Cienna - 15 Years 11 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years 6 Months Old!

Family Road Trip! Lots of pretty skies, birds, and rainbows along the way to our first stop of the Thanks Christmas Adventure.

Natals were first up. We all hung out and did a little catching up until they took our girls bowling to join one of Grace's end of the year team parties. Mom and Dad then continued on to Poppa's and left the girls to enjoy the girls cousin sleepover of the trip. Poppa and Heather were happy to see Mom and Dad and had us happily working around the property first thing in the morning. We did some ladder climbing to fix some stuff on the roofs and just had a great time doing stuff together, Mike and Dana also joined in on the fun. Meanwhile the girls loved being with the Natal's and even got to go to 6 Flags for a little while before Mom went to pick them up, leaving dad to help fix lawn mowers, and bring them back to Poppa's. They continued to help with fixing signs and both enjoyed themselves driving around the property.

Cienna did a great job driving up the Canyon the next morning which ended with a beautiful photo shoot at the top. She drove back down as well, but needed a little assistance from mom to take a fallen branch out of the road. All good experiences. We enjoyed dinner with Poppa and Heather and Cienna showed off her handstand stilt skills that evening.

Next morning we went to Grammy's house. After we got settled. Grammy came with Mom to have lunch with Darcie before we then brought the girls back to practice with her optionals. They always have such an amazing experience with their "Grand Coach" as the girls deemed her as she calls them her "Grand Gymnasts" :) After their practice Grammy gave them some pretty unique gifts that now decorate their room. That evening Grammy went to a fun party and we relaxed with Max and ordered a Door Dash that didn't end up so well, but we all still having a great time.

Next morning Mom drove Grammy and the girls to pick up Auntie Bridget from SFO. Girls enjoyed crossing the Golden Gate and arrived a little early so decided to stop at a memorabilia gift shop store in the city. Easy pickup at the airport and we were all excited to see Bridget. Took pretty much no convincing from her and we were headed to tour Lumbard Street! After that we went to lunch in beautiful Sausalito. Girls were again excited to do another practice at Darcie's so once we got back we headed straight to the gym. Meanwhile Daddy did an amazing job catching up on some computer work (pictures for the previous blog) and other stuff that needed to get done!

Spent another great evening at Grammy's with Bridget, dinner, desert, tiara's, and music! Headed out the next morning to the McFarlands for our first Thanksmas. Girls got to enjoy more cousins with Cole and Jacob as well as June and Grace. They got to play all over that property as well as the new one up the road... as well as driving vehicles between the two properties!

We all had a great time while Prime Rib was being wonderfully prepped and cooked by the McFarlands. There may have been some adult gymnastics or contemporary dancing for entertainment to work of the meal before cousins had a big sleepover and the adults went to bed. Next morning was first Christmas gift opening. Auntie Carrie came to join and Auntie Megan came back after watching her dogs and doing a run with friends. We were all spoiled with gifts, but much more spoiled with love as it should be. After some more adult cartwheels, and ATV driving The Natals, Grammy, Bridget and us left the McFarlands to prepare for their next party as we all went to Poppa's house.

After the Marty's arrived, some game play and visiting in the Cabana before the Natal's headed back home and Grammy and Bridget headed to their next adventure. We did some preparation for that evenings delicious dinner then had a tremendous family time opening gifts that we had gotten for each other. We were all ready for the plethora of food including turkey, ham and tri tip along with delicious sides including Brussel spouts, tomatoes, and potatoes :) We love all the time we get to spend with friends and family. That night we all had fun joining in an art project that Auntie Heather set up for the girls. Then a relaxing evening with full bellies before heading home the next morning.

Once back home the activities didn't stop. Girls enjoyed getting back to gymnastics practice and back into the holiday spirit days. First up was a snowball fight gym style (with pit blocks)!!! They had a great time after practice

After coming home Cienna kept up the driving lessons. Especially wanting to be able to drive to and from gym. But before that she drove to Julia's for a fun sleepover before the next day Daddy went with Uncle Joe to watch the Warriors and Clippers game at the Crypto Arena! They got some pretty great seats and it's needless to say enjoyed every minute! Even had a spinning great halftime show! Meanwhile Kaylee had planned a 3 Musketeers sleepover. Uncle Joe love it! He got a great breakfast out of it!

