Maven's softball debut in 6u

Lake Arrowhead

By MAGGIE DING

In an effort to get one more ski trip in this year, we traveled up to lake arrowhead today to play so we can hit the slope bright and early tomorrow. 

Yes, this means skipping school for life experiences! 

I worked at my computer while the girls played in the pool. Best way ever! Love the laughter in the background!

Snuggling in bed with cookie! Sedona was super excited to give Cookie the experience of sleeping in a hotel room (one of their favorite things to do).

Room service! "Best trip ever!" from Sedona.

Getting ready for some rest for our big day!

 Lunch on the slopes in Big Bear. It was actually quite hot and not many slopes open but glad we fit it in!

Sedona doing "pizza"...

Sedona's Brownie Troop

BY MAGGIE DING

We were so lucky that when we bought our house here, Loretta told some of the locals about us. They quickly welcomed our family into the neighborhood and into the girl scout troop. 

Here are pictures from her troop meetings, the 2nd Monday of each month. 

Maven in the Lunada Bay Variety Show

By MAGGIE DING

At Lunada Bay School, the children can participate in an optional Variety Show. Maven was asked to be the lead singer with Drew Smitham and a few other boys in a group song, and she happily accepted -- but then later Kate Burnham and Leah Lengkeek asked her to be in their group. So we combined it and created the "Wild Thing" from a remix of "What Does the Fox Say." 

Miller Hernandez, Maven Ding, Kate Burnham, Drew Smithham, Addison Schnel and Leah Lengkeek (left to right)

Sedona supported Maven but didn't want to participate... maybe next year?!

Long Beach with the Levs

BY MAGGIE DING

Enjoyed some family time with the Levs in Long Beach

A bit of unsuccessful kite flying...

A bit of Austin abuse... which he LOVED because he cried when we had to separate. 

Our Loquat Trees

BY MAGGIE DING

The fun part of having a backyard are FRUIT TREES! Picking our first batch of loquat. Yum! Okay... well, maybe not quite yum as they were a little sour. 

Year of the Horse Celebrity

BY MAGGIE DING

Every year for Chinese New Year's, the grandparents take the girls to participate in a festival in Monterey Park. Sadly, Kevin and I have never been but the girls seem to enjoy it. They make asian dough and get red envelopes... and become celebrities! See A-Ma Ding & Maven? 

Kevin's Famous (in China)!

By MAGGIE DING

Kevin went to Beijing to follow the Lakers as his first big work for Bleacher Report after leaving the Orange County Register in mid-Septemeber. Here's his debut column, a column about Kobe Bryant's popularity in China and the short piece that included this stuff about fans wanting autographs or pictures with Kevin. He also did a long video interview (one of the last days in our Hermosa house, with the family room the scene for the interview!) with Lakers Nation about his career and job change:

Ding Family Reunion

By MAGGIE DING

In tribute to Grandpa Ding's one-year passing the extended Ding family got together for a reunion to remember Grandpa and take gratitude in family.  The kids had a blast together at SkyZone, playing and enjoying A-ma Ding's cooking. 

 

Sedona's 1st Grade Year

By MAGGIE DING

Sedona's last day of 1st grade at Hermosa View School. Here are pictures from her classroom of her memories. Captions by Sedona personally. 

Dr. Seuss' Birthday!

100th Day of school!

Pajama Day!

First day of school with my seat partner!

When we won our awards!

When we won our awards again!

Thanksgiving!

First day of school with a pumpkin! Almost Halloween!

When we won our reading 100 books award!

With Ava and Ms. Guerrero at the library!

Christmas!

Sorting stuff with classmates!

Eating on Thanksgiving!

Me with my reading buddy!

Me on my birthday!

Cookie at share day. 

Our field trip to the Zoo!

When Daddy was telling everyone about his job!

Crazy hat day!