"Thanksgiving in Utah"

We love spending holidays in Utah! It's so nice to be in a state that has all seasons. We even got a little snow while we were there. But, the leaves are what kept Grandpa and Payton busy. She was his little helper racking up all those beautiful orange and red leaves. Being with the family was great. The kids enjoyed spending all their time with their cousins. The family planned all sorts of fun things to do while we visited. We went to the Dinosaur Museum for the first time. There was so much to do there. The kids loved all the hands on exhibits and seeing all the large models of the dinosaurs. We also made a stop at our favorite hot dog stand- Jay Dawgs! Only it's not a stand anymore, they expanded and took over the pizza joint next door. Now we can eat our hot dogs while we stay warm! What is a trip to Utah with out getting some shots from Grandma. Payton and I were the only ones brave (and smart) enough to do it. We also took R.J. to do baptisms for the dead at the Provo Temple. Since he got his limited use recommend he wants to go to as many temples as he can. During our visit grandpa gave R.J. and Madison a music lesson. They really like playing for him. Grandpa was so proud of them and gave the kids his metronome he used to use while they practice. This was a very special gift! He said if they don't practice he will take it back. Rob and I also were able to visit with Grandma Tribe before she passed. It was a special day to be with her. Since the mom needed to be with her mother during this time the kids were put in charge of Thanksgiving Dinner. We had a meeting at Kneader's and planned the menu and what everyone was going to bring. We made the broccoli salad, mac-n-cheese and one of the turkeys. The dinner turned out fabulous and it felt good to do this for the mom. After dinner the kids planned a Thanksgiving play and concert. It was about the Pilgrims coming to America and meeting the Indians. It was adorable. Then R.J. and Madison played "For the Beauty of the Earth" on their instruments. Finally, we went to find some Geo-Caches. We had such a good time in Utah and are so glad we were able to spend all that time together making so many great holiday memories.

"Madison and Mom's First Band Concert"

Madison has developed a new talent. She is now a beautiful clarinet player. She started taking band when she began 6th grade and decided to play the clarinet. She picked up on it very quickly and it came very easy to her. I think piano has really helped her with this new instrument. She was finally able to show off her new talent at her first Band Concert at San Elijo Middle School. All the beginning band students performed all the songs they have learned. My favorite song of the night was "For the Beauty of the Earth". She played amazingly and was not even a little bit nervous. Part of an assignment Madison had from Mr. McGhee was to teach a parent the song "Rock Star" (to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star) on their instrument. Then the parents perform the song they learned at the concert in the Parent Band. And it was my turn. R.J. taught Rob when he was in 6th grade so, Madison taught me! I had a hard time with correctly putting my mouth on the reed. My mouth was exhausted just playing the song once through.I even broke one of her reeds. But, she was an excellent teacher and was very patient with me. So, after Madison's spectacular performance it was time for the Parents to

perform. We all went on stage and all the parents put on their "cool" sunglasses and played "Rock Star". I felt like a rock star, even though I did mess up a few times. I am so glad that Madison and I could

share this moment together. I guess Rob and I will flip a coin to see who Payton gets to teach!

"Winter Court of Honor"

Every six months our ward holds a Court of Honor for the scouts. The court of Honor is a ceremony in which ranks and other awards are presented to the scouts who earned them. R.J. was asked to say the Scout Promise for the ceremony. He did a great job and said it perfectly without any mistakes. The part of the program everyone looks forward to is the presentation of the "Life Scout" award. The board picks one scout who has earned the most rank advancements and merit badges to receive the award. No one knows till the announcement of the award who is going to get it. It's kind of a "friendly" competition between the boys, they all try

to earn the most to be the recipient of this award. Well, R.J. earned the the Life Scout this time. He was so excited and proud. With

the coveted award he also got a Brand new sleeping

bag and camping stove. As parents we

couldn't be more happier with R.J. He is going to be an Eagle Scout in no time with the pace he's going!

"I Left My Heart..."

I left my heart in San Francisco!  I love that city, a lot of memories have been made there.  It is the city where Rob and I fell in love.  We have been back to Northern California many times but, this time we returned as tourists!  We acted as if it were the first time we have ever set eyes on all their beautiful sights.  I let my camera hang around my neck the whole trip proudly.  We were invited to a surprise retirement party for our dear friend Tom Bacciocco, and Rob decided to turn the trip into a gettaway for us too.  We spent two glorious nights at the Mark Hopkins Hotel in Nob Hill, right near the heart of the city, Union Square.  We were able to fit in all of our favorite spots, restaurants and even do some shopping!

Just the architecture alone leaves you in awe.  I love the old charm of the Victorians that line the steep streets.  And each beautiful building has it's own historical story.  Staying true to tourist form, the first day we walked every where or used public transportation.  Even when it rained!  

The Coit Tower and Transamerica Building,

two of the many symbols of San Francisco.

Lombard Street

The roadway has eight sharp turns that have earned the street the distinction of being "the crookedest street in the world." This day we did rent the tiniest car to get around because, you can't come to San Francisco without actually driving down this street!  

The food in San Francisco is to die for.  You could probably eat on every corner and be very satisfied.  We had to grab at least one slice of pizza at Blondie's.  I am telling you, it's all about their crust!  We also chowed down on Chinese food down in China Town.  I don't remember the name, but it doesn't matter.  Pretty much every place is authentic.  And last but not least, The House of Prime Rib, where they carve your meat for you right at your table.  

They even asked Rob if he wanted seconds!  

Golden Gate Bridge

Rob's Heaven on Earth, Giant's Stadium.  

It was a dark day when he finally sold our season tickets when we moved to San Diego.  He made sure to wear his orange and black shoes to show respect!  We spent a good time here trying to find our Brick out front of the stadium, he made sure to shine it and remove any scuff marks from it.  I think this was Rob's high-light of the whole trip, he was able to stock up on new t-shirts, 

sweat shirts and hats for next season!

Tom Bacciocco's Retirement Party

It was so good to catch up with our friends and celebrate 

Tom's big accomplishment!  Tom is the last person 

I ever thought would retire, he is such a hard worker. 

Hopefully that will leave him more time to play with us!

"The Nuggets"

Sports take up the better part of R.J.'s life and he wouldn't have it any other way. Basketball is the sport he is loving right now. This year R.J. was drafted onto the Nuggets basketball team. He is playing in the A Division (7th & 8th Grades). He's really coming into his own on the court. He's learning to stay under the hoop and grabbing all the rebounds he can get his hands on. He is always one of the tallest boys on the teams. It is amazing to think R.J. has been playing basketball now for about 8 years now. He started when he was 5 years old with the Pee Wee league in Brentwood. He has come along way and it has been great to see his growth and progress. We enjoy watching him to the things he loves.