More of November

It's Christmas time in California and Alexia is decorating the tree November 30th in shorts and a tank top.  It reached about 85 degrees this day.  It was defintely different decorating with the warm weather.  Erick tuned in some nice Christmas music to get us in the spirit.  We were unsure on whether to put up our big tree in our small apartment but we made it work.  Alexia was so excited.  

I volunteer at this place called Hunger Defense Fund.  It helps feed those in need, who are hitting a low point and with the economy today, people like you & me are coming here.   They pay $4 & get a box about 12x12 that they get to fill up with items donated by generous people but most of it comes from the local grocery stores (items that have reached their expiration date that they can't sell but are still good) like fruits, dairy products and frozen items.  On this day Alexia came with me to help distribute the food and organize it on the shelves.  We're in the spirit of giving!!

Thanksgiving Day, Erick and Alexia are making homemade pretzels.  They love to cook together, always.  Now that I think about it, Erick seems to cook/bake much more than me these days :) I'm lucky he enjoys it!  After the pretzels were ready we headed to Diann's house for an incredible dinner.  Honestly I have to say it was one of the most flavorful turkey dinners I've had.  She followed a system and prepared some of the items ahead of time and it worked out beautifully because she was able to sit and enjoy family time instead of constantly being in the kitchen.  It was a pleasant change to spend Thanksgiving this year with Diann's family and my dad.  

Alexia was invited to a school friend's birthday party.  Her friend, and protector, Kouran Mayweather is in her class.  He's the son of Floyd Mayweather Jr. the famous boxer.  He has his own promotion company and limo so about 18 kids literally got the red carpet treatment as they entered the limo, balloons and sparkling cider.  They headed to a car racing place that actually had cars that looked like the Indy cars.  She had to wear gloves, a protective net over her hair and a helmet.  She absolutely loved it.  I thought she'd be nervous but she enjoyed driving herself around the track. She was so proud to tell us that she came in 5th place the first race and 1st place the second race.  That girl is competitive.

There they are getting ready to enter the limosine.  These are some of Alexia's classmates.  Lyana, Bella and Hope, Alexia is on the right.  The birthday boy is wearing the black/red sweatshirt and is holding hands with his sisters.   They got the royal treatment riding to the party destination and back.  

Here we are living it up in Beverly Hills with Erick's college room mate Kaz and his wife Jen.  They were here from Connecticut for the American Music Awards.  They got a great "hook up" from a friend (sat 5th row).  They were towards the front, sitting next to Nickelback.  We met up with them for the day at the Beverly Hills Wilshire Hotel, where they were staying.  We happened to see Kathy Bates and another actor but we couldn't figure out his name.  During the AMA rehearsals that day, Jen got to hang out with Queen Latifa and Alicia Keyes.  She was so star struck.  We haven't seen these friends in probably about 6 years, how about that?  We had to move to the west coast to see them:)

We went to the Anaheim Ducks vs. Washington Capitols NHL hockey game on the 19th.  Our old neighbor Bruce Boudreau, who used to coach the Manchester Monarchs, then the Hershey Bears minor league was promoted to NHL coach last November.  It was so great to see him again.  Their team won that night 6-4.  He got us backstage passes to see him and some of the players.  Which by the way, are better looking with their helmets on.  

There they are Erick and Lexi holding their backstage passes, it was a great time.  Honestly, I don't think we've been to an NHL game in years (back on the East Coast).  We're here 3 months and come to watch one.  They are very loyal fans to their Ducks out here. Erick enjoyed his $9 beer (ay carumba).

As you all heard on the news, we had some terrible wildfires out here.  Apparantly this is the time of year.  We weren't directly affected but as you can see from this picture how close it was.  We could smell the burning, it was as if we were at a campsite and had a fire burning.  We kept our windows closed even though it was beautiful out.  This went on and off for about a week.  

Yes, it's the middle of November and we're still hanging out by the pool, and you?  Ah, I just had to rub it in once.  And of course my 5 month pregnant belly is showing.  It may look little but it feels big.  Lots of movement goin' on in there this month.  I can tell his bones are getting stronger because his kicks are much more noticeable.