First Piano Recital for Ashley & Casey

On April 2nd Ashley and Casey had their first piano recital. They had practiced hard and long. Casey was the first one to perform and this was her first recital - no pressure! She did really well. Ashley was 2nd to the last to perform and also did an excellent job. Papa and Nammie were very proud of their hard work and great effort.

2009 Orellana Grandkid's Christmas

Christmas afternoon came quickly as Ashley, Brandon, Casey & Daniella rushed into Nammie & Papa's house for Christmas dinner and of course, present time!

Brandon loved his games for his DS and Ashley thought her new scrapbooking set was great. Daniella ooohed and aaahed over her ladybug jumper and her scottie dog dress, but her favorite present was her gallon of "bubbles". Casey thought her pink scooter was the "bomb" and couldn't wait to use it.

Dinner was delicious and Erica helped clean the kitchen. Everyone took turns spraying whipped cream into their mouths. Brandon went rabid. Rod and Hector watched basketball, but we did get them to play a game of Apples to Apples.

It was a wonderful day to celebrate our Saviour's birthday.

2009 Allen Grandkids Christmas

Zachery, Cadence and Tristan swooped down on Nammie & Papa's home on December 21st to open their Christmas presents since they are going to be in California for Christmas. Papa fixed a "taco" dinner for all to enjoy, but nothing could hold back the excitement of getting to the presents.

After dinner, Nammie read the "Legend of the Candy Cane" and gave them all a candy cane to make the story come alive. Even Tristan knew when the candy cane was turned upside down it stood for "Jesus"!

As you can see, it was a paper ripping frenzy when they got started on all the gifts God had provided for them.

Christmas Lights

After baking all day, we went Christmas light "looking" around the valley. Lots of ooohs and aaahs were said by all. Papa then took us for some ice cream (We are in Arizona!) and then we came home and Nammie read the Story of the Candy Cane before we all went to bed!

2009 Meiers Cookie Caper

On Friday, December 18th, Ashley, Brandon, Casey & Daniella came to our home with a mission - make as many Christmas cookies as they could before Papa got home from work. It was no small task, but we baked over 30 dozen cookies. Brandon decided to leave all the baking to the girls while he playe the Wii!

Daniella's job was to put all the "chips" in each recipe and she did a fabulous job! Casey helped wash dishes and spoons as we changed recipes and Ashley measured and mixed while Nammie spooned the cookies on the sheets and placed them in the oven.

We are giving 10 dozen of our cookies this year to the Gilbert, Arizona police department to let them know we appreciate all they do for us and to wish them a Merry Christmas.

The Village Idiot

Many of you know that I have a Christmas village I have been collecting and putting up for over 20 years. My collecting stopped when Mervyn's went out of business last year, but it's still fun to put up and watch the grandkids ooh & aah when they come over.

Here is what it looks like this year.

Merry Christmas from the Meiers

The Meiers Grandkids Annual Picture

Instead of sending everyone a 4x6 picture in our Christmas cards this year, we are posting our picture on our "blog" for all to see. Trying to get all 7 of them to smile is no easy task - but we're close. Aren't we a crew?

Backrow: Rod & Patty

2nd row: Cadence (5), Ashley (11) Tristan (4) Daniella (3)

Front row: Casey (7), Zachery (7) & Brandon (9)