Visiting

We spent the morning visiting Nana and Grandpa and seeing all their Christmas decorations.

Hurry Santa

The kids have readied their gingerbread village for Santa. You can tell this is a very diverse neighborhood. We have the neat freak, the minimalist and the hoarder.

Santa, don't forget your best reindeer Rudolph. You will be needing his help to pull your sleigh.

Preschool Christmas Program

It was the night of Cole's first Christmas program. He and his little classmates have been practicing with their teacher, Mrs. Hodges, for weeks.

They all looked beautiful in their Christmas finery.

There were reindeer, wise men, shepherds and our little angels. Cole sang his little heart out.

After a class prayer, they were rewarded with cookies and juice.
Great job Cole!

16 More Days Till Christmas

Christmas excitement has hit the Hemmelgarn household.

Only 15 more nights until I can answer Cole's nightly question, "Is Santa coming tonight Mama?" with a, "Yes, he is Honey!"

Jeff's Birthday

Jeff's birthday request was to spend the weekend in San Francisco. We spent lots of time visiting some of our favorite spots around Union Square. We even got in a bit of shopping.

The trip wouldn't be complete without a trip to a Noe Valley pub to have a few drinks with his good friend Peter. It was a great chance to bring back happy memories and create a few new ones. Happy birthday Jeff.

Preschool Friends

Cole is really enjoying his first year at preschool. He especially enjoys his time on the playground and getting rides from his good friend Nicholas.

Emily Turns 13

It was the night before Emily's thirteenth birthday and I offered to take her out to dinner to celebrate. She said she would rather eat at home, but requested that dinner be served on the floor. Her brothers happily complied.

She finished off her unconventional birthday celebration with a pumpkin pie.
Happy birthday Emily. May you never loose your quirky charm.

Dino Dash

Grayson encouraged the family to participate in the Dino Dash 2k.
It was a rainy day so we waited for the start of the race in our dry car.
To build up their energy, Cole and Grayson had a pre-race cookie.

Grayson was excited for the race to begin.

Cole took his time and made friends along the way.

Grayson and Daddy were off and running. They finished near the front of the pack.

Our slightly soggy runners returned home with some donuts and their well deserved finisher ribbons.

Teacher's Helper

It was Cole's special day being teacher's helper.


He took care of the calendar like an old pro.


He was so proud of himself as he led the pledge.

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Halloween Preseason

The Halloween preseason is well underway. First the boys showed off their costumes at the Christ Lutheran Treats in the Trunk. Nana and Grandpa were nice enough to take them there while Mom and Dad had a weekend away.
Grayson won first place at the costume contest.

Then there was the Christ Lutheran Preschool parade and trick or treating. The kids made their costumes in class and collected treats around the preschool and church. Cole's classmates made the most charming group of clowns I have ever met.

Grayson paraded around Loma Vista Elementary with his rock star good looks.
Only a few more days till Halloween and we have already had lots of fun.

Children's Church Service

Cole and a few of his preschool friends performed for an enthusiastic group of family and friends at a church service.

Cole may not be ready for American Idol, but he sure is cute!

Cabo

Wow! What an incredible vacation we had in Cabo.

We had lots water play with the kids.

We enjoyed a few drinks at the swim up bar.

On top of it all, no one had to cook. That equals a good time to me.

Unfortunately, Jeff and Dave had to do a bit of work while we were there.
At least the location and dress code at this office seemed pretty relaxed.
We were very fortunate to have a chance to spend such a special time with friends and family.

End of Summer

Nothing signals the end of summer like the last swim lesson. The boys enjoy one last session together before enjoying a family, poolside vacation in Cabo.

Cole Trippin'

That face is good from any angle.

Cruisin' for Chicks

Cole hit the preschool scene in style. He quickly and confidently got in the groove of school. I guess all those days that he came with me to volunteer helped. He already knew half of the kids on the playground. Go Coley Go!

Class Project

One of Cole's first preschool projects was to bring in a family picture to put on the bulletin board. Looking through our picture library, I realized that the last family picture we had showed Cole as a chubby toddler. Jeff quickly came to the rescue with his iphone and a camera timer. Not bad for a single take.

Teacher's Helper

Grayson was so happy when his teacher picked him as attendance helper on the first week of school. A MOMS Club friend of mine happened to be in the office as he carried out his very important task.

Kindergarten Here I Come!

Here is our big boy riding off to his first day of school.

He was sporting his new Quicksilver outfit and looking sharp.

We were all there to see him off.He gave his little brother one last hug and headed into class.

Luckily the OC Register was able to get a picture of Grayson and his classmates getting to know their new teacher. He loves school and all his new classmates.
I am sure he will have a great year.

Underwater Brother

The boy's swim teacher, Jeremy, took this cool underwater picture during their swim lesson.

Beach Gear

Dad added an army shovel to our beach gear, giving the boys hours of fun building giant sea forts and playing bury the brother.

Beach Babe

It was Emily's turn to visit Leo Carrillo. We had fun afternoons battling the cold waves together.

We also enjoyed relaxing mornings exploring sea caves and watching the waves from the cliffs.

Beach Camping

This weekend we discovered the wonders of beach camping at Leo Carrillo State Park. We spent each day playing in the sand and surf and then we walked back to our campsite to eat, shower and rest.
Grayson spent hours constructing tunneled villages and sea walls, and then laughed gleefully as he watched the ocean reclaim his creations.


At night we walked along the cliffs admiring the waves and the sunset.
That is what I call time well spent.