November

Once Halloween excitement had passed, we started focusing on Thanksgiving and even Christmas anticipation. We had a "steak sunday" at Grancy and Papa's where the kids all played and we got to meet the new Fisher baby, Reese. She is so beautiful and small, Hunter and Skyler both loved giving her hugs and kisses.

The following weekend Hunter and I went with Oma and Opa, Andrew and Grandma Converse to see the high school production of  The Wizard of Oz. Hunter liked it but he is still not quite capable of sitting still very long. Skyler spent that day having some fun girl time with Nana. 

Chase and I both had a really busy work month, he had very few days off and so we really spent some quality time when we had the chance. One day we went to the skate park where he and Hunter rode their bikes and skateboard. Another day we spent with Nana and Tom at the clubhouse for a pre-Thanksgiving potluck followed by darts, of course. The following day Hunter and Skyler helped Chase put up the Christmas lights, it felt a little wrong doing it before Thanksgiving, but we figured we better do it while he has the chance.

Then on Thanksgiving day we started back at Nana and Tom's for breakfast and Chase put up Grandpa Gene's Christmas lights.  After that we went to Aunt Donna's place in Marina Del Rey and had a beautiful dinner, as usual and loved spending the time with Grancy and Papa, Grandma Gigi,  and more family.

On "Black Friday" we went down to good old Costco, (in the rain!) and picked up the biggest, most beautiful tree we've ever had. It was so big the stump didn't even fit in our tree stand, but Chase figured out a way to shove it in eventually. We spent the day decorating it and listening to Christmas music. This is always one of my favorite days of the year.  Especially now that the kids are getting older and really can appreciate the excitement of the season. 

Hunter is very excited to go see Santa soon so that he can tell him what he wants for Christmas this year- The North Pole Express!!! and to tell him that his sister would really like a kitchen. We have shopped all around and he is sure that is what he wants the most. But he is a little worried that Santa wont be able to fit Skyler's kitchen down the chimney ;) Can't wait to soak up every minute of this next month ahead. 

October

Chase's beautiful cousin, Stacey married Josh Slater this month on the 13th at a gorgeous ceremony at La Quinta Resort near Palm Springs. Hunter made a great ring bearer this time and happily walked all the way down the aisle with a smile. Maybe it had something to do with holding the pretty flower girl's hand? ;) We spent the whole weekend playing and enjoyed every minute with the extended family. We all had a great time.

I was lucky enough to have a girls day with my besties this month, we decided to go kayaking at the La Jolla Coves. It's always fun being together whatever we do but I always love an adventure.

On the 26th, my cousin Jessie and her husband, Wilber welcomed their son, Max into the world. The kids and I were able to go visit him and the happy parents in the hospital. Another beautiful addition to our family and Hunter can't wait for him to get big enough to play with :)

In preparation for Halloween, we went to Knott's- Campy Spooky and also the pumpkin patch near our house. The kids both love dressing up and, of course, all the candy. 

Hunter's preschool class had another Halloween party, parade and pinata. So cute to see all the excitement.

And then, of course, was the big day. Nana came over for dinner and pictures before we headed out trick or treating with some friends in our neighborhood. Chase made it home from work just in time and  the kids loved racing from house to house to get MORE CANDY! We had a few sugar induced meltdowns and Skyler was determined to walk by herself and hold her Mickey Mouse treat container with no help from anyone. She is very independent this month apparently. But overall it was a great experience and we can't wait to do it again next year.

September

Hunter and Chase have been making good use of their new bikes on and off the race track. Its such a good way to spend time together and get some great exercise. But to them, its the ultimate way to have fun.

On the 7th, we went down to San Diego to spend the day with Great Grandma Opfer for her 82nd birthday. And also cousin Chelsea for her 2nd. We had some good food on the beach and just enjoyed each others company.

The following week, we had Vicki and Tom over for her birthday dinner which ended in a hilarious whipped cream food fight. Happy birthday Nana!

Chase had a vasectomy on the 20th and needed to stay off of his feet for a few days. So the kids and I headed to the LA County Fair with my parents and Grandma Converse. Hunter chose to ride the big slide and bumper cars. We went to feed the animals and, of course, see the trains. Skyler loved all the lights and sounds and even though it was the most crowded we've ever seen it, we all had a great time.

We celebrated 2 more birthdays this month, Great Grandma MaryLou (Gigi) at Tokyo Wako in Long Beach. It was nice to be with the family and the kids loved freaking out over the fire show in front of them while the chef cooked the food.

And then we celebrated Great Grandpa Gene's birthday at Ted and Terri's house in Riverside. We had some great Mexican food and finally got to meet new little cousin, Madison.