Happy New Year!

Just thought you'd all be interested to know that Ben is on the plane and should be arriving in Brussels momentarily. He left Chicago about 4pm and flew for 8 hours, so maybe some of you smart kids can figure out exactly when he might have celebrated the new year! Or did he get to celebrate it several times in different time zones?

Meanwhile, the kids are already REALLY missing daddy! We always miss him when he has to go back to work after a vacation and being together 24/7, so this is a real challenge! Elijah revolted at Olivia's eating times twice today, which he's never done. Hopefully a good night of sleep and some creative distraction will help--along with much prayer!

Happy New Year to all of you! Ours has come and gone, but you all still have another hour!

Welcome To Cali

We had a nice welcome for the arrival of the Odessa Walls in Fillmore, officially kicking off our holiday festivities together. Of course Olivia was front and center.














Alex & Katie














Three little buddies














Just chillin'














Grandma's dinner table -- part 1














Swingin' Cousins














Aunt Carrie and sweet Olivia



















Grandma's dinner table -- part 2

Ready for Christmas!

Sure was a super Christmas to celebrate our Lord's birth all together! I just love all the pics of these kids - they are growing so much each year. We need to add Ben to the fountain picture - who has the ability to do that? Jessica??

Christmas Tree Shopping

On the day after Thanksgiving, we headed out to our favorite Christmas tree farm near Santa Paula, where we found a stately 12 foot tree for the holiday season. Austin and Garrett came along for fun. Of course we complted the tradition by stopping by grandma & grandpas for tasty leftover Thanksiving eats.















Garrett, ready for business



















Loaded and ready to go














Carrie & Jenna



















Cousins playing in the back yard














Leftover Thanksgiving with Grandma & Grandpa!

Torrance Christmas Classic Soccer Tourney

Garrett's corner kicks were beautiful. His team won their bracket with 2 wins/1 tie and continued on to the next level. They lost to a fellow PV team whose players are a year older than our boys, 3-2. It was very close and hard fought. Sure was a cold weekend for so many soccer games!

Blake's team lost their first 2 games, but beat the Agoura/Westlake team in their 3rd game. They didn't advance to the next level, but they are starting to play more as a team, as they get used to each other.

After a full day of soccer we went directly to Garrett's PV Woodwind Ensemble concert. They sounded terrific!

Phyllis

Anything missing?

Notice anything missing? Yes, our huge swinging tree is gone... Those were the best swings! But, the plumbing problems were just too big.

Scrooge

Dapplegray Elementary put on the play "Scrooge" this week. Garrett played Scrooge's nephew, Fred, and Blake played a Gentelman who was collecting $ for charity. Tonight was the final production. Grandma and Grandpa got to attend the dress rehearsal on Tuesday morning. They look rather dapper, wouldn't you say?
(P)

Jenna & Andy's birthday celebrations

Yes, it's birthday season in the Wall home. Here are a few fun pics from our recent celebrations.

Andy's Angels














Sisters at outdoor ice skating



















Jenna's best buds at Claim Jumpers

Jenna's China Project

Here's a glimpse of a "little" project Jenna's been working on for her Social Studies class. It is the product of much labor! Funny, I can't remember ever producing anything that beautiful looking, even in college!

Happy Birthday & Merry Christmas!

Hey Andy, happy Birthday!! I hope you made it a great one.

Check out this link for a fun "Merry Christmas" serenade!

http://badaboo.free.fr/merryxmas.swf

End of regular soccer season

Blake's soccer team lost in a close 2-1 game in the semi-finals for the BU-10 age group on Saturday. So, the regular soccer season is almost over - they just have to pick up their Sportsmanship medals at the King of the Hill tournament! We are proud of the kids and coaches for this award!
We had way too much fun trying out the new digital camera at the beach. I think Mike tried every setting : ) I included a couple of fun ones!
Phyllis

Beach day in California!

Christmas photo day turned into a fabulous day at the beach! The tide was super low and excellent for skim boarding. It was a perfectly gorgeous day! We even saw a couple of dolphins and followed them down the beach. We look forward to going to the beach at Christmas time with the cousins!!