We had a day for outdoor Christmas lights. Fastest outdoor setup ever. Girls are getting good at it with Dad's supervision!

Next up was musical performances. Never cease to impress! Started with Kaylee's Middle school performance. She was in all of the numbers since she is in Jazz Band, Advanced Band, Vocal Ensemble, and Advanced Chorus. Then Cienna being in Concert Chorus had a day of dress rehearsal and two days of concert. The second performance they invited Kaylee's Marshall middle school Vocal Ensemble group to join in their concert as well getting to sing with Francesca and Lexi as well as others. They both stood out and did amazing!

So back to theme gym nights, it was movie night and the girls had so much fun bonding with all of their lower level teammates, as well as their own of course.

The next day they had their home gym practice meet. Their whole team did great and most importantly had a great time!

Cienna designed the next Nationals logo for the team, and Kaylee designed a personal fort out of a box! No choose and cut trees available, so we got one locally and had a great time decorating and putting up the train.

Gymnastics Team party was a big success! Did a successful Secret Santa gift exchange. Mom also had a coaches gym party where they did some thrift shopping with clues followed by a gift exchange of their merchandise they purchased. Was super fun and successful. Catered by Outback was a bonus! 

Next Lexi's 16th birthday brunch at the 908, doggy sitting Ash, and a Holiday show hang out with Francesca and the Water's to end the Month!!!! Video to come. Meanwhile enjoy the many photos and videos!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/vQ72vnUc9tdgAeK17

Cienna - 15 Years 10 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years 5 Months Old!

Long Beach Octoberfest with the Marshall's, Adam's, and a Donlon (Selena) was a great time. The band was a favorite with their clever twist on lyrics. The pretzels were also a hit. Cienna had a fun sleepover with friends at Peta's house before her choir performance. She also got to celebrate spirit week which she and her friends organized in ASB. Homecoming was the finally after they won the football game and some dancing in the quad.

They continue to have fun holiday gym days, including a dress up Halloween day. Then some of the girls teammates came over to make signs to put up for the compulsory Home Practice Meet. 

We got the pumpkins carved and costumes figured out in time for Halloween. Mom and Dad had the best Run DMC costume. Girls had buddy costumes. Cienna and Julia were Fire and Ice, and Kaylee and Nickie were Angle and Devil. Three of us went to the Marshall's to give out candy. Cienna started at Julia's and made their way over trick or treating. Kaylee got plenty of candy around the neighborhood. There was a pretty great haunted house that some of us really enjoyed as well.

We all went to the High School of Choice event even though Kaylee seems to be pretty set on going the Millikan where Cienna is, and Nicki will most likely be going :) There was a multi children sleep over at our house that included Julia and the Three Musketeers. Cienna and Julia went to volunteer at the Ronal McDonald house while Kaylee, Nicki and Adi played and went to Starbucks.

The following week Cienna got an amazing opportunity to go on a college tour with her FLA friends along with other high school FLA clubs. She got to see UCSB, Pepperdine, and Channel Islands (which apparently was built on an insane asylum) 

Girls and Mom had an early practice on Veterans Day and then went to help coach the compulsories that evening. Then on Sunday Mom and Dad had a great dinner with friends at Taco Beach. Dad then went into LA to meet co-workers that he'd only previously met online. He did have a new experience with Axe throwing and had plenty of delicious food throughout the day.

Us girls all had a great time with Clara's very clever scavenger hunt 16th Birthday. She grouped up a bunch of friends and they were let loose to find and do some interesting activities on Atlantic. Then all the pictures were shown on the big screen after burgers later that evening. 

Bring your parents to gym day came back as one of the fun gym days! Dad won the show for sure! Actually it was a huge success and everyone that participated had so much fun. Although we're not sure how many of us parents were walking the next day. 

We had lots of art activities as well including finally making the handstand stilts that Cienna had been asking for for SO long, we also added epoxy to the gymnastics signs that Uncle Joe made the girls a while back. Kaylee made a pinball Kiwico and we got the girls to pose for some (at home) school pictures since they don't do them as school anymore.

