Cinderella

What a fun Sunday!  Ginny and I took the girls to see Roger + Hammerstein's Cinderella at the Ahmanson Theatre.  This production of Cinderella was modern and very entertaining.  The costumes were stunning and the quick change action from rags to riches left us all thinking "how'd they do that?"  You have to see it to believe it!  The music was so beautiful, the girls and I were singing along with the cast.  We had a great afternoon!  Following the show, we met Gene, Jeff and Van at Il Fornaio in Manhattan Beach for a delish dinner. 

Loved our box seats!

Battle Of The Books

At the beginning of the school year, the students were provided with a list of books and encouraged to read as many as possible. There are 12 books on the 3rd grade list. In order to participate in the school battles, 3rd grade students are required to read a minimum of 7 books. Students spend the majority of their time preparing independently for battle by reading as many books as they can on the book list. They then meet for a competition to answer questions about each book and the authors. Gigi's group (yellow) came in 2nd place! Good job Gigi and to your entire group for your reading comprehension! Reading makes you smarter!

 

St Patrick's Day With The Brusseau's And Higgins'

Thanks to Susie and Jed for hosting a fab dinner of BBQ ribs and good family fun!

Preppin' For The Leprechaun

This is what happens at our house the night before St. Patty's Day.  The kids tried their hardest to trap him, but to no avail... oh well, maybe next year!

Gigi Catherine Turns 9!

Happy Birthday G!  She planned her special day to a T!  We started the morning with presents and cinnamon rolls.  Then we went to Church, picked up friends Allie and Luciana and drove over the bridge to Belmont Shores.  We strolled 2nd street and stopped for frozen yogurt and matching t-shirts and necklaces.  For dinner, we met the rest of the gang at Domenico's for a fun Italian dinner.  We caught the beautiful pink sunset on the drive back over the bridge.  It was a beautiful day!  Gigi's smile says it all... she's such a ball of sunshine!  Gigi is a happy girl.  She wakes up each day with a smile.  She is so loving and affectionate with me.  We have a special connection that runs deep and I love her girly ways and silly quirks.  She loves her sisters and brother and always tries to do the right thing.  We are lucky to have such a special girl and hope she has an incredible 9th year!

 Her favorite gift!

 With her Irish twin Jessie

 Giant Cookie!

 Dad and Van

 Weirdo's

 Jojo and Mom

 Ginny and Gene

Jessie, Josette, Gigi, Luciana and Allie

Josette Marie Turns 12!

We had a beautiful day celebrating Josette's birthday.  She woke up early to open her presents before school.  At school she was surprised to find her locker decorated and festive.  The girls and I joined her after school for lunch with her girlfriends then we all headed to the Red Onion for her birthday dinner.  The day was filled with joy and she was thrilled to be with her family and friends.  Josette is many things... she is kind, sweet and caring.  She is very smart and talented.  She loves to dance, surf and craft.  She always does her best and puts 100% into everything she does.  We are very proud of her and amazed how well she handles herself.  We love you to the moon and back and hope this year is the best ever!

Presents and birthday love 1st thing in the morning.

Smash Burger lunch with friends.

With her friends Kylie, Bailey, Bella and Kate

Brother Van and Alligator Sam

Sweet sisters, Jessie and Gigi