Christmas Eve with Grandma Downey

We had a yummy meal with Grandma Downey...not the traditional Christmas Eve meal you would have...she decided to do something a little different. So we feasted on lobster. It was so good. We also had fruit salad, potatoes, sparkling cider, etc.

We helped decorate the Christmas tree and were able to watch a Christmas video, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was nice to enjoy a quiet evening with Kathy and enjoy the warmth from the fire going in the fireplace while sipping warm apple cider.

Downey Fam Reunion in Orlando, Florida

We had a very fun-filled Thanksgiving week in Florida. We enjoyed our time hanging out together, playing Wii, watching movies, shopping at the Outlet mall, playing games, swimming, the guys golfing, going to Magic Kingdom and Disney Hollywood Studios.

It was nice that the whole family was able to get together. The cousins also had a great time hanging out with each other. Jed was able to hang out with all the cousins that were around his age. We ate Thanksgiving dinner the night before Thanksgiving and then we all headed to Magic Kingdom on Thanksgiving Day.

These are just a few of the pictures that were taken on the trip. There would be way too many pictures if I added them all. But as you can see we had a great time!

NYS Soccer Stars

"Soccer Stars" was the voted name for this season. Jed was playing soccer again and loving it. I have to say that there were way too many kids on the team this season...15! They could have split our group into two teams. Oh well! The kids still had fun even though they really didn't get that much playing time.

Jed got to be on the same team with his good friend and our neighbor, Derrick. They had a fun time playing soccer together. Derrick's mom, Julie, and I made a cool banner that we would put up at each game. The kids really liked it. (They better...we worked hard on it.)

Anyway, the last game of the season ended up being cancelled due to the weather so we had to pass out trophies at I-Hop. It ended up being fun and we all enjoyed eating breakfast and passing out trophies and team pictures there. Next season I think we are going to AYSO so Jed can play soccer closer to home and be on the same team with kids from his school.

HALLOWEEN

We had a great time this year trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. Grandma and Grandpa Downey came over along with Aunt Shannon, Miles, and Ellie. The Ryans also came over to go trick-or-treating. Our whole neighborhood was packed. I ran out of candy by 7:15pm. I know I at least handed out candy to 150 kids. Crazy! But it was a fun time. I guess I better be more prepared for next Halloween!!!

Pictures below include: Grandma and Grandpa Downey, Aunt Shannon, Miles, Ellie, Jackson Ryan, Ruby Ryan, our neighbors, Keira and Ronan, and Natalia and Ariana.

West Hills Ward Trunk or Treat

We went to the annual ward trunk or treat. The kids had a fun time playing games inside and then going from car to car collecting candy. I had on my usual witch cape and hat and added the nose this year. And I added my new candles from Tai Pan that remind me of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. Jed was a skeleton pirate and wanted to help pass out the candy once he finished going to all the cars.

Grandma Downey came with Aunt Shannon and cousins Miles and Ellie. They all had a fun time and Jed enjoyed having his cousins around that he doesn't get to see that much.

Happy 35th Birthday Mike!

So...I talked Mike into going to the "Happiest Place on Earth" for his birthday. I thought it would be a great idea for Jed and I to use our passes and Mike would get in free. We had a fun time and we didn't have to stay the whole entire day. I think Mike enjoyed the fact that he was with the family...he would rather go to Magic Mtn. Jed was able to do the Jedi Training. Mike thought that was hilarious. It was a much needed trip since we have hardly had time to do much as a family lately.

My Grandpa RULES!

I had Jed wear this t-shirt when he saw his Grandpa Borg. They were visiting from Utah for the mission farewells and so Jed surprised his grandpa by wearing this t-shirt. This shirt also applies for his Grandpa Downey as well!!!

Missionary Farewells...

Joel with the mission president and his wife

Amanda with the mission president and his wife

Jed eating some delicious Mexican and Armenian food at the good-bye party the night before the farewells.

Family also enjoying the wonderful food and desserts

Family Picture at the farewell

Jed and his cousin, Joey, at the farewell

Both my nephew, Joel, and my niece, Amanda, had their missionary farewells together. Joel is serving in the Dominican Republic and Amanda is serving in Armenia (where my mom's family is from).

If you would like to see updates and read letters they have sent go to: www.beansriceandkufta.blogspot.com

They are both doing great and are loving their missions. Joel entered the MTC (Mission Training Center) three weeks before Amanda did and they were able to see each other the night before Joel was leaving for the Dominican Republic. Amanda left for Armenia right around Christmas time.

Birthday Party for Giana

Jed was invited to my friend's daughter's first birthday party. They had a magician there and Jed was always raising his hand to participate. I had to take this picture of him because he looked hilarious. He looks like he should be in the movie, "Aladdin." He's a crack-up.