More gym fun with a game night and karaoke. Then Mom took Kaylee and Nicki to surprise Adi and watch her amazing school performance. And of course it was followed by a 3 Musketeers sleepover which was mentioned earlier when Julia also was sleeping over, but I don't want to go back and re-edit :)

A couple extra additions is Mom getting to hold an awesome parakeet named Balloo while on a walk, Kaylee went for her front tuck on beam, Cienna and Francesca impressed again at the Marines pull up competition, and we watched the middle Donlon (Bennett) perform a piano recital at our neighbors. 

Next up, the holidays!

Check out the photos:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RLMHNDarnqHBGQKw9

Cienna - 15 Years 9 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years 4 Months Old!

Looking to sell the quad that Grandpa got for Cienna when she was 4. But not before fixing it up and enjoying it around the neighborhood!

Not sure where we find time outside our schedules these days, but we got to spend fun times with friends this month. Starting with some the first night time beach fun with the Marshall's. Then bike rides around the neighborhood followed by some baking of some delicious cake pops. There was some bedroom rearranging consisting of only stuff that was found in the garage but satisfied Kaylee's desire of a corner desk area while Cienna went to hang out at Julia's with some other buddies for the afternoon.

Next came a Poly high school home coming football game that they happened to be playing against Millikan. The entire optionals gymnastics team went, since either they went to one of the schools, were a sister of someone who went to one of the schools, or just went to have fun! They had a great time. Since Poly is one of the top 10 in all of California and Cienna goes to Millikan, it was exciting to see them tie... then lose in overtime for that game!

The skies didn't disappoint this month as you can see in the pictures. Plenty of sunsets and a partial annular eclipse. The next morning Mom went with Julia's mom, Sara, for a walk around the marina and a stop for ice cream. Mom and Dad celebrated Steph's 50th at a rock cover band concert at Gaslamp. Metallica cover was the main event. We had such a great time (the kids enjoyed themselves at the Marshall's, although may have overstayed their welcome due to how late we stayed.) The only downside of the concert was the fact we both realized it's way too hard to stay up that late.

Cienna had so much fun at Shawna's Sweet 16 starting at Wardlow Park with crafts and food, and her brother doing a photo shoot. They then walked to Shawna's celebrating the whole way for some more fun.

The girls got awarded again by the city of Lakewood for their Gymnastics National Team title from this summer in Cincinnati.

Mom and Dad had fun following Kaylee's class schedule for Back to School night. Mom, Cienna, went with Julia and her mom Sara for a bike ride/walk along the beach to a local smoothie shop. The next week Mom and Dad joined Corey to help move all the furniture out of the Snow's next door in anticipation for them getting new floors.

The girls honored Breast Cancer awareness and gave many good thoughts toward Abbey as we've done throughout the year. The next weekend was again full of fun. The girls went to LBX with the Marshall's for some Acai Bowls. They also planned a surprise sleepover for Clara who just turned 16. Paige (her 13 yr. old sister) and Kaylee pretty much orchestrated the whole thing. Cienna and Kaylee went with their mom to pick them up from the Taylor Swift movie at 10:30pm and surprise you have a whole night of NOT sleeping :)

The following day, after Mom and Dad helped the Snow's put their furniture back in on top of brand new flooring, Cienna went to Lily's Quinceanera that sounded amazing. So much like a wedding, but nobody gets married. Meanwhile the rest of us went to Frozen Yogurt!

Then Sunday as if they hadn't done enough, Cienna went with other friends to watch the Taylor Swift movie herself and then Kaylee had fun during sunset at the beach with the other 2 Musketeers. Glad we get to fit in so much time with friends, school activities, along with the fun at gym (spirit days all month) and work activities!

Enjoy the photos:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/UW118uX7iewyGTL17

Cienna - 15 Years 8 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years 3 Months Old!

