Katie’s Christmas Play

The uncertainty of a preschool play is part of the fun.  This year the kids sang more songs and had few speaking sections, making this year’s play easier to follow.  It was short and sweet, finishing in only 15 minutes.

“Angels we have Heard on High” and “Mary did you Know?”

"Away in a Manger"

 

"Silent Night"

 

"Joy to the World"

 

"Go Tell it on the Mountain"

 

"Joy to the World" and exit.

 

All the kids looked like they were having a great time, and they did very well.  Merry Christmas!

Katie Sings at Church

Katie’s “Kid’s Club” choir sang Christmas songs at church this weekend.  The songs were difficult, and the kids did a great job!

First, “Bethlehem Night”.

Next up, “Angeles we have Heard on High”.

Merry Christmas!

An Impromptu Photo Shoot

We took Katie to the park today and brought the camera.  Katie was having a great time!  The lighting was right, so the evening turned into an impromptu photo shoot.

Microsoft SharePoint Conference 2011

Sometimes hard work pays off.  I’m so thankful that my department recognized all the effort I’ve put into learning SharePoint that they approved my attendance at SharePoint Conference 2011!

This was the major SharePoint show of the year, with attendees from all over the world.

We took over the entire Anaheim Convention Center, and even spilled over into the neighboring hotel.

How do you feed 7,500 people breakfast and lunch for 4 days?  Very well!

The food was delicious and varied.  Every meal was a treat.

I really haven’t seen the new convention center since it opened in 2001.  It’s awesome.

Three levels of SharePoint goodness.

The sessions were taught by senior technical staff from Microsoft.

Large rooms, lots of people.

Let’s take a look at the exhibit hall.

Vendors spent big bucks to be a part, and many had unique ways to get your attention.  Why not get a massage while you watch the product demo?

Views from the 3rd floor patio…

West into Anaheim and Buena Park.  Knott’s is off in the background.

Tower of Terror and the back of Carsland rockwork in progress.

More rockwork.

Good bye!  What a fantastic show.  Everything was top notch.  I can’t wait to attend one again.

Lake Gregory and Tom’s Farm

Julie brought the family to Lake Gregory today.  She visited as a young child and has many memories of the lake from when she was Katie’s age.  It was my first visit, and all three of us had a great time.

Lake Gregory is on the way to Big Bear, but only about 20 minutes up the mountain.  The drive is quick and easy, making this a great spot for a day trip.

The waterslide in the distance.  It doesn’t look like much, but it’s really a lot of fun!  You ride on mats, and you have to hold on tight because the turns are fast and steep.

Aqua cycles and paddleboats in the distance.


Julie remembers the paddle boards from when she was a kid.  Katie enjoyed them too.

Silliness!


Mama’s out there, enjoying some much deserved relaxation.

 
I think it was starting to rain at this time.  The weather was crazy today.  It was 85 degrees when we arrived, and the sun was blazing.  A few hours later, clouds moved in and it rained here and there for about a half hour before the sun came out again.

The water was clean enough for even me to go in!  And warm too!

See? Here’s the sun again.

Katie loves being silly for the camera. :)

After finishing at the lake, we drove out to Tom’s Farm. 


Katie enjoyed the pony ride and the petting zoo, but we probably won’t be visiting again anytime soon.

Katie got over her fear of petting zoos though. What a brave girl!