Sunday, November 28, 2010

Neighborhood Decorating Party

The day after Thanksgiving our street has an annual decorating party.  The guys all get on the roof to hang lights and the kids have a blast playing and hanging out with one another.  When we all bought these homes (brand new) seven years ago we had no idea who our neighbors would be.  We have been neighbors for seven years and each year the friendships and deorations have gotten better!  We are so blessed to be part of a wonderful street with the BEST possible neighbors!  It truly is PRICELESS!!

The first Christmas we made matching candy cane signs for the yard, then came the white lights in the top of the street trees, then the red, white and green rope lights around the base of the street trees and then we began decorating the center island tree and last year we began stringing lights between two houses across the street from eachother to welcome people onto our street...each year it just gets to be a better display! 

To be honest, Ryan is the biggest contributor...he LOVES to hang lights!  Some people do not realize that about him, but we call him Mr. Griswald.  There are some conditions though...the display must be classy...greenery, ribbons, red/white/green lights.  NO blowups, elfs, etc (he does not mind them on other peoples yard, just not on his)!

Here are some of the kiddos playing in the driveway...yes they manage to pull out every toy from every garage to keep busy!

 
 Meredith and Griffin eating a sandwich on the ladder!

 This year Ryan was able to enlist the help of Madalyn.  She was a bit scared on the roof, but did a fantastic job!  She learned how to change the fuses, find the "one bulb" that is out and fix it, and attach the lights to the house with clips (as not to ruin the paint job with staples).

 While I was inside decorating a ring came at my doorbell.  When I opened it I found a few of Santa's helpers on my porch singing "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer".  They organized it all by themselves.  It made my day!!!!

 Madalyn might have just found herself a winter job!

Bobcat Patch

 Last months pack night Trevor was able to present the flag for the first time.

 He was so proud!
He also earned his Bobcat patch. He had earned it two months ago, but because of the Pinewood Derby he did not receive it until this month.  He has been so excited in earning patches!  Let's hope the excitement last until he achieves his Eagle Scout!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Scooter's Mission Farewell

Our nephew, Scooter, was called to serve a mission in Durban, South Africa.  He will be in an English speaking mission, but will have to learn the language of Zulu which is what those in the villages speak.  When he got his call we were all so surprised at the location!  He was to report directly to the Johanesburg Mission Training Center on November 11, 2010. 



On October 31st Scooter had his farewell.  It was attended by many friends and family who love and support Scooter.  After his Sacrament farewell there was a luncheon held at the Long Beach City College Institute.






On Sunday, November 7th Scooter was set apart as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He was now officially Elder Shipp!



On Tuesday, November 9th Elder Shipp boarded a plane at the Long Beach airport to Johanesburg, South Africa.

Lots of tears were shed that morning...tears of joy and tears of missing him!  We are all so proud of him and his decision to serve a mission.  We know it is the best thing for him.  We know that he will grow and learn in the gospel as he teaches and comes to love the people of South Africa. We will miss him, but we would rather he be serving the Lord than hanging out with us.  Madalyn's facebook status that morning Elder Shipp left was "we may be one penny short, but the world is one missionary richer". 
So for now here is our final farewell...see you in two years!


Sunday, November 7, 2010

More Volleyball 2010

 Volleyball season has officially ended.  Mackenzie's team ended up placing 2nd in the league.  They were almost able to beat Mission Viejo HS, but fell short in the third game (by 2 points).  It was a heartbreaker.  However placing 2nd is still great!  All these girls put so much effort into improving their skills and they all still have three more years...so look out!