Wrapping up the summer, Kaylee made a porch sign for Auntie Kimmie and they had the last summer fun day at gymnastics with Movie Night at the gym. Not many girls watched the movie, but they had fun playing all together. The next night was the annual awards ceremony at the main Y followed by dinner and swimming all together. Cienna even got a human size banner of herself for being one of the level 9 team for Nationals. Then Kaylee orchestrated the next 3 Musketeers sleepover to round out the summer. They played in the rain and did all kinds of mischievous activities. The week before school Kaylee had Web training before the 6th grade orientation, and Cienna got to show the 9th graders around for theirs as well. Mark went on a bike ride in Huntington with the crew and finished with a professional concert put on by the Chavez's. Meanwhile the next sleepover was happening with the Waters's girls which included plenty of pool time at the Douglas's across the street. Just previous to the first day of school Cienna got to go have her 10th grade orientation to get all her books and picture ID photo taken.

Then Cienna's DMV appointment had arrived. She made it in time before the busy school year came. She studied hard, but had heard many other friends had not passed their permit test. Mom and dad took her and went through the process. Just as she was going in to the room for her test, she was turned around and told that the system just went down and she would have to wait for an unknown period of time or go home and come back another day. She said "I'm waiting" so we waited. Just about an hour later she was in and taking a paper tests instead of on the computer (which was new). Mom and Dad waited.... Apparently 30 minutes later she finished but the test grader decided just then it was his time for lunch so she and parents unknowingly waited another 30 minutes. She did have a friend to talk to, but was rightfully nervously awaiting. So, then test got graded and she PASSED! Soon after scheduled her first behind the wheel lesson for next month.

Then the new school year was upon us. The girls were both excited to go, but not excited for summer to end. Just before we got to observe a Blue Moon through our very old telescopes, but it was a successful viewing. A few days later we got to celebrate Joan's 80th birthday party at the Ferrario's. We got to see Cobi and Bri's new place next door with their plethora of animals including a puppy farm, baby bunnies, exotic birds, etc. We all had fun playing pool, swimming in the pool, outdoor games, indoor games, food, dancing, and a lot of fun!

With school in session we had more family time on the weekend for walks together, chores, music time, dancing, making food together and enjoying each other. Meanwhile dad got to go to an Angels game with Roman and Mike, and Mom sold her Subaru after 22 years of a great ride. Was told it would be restored and will see it again in better shape than it was. Cienna has enjoyed going to Football game as part of the ASB and student crowd since gym gets out at 7 on Fridays. We brought out the Quad out of the garage that Grandpa Kim bought Cienna when she was 4 to restore. Daddy got a new battery and spent some extra time during the week and the we're are excited to try it out. 

Finishing up the month Mom and dad got to go to Kaylee's Back to School night. They'd met all her teachers before since Cienna had each of them before. But nevertheless they had nothing but great things to say about the contributions that Kaylee makes everyday in class. Last but not least for Nicki's 14th Birthday, another 3 Musketeer sleepover at the Marshall's after a huge day of Knott's followed by nighttime beach play. Cienna and Lexie came to our house and had a sleepover of their own without the antics of the other 3, although they had antics of their own.

In a nutshell, life is great and these two children never cease to amaze.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Sxa5utpzxKiRhnuMA

Cienna - 15 Years 7 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years 2 Month Old!

    Was great to see summer fun days at gym make a come back to instill team comradery at gymnastics! From colors to accessories, nerf night, beach day and at last the stay up all night sleepover at the gym! The girls again were excited as always to go to Acting Out camp. The first week was more new campers and they were some of the older ones but got to share all their experience since they used to be the youngest. 

    Then Mom and Dad went out for a weekend to celebrate Dani's 50th. It was more like a luxurious wedding event in the wine caves, all being catered too on a party bus and delicious dinner. Meanwhile Cienna went for an amazing experience in Irvine for ASB camp. Kaylee spent time with the Marshalls till we all got back home.

    After mom coached soccer at Arena Soccer Parks with Steph for the first time in a long time, the girls made plans with their gym team to see the Barbie movie together. It was great that they all made it and then carpooled for Devynn's middle school graduation party. Next day we had more great food BBQing at the Marshall's and the Marshman's had a cake bake off. We all won this time!

    Next plans included a sleepover with the Waters. Makeup, movies, a great breakfast with homemade whipped cream. Cienna went with buddies to the HB surf classic and enjoyed it so much that she wanted us all to go the next weekend. Bunch of SWAG and she won the Hook Toss and got $50 worth of stuff that was for Mom.

