Just Cruising Along..........

Well, time has just been cruising along! We've been very busy with all kinds of activities. As soon as we returned from our February trip to Texas we had to quickly get Dan ready to leave for Japan three days later. This year Dan did his annual training with the Navy Reserve aboard the USS Blue Ridge with the 7th fleet out of Yokosuka, Japan. He was gone for about three weeks. Daniel really enjoyed his time out to sea, minus the sea sickness. It's been awhile since he experienced time aboard a ship. He also had a good time checking out the local scene. Especially the 7-story arcade he happened upon.

While Daniel was gone the children and Sofie kept very busy with all of the normal activities here. Danny of course had his practices and games for basketball every week, Sofie had her ladies bible study as well as the Wednesday night AWANA for all the children. Sofie is also still teaching the AWANA program to the 4 & 5 year olds. The year in AWANA has gone by pretty quickly. Only about 6 more meetings and then it's over. The children also had their parent conferences at school. Happy to say they are both doing well in their studies. Both are accelerated readers and the teachers seem very impressed with their skills.

Danny finished up his basketball season this month, and Tristan started his T-ball season this month. Tristan is really enjoying being able to get outside and hit the ball around and starting to understand a little about the game. (when he's not playing in the dirt in the outfield or throwing his glove up and down! HA) Sammie is looking forward to starting her polynesian dance lessons in April. She will be learning the Hawaiian dance (Hula), Tahitian dance, and the dance of New Zealand with the Poi Balls. It should be a lot of fun for her.

We just had Easter which was a nice. We started out the fun on Saturday with an Easter Egg hunt put on by the city at a nearby park. All three children got to hunt. Then we headed out to another park just to run around a bit. Tristan and Daniel practiced throwing the ball and catching it for t-ball. Danny played basketball and Sammie played a little of both as well as checking out the playset. Afterwards, we played a game Sammie has been wanting to try for while. SUPER SOCCO! It's basically the kids version of dodge ball. The parents/Tristan won the game! Afterwards we went and had some yummy mexican food at a place we haven't tried before. Poquito Mas. Then we headed home for some rest and relaxation. On Sunday we went to church, then we went out for some lunch at Claimjumpers. Sammie had a particularly good lunch. As we were eating our appetizer, Daniel was distracted by someone over at the salad bar. He kept looking over and finally he asked Sammie if this young man by the salad bar was anyone she recognized. A few minutes later she began to get very excited as she realized it was someone from her favorite show on Disney, Hannah Montana. It was indeed Mitchell Musso. For those of you who have "tweens" they might just know who this is. Anyway, Sammie was so excited. He passed by our table and headed to his table in the other room. After a little coaxing from Sofie, Daniel took Sammie to the other room to meet him. They stopped at the table, apologizing for the interruption and wishing them Happy Easter and talked for while with him and his family. He was with his parents and they seemed very happy to talk to them. Mitchell complemented Samantha on her pretty dress and even took a picture with her. Unfortunately it was with the camera phone so it's not to great. They returned to the table and Sammie was starry-eyed the rest of the meal and the rest of the day in fact. She will always remember it.

Now we are getting ready for spring break! In a week in fact. We are expecting Sofie's parents for a visit, Daniel's parents for a visit, and a quick visit from Daniel's sister Mandy and her family during their move up to Northern California.

Busy, Busy!

***C***

The BIG game has finally arrived!

What a handsome T-ball player

A little pre-game instruction from dad

Brother and sissy getting in a little practice too

Just waitin' for the game to start

A little pep talk from Tristan's siblings

Getting ready to bat.....peek a boo!

Mommy......I want to talk to you..........

Coach says, "Ready positions!"

Yes, the best part of the game.........SNACK TIME

Tristan gets a hit.............thank goodness there are no outs in this game!

And he gets a score! Good job Tristan.

Tristan Starts T-Ball! 1st practice

Tristan and coach-"Here's how you hit it."
First hit! A natural!

First base here I come!

With determination....


Tristan's first score...........check out the victory dance.

Awesome throw

Easter Day and Coloring Eggs

Easter Morning!
Having fun coloring eggs

Alex enjoying the coloring of eggs!

Here's some video of Easter morning! Poor Sammie has a crick in her neck and can not sit up straight!

The Big Hunt! Woohoo!

Canyon Country Park 2008 Easter Egg hunt!
Check out these videos of the hunt below!


Danny

Sammie

Tristan

Just some pics

Sammie and Mommy ready for The St. Patrick's Day Tea at church. Sammie's wearing her brand new dress from Japan that daddy brought.
Spring Picture Day at School

Getting ready to go to school! All "4" kids and their friend Deon

Tristan posing in his new pajamas from Japan. Thanks daddy!

Some Time at the Park-Let's all try out Tristan's New Scooter!!

The kids having a great time. Check out the awesome scenery!

"Queen of the World!"

Sammie.........what happened?

Hippy Day at School!

Ah, yes.......the good 'ol days!

Basketball Season

Danny taking a break between quarters
Sissy and Buggah having a great time cheering Danny on! Go #33

GO DANNY!

Danny played basketball with the Santa Clarita Clippers this season. He played from January to Mid-March. He's had a great time learning more about the game and meeting new friends. He's really improved on his shooting techniques and has gained more confidence on the court. He looks forward to playing again with a team.

Danny's Santa Clarita Basketball team - CLIPPERS - 2008-6th grade

Birthday Time!

While we were in Texas we celebrated Tristan's 5th birthday! Chuck E Cheese here we come! Tristan even got to pose with the Big Cheese himself. What fun. Tristan got a scooter (with the hot wheels logo), "cars" helmet with elbow and knee pads, a couple of fun books, some cash, some movies, Mario and Sonic Olympic games for WII, some color books and crayons, and a sticker book with stickers.

Tristan is finally 5!!! Chuck E Cheese Time

Chuck E and Tristan

Uncle Lonnie and Cousin Cade.... concentrating on the game

Grammy and Grandad

Uncle Ben and Aunt Mandy

Hangin' with "The Boys"

Pape and Grandma

In Loving Memory - Jorge Calderon

Unfortunately, we headed back to San Antonio, Texas in February to attend the funeral of our Uncle Jorge. Here he is at christmas teaching Danny to play backgammon at Wela's house.

Note from DJ:

I don't think he ever really knew how important he was to me. I don't think he ever really knew just how far-reaching were the lessons he taught so effortlessly. I don't think he really knew how deep his wisdom ran and how much I appreciate what he did for me. To quote from Mike and the Mechanics, "I just wish I could have told him in the living years."

We will always love you.

March 23, 1955-February 13, 2008

GIZMO

Little Gizzy having a snack. (carrot) Our little teddy-bear hamster. He's been everywhere with us in the past 3 years. Even Disneyworld!

Mountain High

Wow! Look at all this white stuff! We're a long way from Hawaii!

Hmmm, just a little slippery. I can do this!

Buggy and mommy

Whoa!!!!!!!!!!! Watch out below! Slippery......

"Hey mom, I'm at the top!"

Ok, if Danny can do it....I can do it. Slowly.....Slowly.....

This is fun!

Aw man, here we go again! Hang on..................

Havin' a great time

Sweethearts!