Christmas Photos and Music Programs 2015

 My beautiful cousin Stephanie Hitchins came to California from Arizona to do a few photo shoots. It just happen to work out that she was doing a photo shoot at the LA Arboretum on a day when my kids didn't have any activities and we could meet there to do a quick family photo shoot. She did such a good job of capturing out personalities. Here are just a few, edited, unedited, and screen shots. Enjoy!

This past year of music and school kind of threw me through a loop. Naomi picked up Violin at school and worked her way to first chair. This photo was from her Christmas performance at Clifton Jr High.

 Audrey, as you know started Mandarin Immersion at Plymouth Elementary. This is her Christmas program singing Mandarin songs.

Heidi with Santa and Her 9th Birthday 2015

The Monrovia Ward Christmas party is lucky to be one of Santa's photo stops. Heidi was all over it. Audrey not so much. Audrey wouldn't go anywhere near him. But Heidi was not shy in telling him what she wanted for Christmas.

This is at her school christmas gift shop. "Mom take a picture of me by this fireplace. Sitting like this." 

American Girl Doll store at the Grove in Los Angeles. We peaked in to see Santa in his workshop.

Second stop after Santa was the American Girl Doll Store. We love bringing our dolls here to walk around and see what cloths and accessories there are that go with our girls dolls. Heidi got a real Julie doll for her birthday. She had a Madame Alexander Doll that we named the Julie doll, but Naomi spoiled it one day by telling Heidi it wasn't a real doll. So she finally got a real one on this morning.

 Having lunch at the food court, or Farmers Market, at the Grove. I brought all our food and cupcakes.

Dillon candy shop really is Heidi's dream come true. I let her roam the store and choose what she wanted, after having sugary cupcakes. Not a usual thing I allow, but it was her birthday!

 "Hey mom?! Take a picture of me like this."

 Heidi and Caitlyn holding hands as we left.               William and Audrey holding hands as we left.

Audrey's Kindergarten Mandarin Program 2015-2016

Audrey's first year of Mandarin Immersion was quite a rough one... for me mostly. Ha! But in moments like below, it made the frustration and confusion on my end a lot more bearable. Music makes learning more exciting. I have a hard time memorizing poems or speeches. But learning a song helps you remember and understand what you are memorizing. This little show was just for the parents. 

Audrey is on the far left front row.

                                                  Mr Cook!

In the foreground is Ms. Boyle, the other TK and Kindergarten Immersion teacher. This was about a month before she went on maternity leave.

                            Audrey is the blonde front and center with the furry vest. Enjoy!