    We all brought back Friday Night Lights with biking around with our light up jackets and waving to neighbors preceding the next week of Acting Out for the girls. The week was like a friends reunion over all the years they've been at the camp. Was the biggest camp ever, and almost all of their buddies over the last 7 years were there. They had a very memorable experience as always and shined on stage during the Friday showcase!

    Shortly after, meaning right after the girls went to gym for a few hours, we all set off on a road trip up north to surprise RJ for his 50th birthday. We planned for a stop halfway at Harris Ranch. Had a great night sleep and then after an awesome breakfast we had fun in the pool before finishing our road trip and first surprising cousins. Then surprising RJ by picking him up after a long morning of golf. Afterward heading back to the Natal's for more surprise guests and many racks of ribs and all the sides. Grammy, then Auntie Carrie, followed by the other McFarlands. Let the party happen! Park and play for the kids as well as adults including game play "Sword Fish". : ) Then Dessert!!

    Lake Berryessa was planned for the next day. RJ is absolutely as amazing as ever on a wakeboard! The girls got to go tubing on one huge tube behind the speed boat. They also wake boarded for the first time ever and had a blast.  Mom and Dad had so much fun as well. Think it's not the last time for us going.

Check out the photos:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/t6yM36mcu6PoBRAY8        

So excited to see what's next for the last of our summer fun! Kaylee has WEB training for three days. Which means she gets to learn what to do for 6th grade orientation since she is in 8th grade already. Cienna has her first DMV appointment on the 29th coming up to get her drivers permit.  Than we get to see the new Mario movie in the park soon. Super excited for that! Soon after that school starts! First day of 8th grade for Kaylee and first day of being a sophomore for Cienna!

Cienna - 15 Years 6 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years 1 Month Old!

There is no end to the fun and never ending excitement from last month! This month could be a novel in itself and would be easier to make bullet points, but it was just too amazing. Not a short read!

Dad took us girls to LAX to start our vacation adventures. Girls were off to Cincinnati to join their team for this years gymnastics Nationals competition. Unfortunately Dad couldn't make it, but we tried to keep him informed the whole week!

Ohio Day 1: We actually landed in Kentucky since the airport is just a few miles short of Ohio/Cincinnati. We hadn't booked a rental car but got a great deal due to a very kind Avis employee on a Dodge Charger which was one of the very last cars available. Our first hotel was downtown and we arrived late at night hoping to get to a grocery store for dinner. Being in a new city and a smelly parking garage Mom walked to the store and barely got there by the time it closed. Did make it back and we all had a relaxing dinner in our hotel room while face time with dad and a good nights sleep before the next day in which we got to go the the main hotel which we would be staying with the whole team for the rest of the week.

Ohio Day 2: Checked out the area of the new hotel then took a walk in the daytime downtown in the area which we had stayed and were going to be spending for the Nationals gymnastics event. We went to the Convention Center and Fountain Square. Girls found an offbeat Acai bowl/smoothie place called Better Blend for lunch that was pretty delicious. We walked around the University of Cincinnati while showing Daddy over the phone before heading to dinner nearby the hotel.

Ohio Day 3: We all went to the hotel gym in the morning waiting for other teammates to arrive and to get some exercise. We were found by some new arrivals including Coach Denise and Coach George. Devynn had also gotten there and we had planned to go on a cool Riverboat excursion between Kentucky and Ohio. We learned quite a bit of history and saw how different the two sides were and how they each developed. Many more friends arrived that evening and they all spent some time in the pool. Unfortunately there were also many delayed and canceled flights for others.

Ohio Day 4: Cienna and Kaylee and the rest of the optionals got to go check in at the gymnastics event before a quick practice and testing out all of the equipment that they would be competing on the following day. Later that day was the opening ceremony where they all walked in as a group with every competing gymnast for the event. It included many keynote speakers including Shannon Miller. The speeches were followed by a show from local circus performers. After the opening ceremonies most of those who had already arrived went to a fun pizza dinner near our hotel before heading to bed to rest for the next day's competition.

Ohio Day 5: It was a great competition. The girls had a lot of fun. Cienna competed in the Championship level (9/10) and Kaylee did level 8. They both made it to the finals the next day and really enjoyed cheering on each other and all of their teammates. It was a long day of gymnastics and we all got together in the lobby for dinner.

