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.