December 16: Aidan Plays Soccer

Football season is over and soccer is here.  Bill snapped a few actions shots of Aidan on defense.

December 12: THE BEACH!

Yes.  Bill and Griffin went to the beach - several beaches, actually, in December.  It has been really cold for the area but we had a hot spell this weekend and busted out the shorts and swimsuits.  And wetsuit.  The ocean was still really cold, but that never stops Griffin.

December 11: Nonnie and Griffin Make a Gingerbread House

Griffin spent the night at Nonnie's.  They were going to decorate a gingerbread house, read books and watch the Grinch.  But Griffin fell asleep at 7:30!!  So, they did most of those things the next day AND went to the Wild Animal Park. Nonnie also bought a house for Aidan, which he made by himself.  Bill thinks we should set the rats loose on one of the houses and tape it...

December 10: BEST DAY OF THE YEAR! (for Zoey, anyway...)

December 15 was the day we were all looking forward to and possibly dreading as well.  The day Zoey was supposed to hear fro Tufts in regards to her Early Decision application.  The news came early.  On Friday I was at work and answered the phone in my usual manner (Hello, thank you for calling Barnes & Noble Escondido, this is Tanya, how can I help you?)  The next thing I heard was elated screaming.  It only took a second for me to figure out who it was and what she was saying.  Zoey was accepted to Tufts!  I had a silly grin on my face for the rest of the day and had to check myself to keep from crying tears of joy every once in a while.  I'm sure it was the same for Zoey.  We celebrated with Killer Pizza From Mars, brownies and ice cream.  Then we went online and Zoey bought her first Tufts hoodie!!

December 7: Middle School Band Winter Concert

Tuesday night we (me, Bill, Griffin, Liane and my mom) piled into two cars and headed south for Aidan's Winter Concert.  Usually we don't take Griffin to concerts since his attention span peters out quite rapidly, which it did this year as well.  Before needing to leave the theater, Griffin entertained himself by writing all over the program.  Aidan's group played later in the evening and Griffin and Bill were outside for the pieces.  But, it was a lovely evening anyway.

December 5: Apples & Other Natural Occurrences...

Our tree is still making apples!  They don't taste that great, though.  

This is my new favorite dish to make - sauteed greens and heirloom tomatoes tossed with pasta, lots of olive oil, salt, garlic and peppers.

Sunset.

December 5: 25th Annual La Jolla Christmas Parade

Youth Marshalls 2010

This year Zoey was selected to be a Youth Marshall in the La Jolla Christmas Parade.  The LJCDS Madrigals always sing on a float for the parade and we have had fun watching it in the past.  It was very cool to watch Zoey go by on the special float with the other Youth Marshalls this year.  Sadly, I forgot the camera, but some photos and links are below.


<a href="http://lajollalight.com/2010/11/23/la-jolla-christmas-parade-salutes-communitys-youth/"target="_blank">La Jolla Christmas Parade Salutes Community's Youth</a>

Local principals were asked to selected outstanding young people to be honored as youth marshals in the 53rd annual La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival to be held Dec. 5 in downtown La Jolla. The event, which runs down Girard Avenue and then turns down Prospect Street, begins at 2 p.m. A holiday festival follows at the La Jolla Recreation Center.

The “Christmas By the Sea” aquatic-themed event includes marching bands, floats, equestrian units, vintage automobiles and an appearance by Santa Claus capped by a tree-lighting ceremony in front of La Jolla Rec Center.

Here are the Youth Marshals and information on why they were nominated:

• La Jolla Country Day

Zoey Turek, Grade 12

Zoey is a three-year member of the Madrigal Singers, a Glee Club officer and has participated in multiple school musicals. In addition to her musical and theatrical talents, Zoey is a gifted writer. She serves as editor in chief of the student newspaper, “The Palette,” and co-editor in chief of the school yearbook, “L’Esprit.” For the past two years, Zoey has earned the position of co-captain of the Country Day women’s water polo team. In her spare time, Zoey is helping to organize the second Annual Concert for Wishes, benefitting the Make A Wish Foundation of San Diego.