Ohio Day 6: Was fun for the girls to get to compete for the second day in a row. While supporting Lucy in her Level 5 competition, Cienna got to compete in the event finals for Bars and Beam and ended up getting All American status for her All Around placement which was rewarded with a special jacket. Her team also won 1st place in the competition for that level! Kaylee was the 1st place National champion on Floor and ended up in 4th All around in her session. The day ended at almost midnight but the team still rallied for some ice cream and winding down together in the lobby knowing that the level 4's were competing the next morning.

Ohio Day 7: The final day we watched the Level 4's have a blast working their way through the competition and enjoying it the whole time. Then we went with Francesca, Keira, and parents to use our Culver's ice cream gift cards that were given to us for the event before hopping on the street car to see what more downtown had to offer. We walked across a bridge to Kentucky and found some well engineered parks that we all had fun figuring out. The Reds game was just letting out as well so there was some big time people watching. It was a great time to wind down and relax before the flight home. After all the troubles with flights, we luckily flew off without a hitch and we had a light show on the way. We watched an incredible 20 or more minutes worth of non-stop lightning as we took off, we'd never seen anything like it and were glad that it was off in the direction that we were not flying. We were all so tired, but happy to see dad when he picked us up at the airport.

Back to work and gymnastics the next few days. As well as a Swedish Midsummer's holiday for Cienna at Julia's before we were off for such and incredible vacation to Costa Rica with our new passports in hand.

Costa Rica Day 1: Arriving in Liberia airport was easy the transport to our first destination of Arenal was like our first excursion viewing all the beautiful landscape and the driver even reversed in the road to show us our first of many monkey's "hanging" out (a family of Howler monkeys). We arrived at the volcano resort, felt like celebrities, toured the location, then were shown to our room that had an inside hot tub and the best view of the Arenal Volcano ever. The Marty's and Poppa arrived shortly after and we enjoyed the pool and hot springs! There was an amazing storm all night which made for a great next day with clear skies.

Costa Rica Day 2: In the morning the nine of us left for our first excursion in the rain forest for a 3 mile hike full of animals and hanging bridges with our tour guide Gabriel. After a big morning we did some relaxing in the pool since we had another excursion planned that evening to go to a nearby reptile reserve and preserved rain forest owned by a local family where we saw many frogs, spiders, fish, steaming fungus, plenty of flying termites, and even a sloth before being served a delicious homemade dinner and listening to a great young pianist as entertainment.

Costa Rica Day 3: More Excitement with ziplining along the countries longest and fastest zipline. There were 7 in all. We took the Skyline gondola on a 15 minute ride up and then 6 of us zipped down at crazy speeds, but at some length to get to look around to see the birds and other animals flying around on your way to the abrupt stop! That evening was a special excursion at the resort made for us. A local family and local chef at the resort had a cooking lesson for their local meals and traditions for us to learn and enjoy. We also got to eat it afterward and it was great. We think they're going to make it a regular excursion for other guests as well.

Costa Rica Day 4: Off to the next adventure we took transportation 6 hrs to Manuel Antonio, our next resort. On the way we stopped off at the crocodile bridge, Tarcoles. There were a few crocodiles waiting to eat whoever was thrown over next. We arrived at our next place which had an elevator that opened up straight into our suite.

Costa Rica Day 5: So, we had breakfast with monkeys. There were more than a dozen having a great time scoping out who was going to drop the next bit of food. Then, horseback riding! Running, galloping, through rivers, rain forest, stopping at and jumping in whirlpools, before heading back! The horses were beautiful and so were the smiles on the girls faces. Back at the resort we trekked to the private beach and watched crazy high tide beat us against the rocks, then enjoyed the hot tub in the rain.

