Erin & Ashlyn The Myers and Christensen cousins came to play and ride the horse on Saturday.

Build-a-Bear Birthday Erin decided that all she really wanted for her birthday this year was to visit Build-a-Bear. She had a great time picking out, stuffing and dressing her little dog. She has been sleeping with her new dog every night, and even dragged it to school today! Side note for you moms: it's much cheaper than taking 10 little kids bowling or to Peter Piper Pizza, and we had a blast!

We let the big kids come if they promised not to beg and whine.

How's this for a Thanksgiving Feast? Guess what? The food is ALL rock! They had rocks that looked like pie, a whole chicken, fish, baked potato, cheese, bread and so much more! They even had tiny pink rocks in the glasses for punch!

HUMONGOUS The 7th graders visited the Mineral and Mining Museum today. There were some really amazing rocks there!

"Young Women in Excellence " Marlee and her awesome Beehive advisor, Sister Swindle (above). The girls made banners that reflected the important things in their lives. They displayed or performed their talents. Marlee chose to display the scrapbook she's been working on.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, LOVE, ERIN Erin, all made-up and ready to party! She is counting down the days until Saturday. As of today, 4 to go!

These girls never tire of playing dress-up! Even Daniel gets in on the action every now and then.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX Love, Marlee & Xan

Corona got the most and highest awards at the UofA Band Day on Saturday! They received three out of the four caption awards (best color guard, percussion and visual performance), they got a Superior rating, then got the highest of all the awards, the Milton B. Nunamaker Award for the most distinguished band(s). Desert Vista High School from Ahwatukee also won a Nunamaker Award (and stold the caption award for music). Looks like we're gonna have some serious competition next year! Mr. Parker gave the band a little hint about next year's show (which is already planned), he says they'll be playing the song "Red-Line Tango" . . . ooooh, Spicy! You can listen to USC play it online. Miranda is really looking forward to next year and actually misses those early-morning practices . . . odd child!

I know, more marching band stuff, but it all comes to an end tomarrow. They're headed to U of A for their final performance. They have been having night practices for the past couple of weeks. It would be cool if some of you could come too! They perform at 6:30 p.m. in the Wildcat Stadium. I've posted some cool pictures from Fall Band Camp and the Homecoming game below.

Fall Band Camp at Tontozona Isn't it gorgeous there?

Mr. Parker getting a good view from the hill.

Band Nerds ROCK!

Homecoming Game

Marching Miranda

Can you find Miranda? Click for larger view.

Trampoline Turkies

Marlee 'n Charlee

DANIEL IS HOME SICK Yesterday was the first time I'd seen the inside of the heatlth office at the elementary school. The little kids hardly ever get sick! Daniel has been running a high fever with no other symptoms. His temp was 107.2 last night (I am questioning whether or not my thermometer is accurate)! He was pretty upset about missing school today because he was planning on getting another "Perfect Attendance" Award this year. Oh well, now the pressure is off. Today (after Advil) he was feeling good enough to read a book on the trampoline while the irrigation was coming.

Daniel's main motivation for playing flag football was to win a trophy, and here it is! Now he'll have the goods for a very cool Show-And Tell next week at school.

DANIEL WINS A TROPHY AWESOME PANTHERS COACHES

We didn't get a picture to prove it, but Daniel actually ran about 10 yards with the ball today! He also did a great job blocking a really big kid! He is finally getting the hang of it, and today was the last game. Oh well. . . there's always next year.

VETERAN'S DAY PARADE DOWNTOWN TEMPE The band marched in the parade then loaded the bus and headed to California. They will perform Saturday at the "Big Orange Classic" in Riverside, California. Afterwards, they'll head to California Adventures! Fun, fun!