We managed to have a fantastic summer vacation. Our Pismo Beach ATV camping trip with the Bakx was cancelled, so we suggested that we were lucky to have another fantastic opportunity for us all to go to Big Bear and use Greg and Jackie's perfect home for us all to have a great time! We got there a day early and enjoyed our normal walk around the neighborhood which is usually covered snow. As we came down the backside of the house we realized that there was a tree fort way up high in the backyard tree. The ladder had long since been gone, so Mommy actually did help them get to the first branch. Mommy and Daddy also got to see more of the area while on a run. There were awesome hiking trails that we had never been able to take advantage of since this was the first time we had not been there during the winter.
The Bakx came the next day and we wanted to go for a walk to show them around the hilly neighborhood. We decided to try and actually find a GeoCache that was supposed to be "nearby". We did actually find our first one and had a great time even though we went a little farther than expected. On the way back to the house we did a little "shortcut" that saved us some time getting back. Later that day we all went to the Alpine Slide and Coaster Park. The Coaster was pretty new but so much fun. The Alpine Slide had been there a while, and you seriously had to hold on if you wanted to go fast. Caution, don't put your hands or legs outside of the coaster. Unfortunately Rylee got quite the burn on her knee, and Cienna got a tiny one on her elbow. Nevertheless, Rylee and the rest of us that planned on going ziplining the next day had a great time. For us, it was our first time ever doing a ziplining tour. The ATV doing switchbacks up the mountain was almost as exciting as the ziplines themselves. We all had such a relaxing fun time that also included game times in the house, movie time, and Kan Jam outside!
That week we were getting ready for the start of this all virtual school time. Cienna got her school issued Chromebook, and they got their class schedules/assigned teacher. They were both very excited with who they had. Cienna got all the classes she wanted and it is Kaylee's first year of all elementary to have class with not one, but both her best buddies. We got a nice visit from cousin MiKayla and her husband Brion, and of course Ellie. Then played soccer at the park with London and her dad.
Cienna and Mommy went to help welcome the 5th grade class of 2021 by chalking the sidewalk and street where we picked up their school supplies and met with the teachers later that day. Kaylee's teacher is new this year, but they all know her husband BaBa the storyteller.
Then September starts with the first day of school. We now have a 5th and 7th grader. Even though we didn't get to walk them to school we had worked hard to set them up with nice desk areas for successful virtual school. We even used old school methods like plugging into the Cat 5E plugs that are in all of the rooms in our house. Both girls and Daddy can be work throughout the day without a glitch on our end. The first week was a bit of adjustment and learning for all teachers and kids, but the second week smoothed out and the third week they actually started to learn...ish : )
The girls are continuing to enjoy gymnastics every practice and have learned many new skills and their courage and confidence keep growing. They are twisting on the floor, both have consistent back handsprings on high beam, starting tsuk's on vault with the board vs. tramp and giants on the low bar. They got cupcakes for the 35th anniversary for the gymnastics center which is for sure a bonus.
We had more great family time with the Bakx for Labor Day weekend. We did another backyard camping adventure and Porter even got to join us. It was a hot weekend, so there was plenty of pool time. Mommy even went in the pool, it was that hot. Robby and Sierra also joined in the fun. We did smores in the fire pit, and watched Bill and Ted's Big Adventure on the side of the house with the projector that Daddy set up. In the morning we had a big breakfast with pancakes and eggs and worked it all off playing Just Dance on the Wi. We all went to Stone's soccer game that VERY hot afternoon, but the other team didn't show up so we all got on the field to play against them. IT WAS VERY HOT (116 on the field), but we had fun.
We've really enjoyed family time and being together. Lots of games, bike rides, and dancing is certainly a must for all of us. We had our first back to school night on a zoom call, which actually was great. Kaylee has a wonderful teacher! Kaylee then got to have a social distancing in person Birthday Party with her best buddies Nicki and Adi for Nicki's 11th Birthday. They spent time talking and eating dinner together and loving every minute of being able hang out in person.
We finished with clearing out the garage of our goodwill stash that we have built up all summer only to find that our goodwill is overwhelmed and is limited on what they will take, but we won't give up. We also learned some new information on our yearly team parent (zoom) meeting for gymnastics. They are going to get to do a holiday show, but it will be a video recording vs. a live performance. They also get to have a competition season even if all of the meets are in house with only our team, it's still fun for them and a chance to meet goals and self accomplishments.
All in all, we are certainly making the most of the times and enjoying each other and all that we have to be grateful for. School is working out well, and we all know the time we have together is what we enjoy the most, even if some of it is cleaning and upkeep. Oh yeah, we got another fish on a whim when we were purchasing a gift for Nicki. So we welcomed Ion into our family to accompany Falcor in the fish tank that has new cleaning supplies, that should be better ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
Enjoy the pictures.