Costa Rica Day 6: After the nights rain made for a beautiful waterfall! We went next to the Nauyaca waterfall Nature Park. Started with an hour bus ride, then a tractor taking us through roads that no other vehicle could mange, followed by a nature hike, swim in the natural waterfall pool from the largest point, with some smaller jumping points and a fruit snack which we learned how to cut to make at home. Then Cienna, Daddy, Trevor, and Mike went to concur the 33ft. jump. The hardest part was getting to the top of the rock to jump. They did AMAZING! Cienna may have taken a couple tour guides down and ripped a shirt, but at the end of it all they jumped and were all exhilarated by the experience! After the excitement we all finally got to hang out in our room and play a really fun game called "Code Names" that Ashley brought.

Costa Rica Day 7: We headed on foot nearby in search of some souvenirs after breakfast. We found a cool sign to give Poppa for his Cabana to remember the trip. White faced monkeys came for lunch that day before we all headed out on a boat to learn about and experience the Mangrove trees. More white faced monkeys (cannibals') joined us on the boat, but were harmless. We saw a new part of Costa Rica as well as some Pelicans near where the river and the ocean met and some Toucans on the ride back to the resort.

Costa Rica Day 8: Another travel day to Flamingo where we were to stay at Margaritaville. One souvenir shop stop on the way. Ending in a more relaxing state with an all inclusive pass to food and drink. We took in the views and dinner and some fun playing corn hole after the drive.

Costa Rica Day 9: After a delicious breakfast we had our first encounter with Rocket/Swiper racoon that we aren't sure if it's pretending, but seemed to only have 3 legs working. He liked to go through peoples stuff, but also lounge around like he was one of the tourists! We spent some time boogie boarding at the beach before heading off on a breathtaking sunset cruise that included snorkeling with blowfish, eels, octopus, and other sea life. Then a double rainbow, no rain, and an incredible sunset! Let's take this moment to mention that the weather was 100% on our side the entire trip!

Costa Rica Day 10: We set out in the morning with the resort photographer. We didn't necessarily plan attire, but made it work regardless. She was great and picked great lighting for the event! We spent the rest of the day relaxing at the pool before our Italian restaurant dinner reservations for the evening! Even though it was a small space, they were able to put all 9 of us together. We gave Poppa his sign that we picked up and enjoyed each other for the last night together.

Costa Rica Day 11: Breakfast Iguana's this time. Iguana's on the order of a few feet and some small monkeys that we'd say looked like squirrels. After saying goodbye to Poppa and the Marty's, the airport was close and easy and we were on our way home!

Check out the VLOG Cienna put together outlining the whole trip!!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLckY4KvwM4DIMie9-0-ESWI3Ha-WpAbZp

Back to work and some gymnastics as well as Cienna had ASB workshop and a lot of catching up for her summer school PE. Then Kaylee got her hair cut for the first time by someone other than her mom for curtain bangs before going to a fun summer birthday/poor/BBQ party for her buddy Zeke. Cienna also then decided to trim her hair by mom that weekend. The girls finished this month heading to their favorite camp of the summer, "Acting Out".

I did not capture it all, but it was a lot and super amazing. There are more pictures and videos than can be handled!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/UnZp7bWuCzcGhj2S6

Cienna - 15 Years 5 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years a TEENAGER!!

We started this month with picking up Kaylee's new glasses.  Celebrated Millikan's amazing orchestra, band, and choir students at Music in the Air concert.  Headed down to San Diego for the first of two competitions this month.  Girls did amazing and had fun with the 70's funk theme.  The Sklenicka's were even able to come up and cheer the girls on.  The next day Clara and Paige came over for some movie making fun!

Cienna had an English project that required her to choose a major and interview someone within that profession.  She chose Political Science and got the opportunity to interview one of Long Beach Mayor's advisors.  They invited her to tour City Hall, the Mayor's office, and interview in the Mayor's main conference room.  Such a cool opportunity she will never forget.  Nailed the essay by the way!

After practice one night, within a couple of hours, the girls choregraphed and submitted a video to the the Y Nationals host team with hope of being selected to perform at opening ceremonies.  Unfortunately they weren't selected, but the video turned out great and they had fun.  Especially with the limited time they had.

Memorial Day weekend started off with replacing our 20 year old garbage disposal and that Sat. night we got to enjoy another LA Galaxy game thanks to the the Bakx and Stone's club soccer team.  As expected, the Galaxy lost, but still great times with great friends.

