Busy,busy,busy!!

December has been just a crazy one for our family. Not only do we need to find time for baking, shopping and wrapping presents, but our family had to squeeze in Band Performances...and all within one week! So join us as we preview A Week in the Life of The Denkers Family!It all started one very chilly Saturday (Dec. 5th) morning in Victorville. Here we were layered in clothing and lined up on 7th street awaiting the Victorville Christmas Parade. Loma's parents along with Chris' mom, cousin Austin and the rest of our family patiently waited for a glimpse of Riverside Prep's Marching Band (a new venture for Kelsey).
Finally, they arrived! Kelsey is dead center of this picture performing one of their many marching moves! They did a great job!

Onto Winter Wonderland at Riverside Prep. The first night, Wednesday, Dec. 9th, we enjoyed Kelsey's performance with Wind Ensemble and Marching Band. Again, knocking the socks off of everyone in attendance!

The next night of Winter Wonderland, Thursday, Dec. 10th, was all focused on the boys! Ethan traded instruments this year going from trumpet to saxophone. He did a great job with his class!

And our little Riley had two performances that night. First, he performed with the entire 4th grade singing a few different Christmas songs. Then it was off to perform with the 4th grade band students. He was so proud of himself! This is his first year playing the trumpet and he is enjoying every moment! He too did a great job! We finally got to rest for a few days before the next parade!

Our next Marching Band venture was in the Helendale Parade on Saturday, Dec. 12th. Again, they did a great job and even took home first place! Not bad for a 4 mile march!

Gotta love this outfit! Riverside Prep takes band very seriously as you can tell by their uniforms! Isn't she beautiful!
All in all, it was a crazy week, including a fundraiser and performance at Chili's Restaurant that following Tuesday night (can't seem to locate the pictures), but it's wonderful to watch our kids develop musical talents! What a way to start the holiday season off!

Turkey Bowl and Thanksgiving Day

Bright and early Thanksgiving morning, we witnessed the slaughter of Young Men by the "Geezers", the men of the ward, during the annual Turkey Bowl played at Liberty Park. If I remember right, the score was 7-2. There's Ethan on the far left with his beanie on! Our Mesa Linda cheerleaders! Back row:Claire and Kelsey. Front row: Nicole, Hannah and Harli.

Even Ethan's best friend, C.J. joined in on the fun!

Later that morning, we headed down to Rancho Cucamonga to enjoy Thanksgiving with Chris' parents and siblings. What a beautiful 80 degree day in Southern California!

I had to grab a quick family picture outside before stuffing our faces and rendering ourselves useless.

Usually, I am really good at taking pictures, but for some reason I forgot to take some of the entire family or even the feast. Oh well, it was a great day filled with good food and company!

My Thanksgiving Wish!

Loved this poem...just had to share it!

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Sixteen years of wedded bliss!

Friday, November 20th, Chris and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary! Time sure does fly when you're in love! It's hard to believe we have been together that long! This man is my rock. He is one that I can always lean on and know, he'll always be there for me and our family. He is my best friend! He is a wonderful husband and father. I love him so much! Happy Anniversary babe!

Twilight Saga: New Moon

Ok Twilight fans and those who may not be or who was disappointed by the first movie Twilight...let me tell you...you will NOT be disappointed by New Moon! The movie was incredible and for several reasons! Of course, when I went to see the showing last night, I did have higher expectations. Those exceptations were blown out of the water!
This is why: EVERYTHING WAS BETTER...the acting, graphics, even the overall coloring of the movie. Everything was so vivid! I was also impressed on how accurate the movie details were. They really stayed true to the book! We had such a blast last night! Below are a few of our pictures! Kelsey and I wearing our New Moon attire!

My sister in law Amanda and myself!

Our friends, the Ratliffs. Left to right: Ro, Nicole, Claire and Harli.

More friends: Karli, Emily, Shawn, Brad, Amanda, Anja and Kristi.

and last but not least, Kelsey and her posse! Valarie, Hannah, Nicole, Harli, Krystle, Kelsey and Claire.

Oh, but who could forget Jennifer and her daughter Hannah who, at first, was not excited about being surprised with tickets from mom!

Twi-hard Fan!

The wait is almost over! In exactly 2 hours, I am heading to the movie theatre to stand in line for the much anticipated Twilight:New Moon. In exactly 6 hours, 18 of my friends and family will be sitting in the theatre watching Twilight! That's correct, I said Twilight! In exactly 9 hours, I will be joined by the same 18 people for the midnight showing of New Moon!!! What could be better than back to back, Edward, Bella and Jacob! Oh my gosh, I think I've died and gone to heaven! You may think I'm crazy, but if you're truly a fan, then you understand!

See you tomorrow with our review! Gotta get ready...Twilight awaits!

Last stop on our cruise: St. Croix

Another beautiful island! A few shots of St. Croix from the top deck of ou ship.
The beautiful babes waiting patiently to shop!
Our sexy studs anticipating the following words "charge it"!
I couldn't resist taking a picture of the clock tower and American flag! A little taste of home. St. Fredriksted, St. Croix, U.S.V.I.
Fort Fredrik.

Miles of blue ocean water!

My honey and I!

Chris copping a feel...poor Amanda!

Our good friends, Jeff and Jennifer!

As beautiful as this island was, by Saturday we were all exhausted! 5 islands in 5 days took it's toll on us! We lasted only 1 hour before heading back to the ship in hopes to relax and catch a few zzzz's while lounging by the pool! And you know what, that's exactly what we did! Join us again in 2 - 3 years for our next adventure! It's still in the planning stages!