Giving Thanks

For Thanksgiving, Toe Jam and the kiddos came down. They are a riot! Our nephew got a balloon sword on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, made by a silver statue man. As you can see, he has given a severe blow to Michael. :)

Our neice got a balloon flower, but I think she prefers to use it as a sword, at least when Uncle Michael is around. :)

Going to the Walk of Fame (El Capitan Theater in the background).

It's Marilyn Monroe!

Playing in the Fountains

Doing MC Hammer through the fountains. Now that's smooth. :)

At the Griffith Observatory. Check out that amazing sunset!

Cute nephew! Love the red curls!

L.A. from the Griffith

Goofy! This was the kids' first trip to Disneyland!

Intense Wii Boxing

Intense Wii Bowling--nice form, eh? :)

At Newport Beach

Making a shell sculpture

We have much to be grateful for this year--a loving family, wonderful new California friends, a job, each other, many fun trips, and more. We started really getting into the idea of getting a Christmas ornament from the places we visit. I think originally, we were thinking we'd have one new ornament each year, but we went a little crazy--and we also went to a lot of cool places. So, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you our 2009 ornament collection! Ta da! :)

1. Poker Chip--from the Las Vegas trip this summer

2. Hollywood Star--from various trips to Hollywood Walk of Fame

3. Alcatraz Handcuffs--from San Francisco trip/Alcatraz Tour

4. Nutcrackers--from Leavenworth, Washington, trip

5. San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge and Cable Car--from San Francisco Trip

6. St. Louis--from moving Chris & Lisa to St. Louis

7. Universal Studios--from various trips to Universal Studios CityWalk, but especially the 8. Halloween Horror Nights

8. Mayan Calendar--from trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico

9. Disneyland Castle & Mickey--from Thanksgiving trip to Disneyland

10. Silver Icicles (not pictured)--from our friend Mark and his Shinoda Design Center in Santa Ana--thanks, Mark! :)

Happy Thanksgiving & Merry Christmas!