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A glimpse of a future homework-doing Oren.

Ice Ice Baby! I Mean, Toddler!

The Valdezs hit the ice this past weekend, Ice Palace that is – the first for Oren, and the first for me and Katrina in many many years. I still have painful memories of wet and bruised okoles. It took me a while to get on the ice, but the girls went gung-ho once their skates were on. Katrina looked more like Katarina (Witt that is). Guess all that rollerblading in college helped. Oren freaked initially, but after some pizza and nachos, not to mention, all those hours of walking in Mommy’s high heels, she confidentally cruised around the perimeter rubber in her skates, then joined Mommy and Daddy on the ice. I was afraid I was gonna take her down with my shaky technique, but I think after 10 years, my center of gravity has lowered (aka “fat butt”) and didn’t slip once.

Overall though, Oren’s favorite part was when the Zamboni came out. “Sham bowie! Sham bowie!”

Walking On Ice (Not Quite)
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Here’s Oren walking around Ice Palace in her little skates. She’s not actually ON the ice, but quite near it in the bleachers.

Mrs. Valdez: Outstanding Educator!

Last Friday, Katrina was honored by OC16 as one of 2007′s Outstanding Educators with an awesome luncheon at Willows. She received a plaque and some cool gifts. Oh and all the prime rib she could eat!

Castle is lucky to have this gem. Congrats again, babe!

Mic Check
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Oren shows off her pipes and keyboard improvisation.

Join Me, Bun Bun…
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…and together we can rule the galaxy as baby and rabbit!

NEW YEARS 2007: Boom!

“Boom!” That’s what Oren said as 2007 came to a close at the annual get togethers at Aunty Gloria’s house and then 604. This year, she got into the fiery fray, skipping amongst her sparkler-wielding cousins (see video below) and even throwing a few pops herself. One other thing went “boom” on this New Year’s Eve as well–Tehani’s undefeated Wii Boxing record–as she fell to Uncle Gilbert!

(And yes, I’m wearing a Sugar Bowl shirt in that pic. Let’s not talk about that right now…)

Happy New Year everyone!

NEW YEARS 2007: Fire Dancing
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Oren dances amongst the lit sparklers before the big boom of 2008!