Tom's Project

Tom and Kelly's violin teacher had a baby and Tom wanted to make her a special gift. He designed this beautiful baby cradle and made it from scratch. As you can see, it turned out perfect.

We sewed this mattress and put the "C" on it for the baby's name, Chloe.

The wood he used is curly maple.  The small piece is mahogany.

The sides are shaped like a violin.

The ends are shaped like a violin bridge.  The rocker was made from old wood Tom had purchased from a violin maker's estate.

The base was pieced together from slats of wood.

Merry Christmas!!!

It was an early Christmas morning for us since Tom had to go into work. We had a yummy breakfast and then opened presents. Later in the day Kelly and I drove down to Coronado to see Tom and enjoy our Christmas meal together.  We also spent the evening with our friends. Although we didn't make it back to PA this year, we're thinking of our family and friends and we miss you all!


We had yummy belgian waffles for breakfast.




Kelly got some great presents.  Thanks to everyone!

Here are a few of the presents we opened.  

Despite the fact that Tom had to work, I am thankful he's here.  Let's keep our military who are separated from family in our thoughts and prayers during this holiday.

Kelly's New Haircut

After 8 years and only a few trims, Kelly took the plunge and had her hair cut quite short.


Here is her "BEFORE" picture. Look how long it was!


Initially, the hairstylist had to cut the hair with the buzzers just to get through it.  She finished with the scissors.


Kelly holding up her long braid.  We are going to send this into Locks of Love.

This is the finished look.  Don't you love it?!?!

Here is what it looks like from the back.  Kelly now has layers!

Calvary Chapel Kids

This morning the kids at our church sang Christmas songs for the congregation.

Happy Birthday Kelly!!!

It was 8 years ago yesterday that the Lord blessed us with Kelly Ann.  Last night we celebrated her birthday with our Friday night crew, the Seling's and Lou.  

Kelly requested apple pie instead of a birthday cake.  I talked her into apple crisp instead.

Kelly shows off her horse sweatshirt from Mom Mom and Pop Pop.

This beautiful sweater came from Mimi.

Mommy and Daddy got Kelly a digital camera and Lou got her the XD card for it.

Aunt JaNel and Uncle Billy sent a history mystery from the American Girls series.

Some cute flower earrings came from the Seling's.

Happy  Birthday, Kelly.  We love you!

Merry Christmas

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I found this funny post on my friend, Amy's blog and thought it was so cute.  I had to add one of me and my buddies, Rebecca and Kristin.  Thanks, Amy!

Annual Holiday Tea Party

Each year we attend a holiday tea party hosted by Kristin's mom, Dara, and her friend, Sherry. This year we went to a tea house in San Juan Capistrano.

Kelly stirs her ginger peach tea.

Emma, Annie and Kelly pose in the backyard.

Rebecca, Mandi and Kristin

Saturday night was our married couples progressive dinner and white elephant gift exchange. We got some nice photo coasters, but they were stolen!  Here's what we ended up with.

Our Trip to Yosemite

We decided to visit Yosemite on a whim. On Thanksgiving morning we packed up our truck and headed north. We arrived in Yosemite around 3pm and went for a quick hike before setting up camp. It was booked, but we were fortunate enough to get a site without reservations. We left on Friday evening around 7pm and got home on Sat. at 2am. It was a brief, yet fun trip.


Here we are at the bridge where you can see the Vernal Falls. It's another mile up to the top of the falls.


We hiked all day long on Friday. This was one of the stops we made along the way.


This is the Mist Trail that leads up to Vernal Falls. We're almost to the top!


Kelly and I posed for a picture with Nevada Falls in the background.


Kelly was such a trooper during the hike. She did a fabulous job keeping up with Mom and Dad. Daddy was kind enough to carry Kelly for a few miles!


Here are some pictures of the beautiful scenery.

Knotts Berry Farm

On Saturday we visited Knott's Berry Farm. Every November they have a special promotion in which veterans and one family member get free admission. Six more guests are admitted for a small fee. We had a great time and were pooped at the end of the day.


Kelly and Mandi rest at the entrance to Camp Snoopy.


Tom and Kelly enjoyed a ride on the ferris wheel after waiting in line almost an hour. We also rode the swings, a train and a coal mine cart.


Kelly panned for gold and took home a few nuggets in her bottle. Our friends from church gave her that cute shirt she's wearing.



There was a real steam engine train that we rode around the park.


This isn't something you see too often these days, especially at an amusement park. The entire park was already decorated for Christmas.


Tom and Kelly said hi to the Snoopy gang before we left the park.