E’s friend wanted to try out sailing so we took him out in the bay over Thanksgiving break.

Hung out at the Catamaran Resort (where we set sail from) afterwards.

Thanksgiving dinner at the Andrews’, our SD “family”!

It was a good combo spread of Asian + traditional American.

Kids’ table…

Post-feast fort making!

Went to a paint your pottery studio with a g.c. from a friend.

E tried to mimic a piece that broke last Halloween — adding himself in. ;-P

Evening walk, checking out some new murals in the ‘hood.

And then po-po came for him, lol. :) After writing several essays and service projects, E was nominated for a city-wide officer position in safety patrol. Part of the selection process involved spending a day at SDPD, seeing all the units, interviewing with several offers and meeting the police chief.

He had the most incredible day and couldn’t stop talking about it! They also awarded all the invitees with lots of goodies, including SDPD patches.

He’ll prob keep this badge forever, issued from Chief Nisleit himself.

Nominees were then invited a few weeks later to a special awards ceremony where they would announce the officers. This photoshopped poster was interesting. (They later hung it in the school front office for several months, lol).

With his area/school mentors… they were the best!

The ceremony was a bigger deal than we thought, complete with an aircraft flyover!

The police chief made some opening remarks.

His school patrol team won in their division. :)

And then individually, E was awarded Major Ong. It wasn’t the colonel position (given to 2 students) that everyone was vying for but 3rd highest rank selected from over 3,000 applicants ain’t too shabby either.

Proud of his service to his school and community. :) Congrats!

Some tennis days.

And then December snuck up on us. Holiday party @ the clubhouse.

The social committee did a good job with the treats, sips, decor and activities/crafts. Got into chatting with neighbors so didn’t get to snap too many pix.

Here we go, the month that’s going to be a lightning fast blur! And then off to Asia for winter break…