Dec. 29, 2008 to January 12, 2009 and Adams Family Football Predictions

We have arrived safely in Walnut Creek. We had a great three weeks in Oak Park and it has been hard to get back into the regular routine. Here is what we were up to in Southern California:

Forrest Lawn

Because we will be moving back down South in October, and because housing prices are low, we are hoping to buy our first house this year. I’m going to be working in Downtown Los Angeles, so we’re looking for cities that are safe, affordable, have good schools, and are close to work—if anyone knows a good place to live, please let us know. So on Dec. 29, we looked at houses in Burbank and Glendale. After that we went to Forrest Lawn cemetery, which is where my grandfather, Harris Adams, and my uncle, Donald Adams, are buried.

Whittier

Keeping with our house hunting theme, we decided to look at some houses in Whittier the next day. While we were there we visited Stacy’s sister, Shelly, and her family. Reagan and Merrick’s cousin, Jake, has a really cool play structure, so the kids had a really good time playing on it.

Year to Year Run

For New Year’s Eve we did the Year to Year Run at Point Mugu. It is a race that starts on December 31, 2008 at 11:55 PM and ends at January 1, 2009. Stacy wanted to walk and I didn’t want to miss my New Year’s kiss, so I walked with her for the first five minutes, and then after that I booked it, and ended up with a decent time. It was a fun and interesting way to spend the New Year. We figured we are starting our year right by exercising. Thanks Chelsea for making the collage.

Kelda’s Pictures

Kelda is becoming quite the photographer. She took some really beautiful pictures of Reagan while she was playing outside. Notice how she isn’t wearing any clothes—this is not because we are terrible parents, but rather because California has such great weather. Thanks Kelda.

Rose Bowl Floats

For News Years Day we basically hung out and watched football. Unfortunately USC won. My grandparents, John and Carole, were visiting from Omaha, Nebraska, so it was great to hang out with them for a couple of weeks. During New Year’s Night, we found at that Stay’s brother, Moe, was engaged.

For the first time—and probably we the last time—we went to see the Rose Bowl Floats after the parade. It was really cool to look at the parades, but there were a lot of people. Despite the crowd we had a really good time hanging out with the family checking out the floats. After the floats we had lunch a Mexican restaurant. We then checked out houses in Altadena and Pasadena.

Disneyland

For Christmas Stacy and I received to year-passes to Disneyland and California Adventures. My parents also got us two nights at the Disneyland Paradise Pier. So we spent three days at Disneyland. We had a great time. Reagan is getting older and is starting to enjoy the Disneyland experience more. Reagan loves the Disneyland characters, especially the princesses. Whenever she sees one, she will run up to them and give them a hug.

Reagan’s favorite ride was Dumbo. The kids did a really good job for being at Disneyland three straight days. There were not that many freak-outs. While we were at the hotel we did a character breakfast, which is when Disney Characters have breakfast with you. Reagan also got an Alice dress, and she looked really cute in it. Thanks mom and dad for the vacation, and thanks Kelda for the pictures.

On our way back from Disneyland we stopped at Grandma Adams' house and got some Roll and Rye, and she made us some Vegetable bean soup to take home. The day after Disneyland, we went to look at houses in Simi Valley. So far Simi Valley seems like a great option, as long as the Metrolink isn’t that bad. The next day we watched some of the Ravens’ football game, GO RAVENS. And after that we went to a friends’ wedding in Santa Barbara. We then drove to Walnut Creek, and arrived at 12:30 AM. It is great to be back home, but not so great to be back in school. Thanks everyone for a great trip down South.

Adams Family Football Predictions

And finally what everyone has been waiting for, the football predictions. I put them at the end of the post, so everyone would have to read everything else. This year we have sixteen contestants—sorry if I didn’t get your picks, I tried to call everyone. The playoffs have been very interesting. Moe, Chris W., and Carole went a perfect 4 for 4 last week, and a lot of people are in the hunt when the contest. Here are the standings with each persons’ Superbowl pick in parenthesis:

Carole: 6 Points (Ravens over Eagles)
Moe: 6 points (Steelers over Eagles)
Marie: 5 points (Ravens over Cardinals)
Kelda: 5 points (Eagles over Chargers)
Chris W.: 5 points (Ravens over Cardinals)
Scot: 4 points (Steelers over Giants)
Micah: 4 points (Chargers over Eagles)
Chris A: 4 points (Ravens over Eagles)
Annie: 4 points (Panthers over Titans)
Stacy: 4 points (Giants over Chargers)
Cameron: 4 points (Cardinals over Titans)
Jake: 3 points (Titans over Giants)
John: 3 points (Giants over Ravens)
Allen: 3 points (Giants over Chargers)
Chelsea: 3 points (Chargers over Cardinals)

Dustin: 2 points (Titans over Eagles)