Christmas Balls

 We got the scoop from some local people about where to go to see Christmas lights.  The lady that cut my hair told me about this neighborhood with the Christmas balls.  Christmas Balls?  Yes, you just have to see it.

It was pretty amazing to see these lit up balls hanging from all the trees in the neighborhood.  Very different and unique. Definitely worth driving around to see it!  I have a video that does it more justice, but it wont load just now.  I'll try again soon!  Merry Christmas from Cali!

Christmas in Cali!!!

 We got off the plane and headed straight to Venice beach.  We had breakfast at a nice little outdoor open air diner with the view above.

 Then we spent the day walking the boardwalk from Venice beach up to Santa Monica pier.

 We enjoyed the walk in shorts and tank tops although most of the other people around us wore coats and scarves.

There were plenty of surfers enjoying the water.

 Before heading to bed that night, we took a walk from the hotel down the street to the 7-11 a couple blocks over to get a Slurpee.  We have to enjoy our chance to have a Slurpee when we can.

 New Year's Eve we spent the evening walking around Universal City Walk.  We watched the Hobbit in 3D at the IMAX theatre and had a good night.

Best Presentation!

 The robotics team this year won for their Sherlock Holmes video!  After all of the extra work the students put in on getting their programming working before the tournament, one of the kids dropped the robot and all the programs were shot.  Their video did win for presentation due to the hard work and effort of the team and our hard working video editor!  At least I can say that one person on the team learned a whole lot about video editing over the course of our season.

I think I'll take a break from coaching next year, particularly if the tournament is on the same weekend as the state wrestling tournament like it was this year.  While I was at the robotics tournament in Bethel with my students, Avery was at the state wrestling tournament with the wrestling team.  He placed third!  Can you believe it?!?!?!  3rd in the state...pretty awesome!  Go Avery!  Third this year, state champion next year!

Region Champ!

 On his birthday weekend, Avery was crowned Region 1 Champion!!!!  He had a great birthday and went undefeated the entire tournament.  He will travel to the state tournament next weekend.  Good luck, Avery!

In addition to Avery rockin' the mat this weekend, the Bethel team took state again for the third year in  a row!!!  They have been state champs all 3 of Avery's high school years.  Congratulations Bethel Warriors!

17 years!

Is is really possible that Avery could be 17 years old already?!?!?!?!?!?  He had to learn some tough lessons during his 17th year, but I have a feeling that this 18th year will be one full of good memories.  He has big plans for this year and many things on the list of things to accomplish.

Right now he has a baby for his personal life skills class.  The baby has a computer chip in it that tracks all of the activity.  He did surprisingly good with it although there were a couple of meltdown moments.  It has been fun to watch him grow and learn over the last few months.   Being a parent is still the most challenging thing I've ever done in my life, but it has also been the most rewarding.   He is becoming a man whether he likes it or not.  Less than a year and he'll legally be an adult!!!!!  Unbelievable!