coop's been wanting!

with a few video games (and clothes)...

 we were spoiled as well!

 Cousins...

Earlier in the day, Ambir and Wes gave Cathy and Jeff some big news...

Cathy was overjoyed! I can't wait to have another baby in the family!

We enjoyed a delicious dinner together.

Then we loaded up the car with my parent's grandfather clock. They've had it for 38 years, and it's been an integral part of the memory of my childhood. With their new move, there isn't room in the new house for it, so it's off to my house! I can't wait to hear the chimes in my home. :)

Mimi made the cutest "elf" tree!

With all the changes and craziness, we had such a joyous and special day. It is always nice just to be together and share time, and remember the blessing the Lord gave on this day. "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" II Corinthians 9:15