Christmas Day

The title should actually be "Christmas Day After Church" We woke up early and went to a different catholic church than our usual one, because they had an early mass. Our regular church did not have their early mass on Christmas this year, but we knew we weren't going to be able to separate the kids from the tree if we didn't go to church before they opened gifts. Dan took some pictures of the kids at church, but they are on his phone. I'll post those when I get them.

Christmas Eve

These pictures were taken on Christmas Eve. The kids got to open one present and it had to be the gifts that they got for each other.

Midori got Keiko a stuffed panda bear.

Jack got Midori a stuffed dog.

Keiko got Jack the fish pillow.

The Other Side of the Christmas Card

May you have a mostly peaceful holiday season!

Sledding at Church

Well, not exactly during the mass, but we did sled after the mass. The title maybe should be "Sledding after church on the back hill". Anyway, we had fun and also rosy cheeks afterwards... on our faces too.

6th Grade Concert

Not the greatest photo of Jack, but it was in a dark auditorium and we were quite a ways away. I'm not convinced that he actually "sang", but his lips did move this time so I think he did his part.

Turkey Day Hockey

Of course, Thanksgiving would not be Thanksgiving without H-O-C-K-E-Y. The Lakeville South Cougars took the silver this year in the Hopkins tournament. It was a very close game. We lost 3-2 in the championship round against Edina... the evil empire. The boys fought hard. Here they are with their trophy.

Giving Thanks

This was not on Thanksgiving, but on Saturday, we went to Aunt Linda's house for games and leftovers. The kids just love to play with each other... and the adults always have a great time too.

Little girl loves the snow. Here she is making snow angels and other snow designs in the white fluffy stuff on our deck.

Hockey Pictures

Here is Jack. Handsome as ever. I just love his beautiful smile. I can't help smiling myself when I see his sweet face.

This is our Texas ghost chillin' in Minnesota. He was probably pretty cold since he was naked, but he held up very well. The kids hadn't started trick-or-treating when this picture was taken but, as you can see, Jack's bag already has some treats from home. They each came back with a huge bag of candy... Oh boy! Dentist here we come!

Pumpkin Carving

It was another night of family fun on Saturday. We did our pumpkin carving. They all cam out really good! The kids each designed one of the pumpkins and did some carving too (with our help of course).

Jack is scooping out the yucky pumpkin guts... This big pumpkin had lots of guts!

Jack's finished pumpkin. It looks more like Frankenstein in person, but you get the idea.

Keiko thought it was funny to pick the pumpkin's nose.

Count Dracula... aaa eh eh eh. That's "blogger speak" for evil laugh.

Mmm... roasted pumpkin seeds.

We got our pumpkins yesterday. The kids were out of school for some teacher thingy. They each picked out a very nice pumpkin and some cute little ones too. I'll have carving pictures, I am sure, in a few days. As for now, we're just enjoying the uncarved pumpkins sitting on our porch.

End of Year Soccer Tournaments

Good weekend for the Bedford clan. Jack and Keiko both had their end of year soccer tournaments. Fortunately for us they were at the same park. Jack played first and Keiko's games were later, but the results couldn't have been better for either of them.

Jack's scored 4 goals in 3 games. He also put the ball in the parking lot a couple of times, but the end result was worth it. They came in 1st place. Here they are showing off their trophies.

Keiko had 2 goals in 3 games and played goalie for 1 of the games. She is so much fun to watch. Her team took home 1st place in the tournament. They deserved it!

I posted Jack's picture earlier this year. It is Keiko and Midori's turn. I think they both turned out very well. Midori had her hair crimped and she put a Hawaiian flower in her hair. She is such a girlie little thing. I love it!

Keiko's Soccer Team

Check out Keiko's handsome coach.

Climbing Tree

After church today we went to our climbing tree. It was such a beautiful day. The kids just love this tree. They look forward to seeing it every week.