December

                               Isaac's band concert.  We couldn't see him at all while the band played since he was in the very back but they let us sneak up to get a few pictures before it started.  He also played a solo.  He got to pick the song and played the Spiderman theme.  During their solo they came to the front of the stage in front of the band, introduced them self and the name of their piece.   He did a great job and didn't even seem nervous!  I don't have a picture of him soloing because I was video taping.

The Christmas books come out.  As good as a trip to the library!

Isaac's team won their soccer division in the fall and were finally awarded trophies.  His coach had said at the beginning of the year they weren't getting trophies for just playing.  If they won they'd get trophies and they did!

Holiday baking and two little helper elves

Meeting Santa at our ward Christmas party

Brett was funny because the whole time he was talking to Santa he was playing with Santa's beard.

Curt was out of town for our ward party.  I managed to get us all there (sans makeup--Jan don't put this one on your blog!) because Santa was very much anticipated by Heidi, Brett and yes even Ryan.  However since we were one of the last few to see Santa we were also the last few to get dinner and they didn't have anywhere for us to sit or much food left.  They had a few pieces of ham and some rolls.  Wasn't a big deal that's all most of them will eat anyway.  Cute picture of kids or I might not have posted . . . 

Our lone re-arranger (as my grandpa Nielsen used to say)

Brett and Amber during the morning school rush.  Amber eating her morning pickle (she always asks for one when she sees them while I'm making sandwiches.)

Oakland temple lights and nativity.  Nicole is snuggled up in the car not feeling well. 

Painting ornaments--Nicole still sick.  She got sick on the last day of school and was sick all the way through Christmas day. 

One of my favorite Christmas decorations

Nicole made a holy family out of pipe cleaners a few years back.  This year she added a camel and a wise man to her set. :-)

We went to several baptisms during December. 

And when we heard of the rain storm coming we hit the park as much as possible.

One last play in the leaves.

Can you say electric bill?!!  Our Sunday night popcorn and Christmas lights drive.

Happy November and a Peterson Thanksgiving!

Almost done with soccer games.  Not sure where Nicole is . . . probably at a soccer game.  Wow.  Can't believe we let them grow their hair out that long.  Looking a bit scraggly.  But still cute.

And Brett and Amber can't be left out

Isaac on his field trip to Sacramento

 Last few soccer games.  Heidi had a tradition of holding up how many goals she had made each time she scored one.  Not sure how sportsmanship-like that was but fortunately other little girls were oblivious. 

 Nicole participated in Stake Dance Festival.  Virginia Reel, and a Hip Hop dance were the two she did. 

 with friend Lorien

 and Mary Bailey

I got to go on a walking field trip to see a play with Heidi's Kindergarten class.  This was our little group.  Androcles and the Lion.  Just so happens that Ryan's class was there two. 

 Isaac's last soccer game (notice the hair cut!!)

 Amber sticking close to Daddy

Isaac with his teacher.  She is amazing.  She goes to TONS of events for kids in her class.  She went to our Stake conference (Isaac was singing with stake kids choir--yes she's LDS), she went to his band concert, she went to soccer games, she went to our Primary program (Isaac was singing in a group of three.)  And she does this for all the kids in her class!!  Not to mention what a great teacher she is and how passionate she still is and involved with their education.  She goes way above and beyond.

waiting to go to Heidi's Thanksgiving music program

She's the one in yellow in the back, in case you couldn't pick her out.

Ryan's common reading position.  Have found him this way more than a few times . . .

 Amber runs to the front door exclaiming "Daddy!" in her high pitched sweet little voice whenever she hears the front door open and shut.  Reading books is usually the first thing they do.

Amber went to nursery for the first time today!  

Royce and Jen and family got to come to our house for Thanksgiving!  They arrived Wednesday evening.  The kids had a hard time going to bed.  Spent some time at the park Wednesday morning.  Had we known it was going to be so warm we would have to headed to beach this day!  This park has something fun for everyone! (Even the adults :-) )

 Nicole and Brynne

 Little Lexi

 Isaac, Maren, Ryan

                                                                           and Brett

 Amber was in heaven with this little doggie. 

After the park we made some foam turkey's (take a closer look there are some funny ones) and then took all the kids to see Big Hero Six. 

 Thanksgiving eve "before" hair do's

After!

Lexi and Amber helping with last minute food prep

 Big kids helping by not being in the kitchen

Most of the food on the table

Not patting myself on the back here, but all the help I had in the kitchen!   We ate at 1:30!!  Royce, Jen and Curt were EXTREMELY helpful with all the prep AND clean up.  We had time to clean up, and go to the park after dinner!!

That's what he gets for making that face.  I'm going to post it. Plus it was a cute one of Royce and Duncan.

Have to post that cute one

                                    The boys' y-chromosome linked video game obsession

Duncan, Isaac and Ryan

 Amber and Lexi

  

Cruising to Santa Cruz.  Amber and Lexi

Saw the butterflies

And now time for the beach

 Lots of the crew in the water

Amber loved the kitty kite

No it was not warm enough for swimming suits.  Some little girls were just plain crazy.

Lexi got knocked off her feet and swept away from her parents side by a wave.  Completely soaked and covered in sand.  Slightly traumatic.

Isaac is also crazy.  It was too cold for that!

cousin BFFs

Duncan and Royce

No surprise here--Brett with some trucks

The whole fam.  Lexi is the sleeping bundle of blue towel Royce is holding.

 Funny

 Enjoying the view

Such a cute/fun family!  So glad they could come!!

Me--"Eva, what's that?"  Eva "A beach tomato.  I found it on the beach."  Hee hee

Sea Lions on the pier

Headed to the Jelly Belly Factory on Saturday