We were so glad to have my parents visit us twice this year! They arrived early enough to enjoy all of the kids CHRISTMAS programs, plays and HONORS AWARDS. Every night we had something to attend during their first week back on Guam.
Morgan called us at the house the day of his awards (yeah... at least he remembered to CALL) We rushed over to the school to cheer and holler for achieving HIGH HONORS (3.5 -3.9 GPA) during his 1st quarter in Middle School! We're so proud of you, Mo! Keep up the great work!
The Middle School had their 1st dance of the year. Turns out that Morgan was voted in his class as one of the top 3 boys - to be named DUKE. Because of this, he wanted to show up and see where he placed. In 6th grade - they're named Duke & Duchess, 7th grade - Prince & Princess, and in 8th grade - King & Queen. Morgan was voted "runner-up" & I love that he just smiled and was happy to be "in the running". I'm not sure if he actually danced at this dance, but I showed up towards the end to snap a few photos of him with his friends and get a little "peek" into my growing boys world. When did he grow up so fast? Every day he's looking more & more like his daddy!
Daniella, along with other 3rd & 4th grade GE (Gifted Education) Students performed a Math Drama with Sherlock Holmes. There was singing and dancing and a lot of memorization & hard work put into this play! Ms. Moore did an awesome job with the kids, as always!
BAND HOLIDAY CONCERT
Morgan has learned a new instrument this year - the alto SAXOPHONE! It's his first year in beginning band and we were all very impressed with their Holiday performance! "Santa" Hats off to an awesome band teacher - Mrs. Goldhorn (don't you love her name?) I'm always amazed how teachers can pull all these kids together - and make it look so effortless!
RYAN w/ MomMom & PopPop
Ryan ended our week with his performance in the 4th grade Choir. Ryan loves the stage and singing and performing... so it was no surprise that he came out as SANTA in one of the songs... skinniest Santa I've ever known, that's for sure! :-)
Once again - another wonderful and fun-filled program. Ms. Mansell out-did herself and it was so neat to see all the hard work turn into a fantastic performance!
We even enjoyed a fantastic musical performance at the Harvest Life Center. All these awesome performances truly put us in the HOLIDAY SPIRIT!
PopPop & Dale, along with 2 other men - sang a few quartets for church service at Agana Heights SDA Church. While the kids sang and also played their recorders for the CHRISTMAS PROGRAM!
Mia wanted me to take all these photos of her by the tree. She stood by it and said, "Mommy, picture me" As if she doesn't have enough photos! I love digital cameras and being able to snap as many photos my little heart desires!!!
My mom's sister, Ruthie Ranchez or better known as Lola "Roofy" (as Mia pronounces it) arrived on GUAM to visit with us before heading to her conference in the Philippines. What a great treat to have her for the holidays and spend some time with her.
Our neighbors - Pame & Jason are always ready to take the kids on an adventure! We love that our kids have them in their lives! Such GREAT fun role models! Jason also grew up in a Navy family and one of 4 kids - so he can truly relate to our kiddos! As you can see from the photos above - the adventure was to the waterfalls... and then a quick hike to the red mud pits! Imagine the fun I have doing laundry for my Guam Aborigines! The other day, Pame took Daniella on a bike ride (on Dani's new bike from PopPop for Christmas) and they chased a wild boar around the golf course in our backyard. LeoPalace is just one big natural playground for our kids!
My bro - LEN got snowed in and had to wait a few days to leave Philly due to cancelled flights and blizzards on the East Coast. We were all so excited when he finally arrived (2 days later). We all had to greet him at the airport.
With only 2 full days with Len - we spent the day before Christmas playing in the water & on the water at the always fun ABC - Alupang Beach Club, thanks to our wonderful friends Carmen & Steve! The day started off cloudy & rainy...but by the time we got there - the day started to clear and it turned out to be a great time! We jet-skiied, kayaked, dolphin watched, fished, parasailed & rode the banana boat. Amazingly, with the clouds hiding the sun - we actually felt a bit chilled on GUAM! *smile*
S I S T E R S
CHRISTMAS LUNCH with my Parents, my bro - LEN, Auntie Ruth, the Hwangs & the Hyatts. A fantastic spread of delicious food prepared by my mom &auntie "Roofy"! Yummm! What a gift to not have to cook!! THANKS Mom & Auntie Ruthie!
... Christmas Day ended with more friends (Lee's & Mercado's) & visiting family members (Gemma's parents, 2 brothers & their families) join us for desserts, fellowship... a little Beatles Rock Band - and by sundown we were all singing & Praising God for another wonderful Christmas with family worship.