Sunday we had ONE of THREE Kaylee birthday parties.  She invited her besties Nicki and Adi over for a sleepover but started the day at the Weiner dog races in Huntington Beach.  Definitely a unique experience to say the least.  Nala (Cobi and Brie's Weiner) and Freya (the Bakx's Weiner) competed and did great especially just being pups.  It was fun to see how everyone got so excited to watch Weiner's race.  I'm giggling just writing this paragraph :)

After the race, we headed to the Bakx house for a quick swim before picking up Olive Garden for dinner.  We finished the night with ice cream cake, movies, and TP'ing Jack's house.  The next morning (Memorial Day), the girls had breakfast and more fun "bike-sledding," swimming at Roger and Lisa's, and laying out on the roof.  We finished the day with a family Kan-Jam tournament and prepped ourselves for another busy week.

We were double booked that next Thursday night and had to split the time between Kaylee's Music Awards and Cienna's high school gymnastics banquet. The next day mom and dad brought Jamba Juice and Subway to the 7th grade lunch on the lawn for Kaylee and cheered her on as she received an award from her peers. 

That weekend Kaylee completed another KiwiCo project projecting a laser that danced around with sound (so cool and thanks Poppa) while Cienna went off to her friend Julia's birthday party sleepover.  They got "some" sleep before both heading off to competition number two in San Diego.  This one (Y State) was a late one and started at 6:30pm on that Sunday night.  Needless to say, we all wished we could have slept in the next day but it was on to work and school.

During the week, there was a senior ceremony where everyone celebrated Izzy and Alex as graduating seniors from gymnastics.  We know they will do amazing things as they move on to college and pursue their careers.  If there's one thing gymnastics teaches you it's how to be strong and never give up.  Mom and dad ended the week hanging with friends at the Adam's house before starting another crazy weekend's of parties.

Saturday afternoon was number TWO of THREE Kaylee birthday parties where her gymnast friends all got together at the gym and had a nerf battle.  Mom and dad laid out plenty of food and kept the nerf blasters loaded as they chased each other around the gym.  The party completed with "do your best jump into the pit" and a baseball game on the floor.  The next day prepped the house by moving cars, putting out games, and setting up for party number THREE.  It started with Kaylee's friends meeting at the house, transporting them to Shoreline Village in Long Beach where they spent an hour trying to solve all the clues to "escape" in a mobile escape room.  We ended back at our house for games, cake and a chocolate fountain we borrowed from the Ferrarios.

That week we celebrated Porter's 12th birthday, the last day of school which was also Kaylee's birthday -  complete with Starbucks, Togos, and a pretzel, and the Nationals pre-party at the gym.  That weekend, the Marshmans had the parents participate in a game night.  The girls had some fun re-arranging Kaylee's room before we all headed off to Alex's and Annie's High School graduation parties.  A little bit of VR and daddy attempting to do Cienna's hair before heading for the day at the Baxk for Father's day BBQ, pool party, cornhole and finally jamming in the garage with JB on drums, Roman on lead guitar, Franklin on bass, and daddy on the mouth harp!

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Stay tuned...up and coming after all that is a trip to Ohio for Gymnastics Nationals and Costa Rica with Poppa and The Marty's!

Cienna - 15 Years 4 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 12 Years 11 Months Old!

Open house at Marshall. Fun to talk to Kaylee's teachers. Nice that we have good students. Cienna went to the beach and got in the water with buddy Julia... not warm. Had High School gymnastics pictures. Then it was Roaklee's 2nd Birthday. He got some attention and got to eat off the special Birthday plate. We had a 3 Musketeer sleepover, did some car washing, and Cienna learned how to check and adjust the tire pressure in the Jetta. We all then got to watch Lexi perform at Porch Fest at the Woodside's!

The girls made great cards and paintings for their teachers appreciation week. Then even though we didn't get to see him most of the day, we still made and enjoyed a Lemon Meringue for Dad's birthday as he prepared for Brewfest the following weekend. We did wash the Birthday plate after Roaklee!

It was a very busy weekend. Dad left to meet up with Uncle Joe and Uncle Matt, as well as the usual crew for a fun filled Brewfest birthday weekend! Plenty of music, camping games, and party time. Meanwhile Cienna celebrated Ava's birthday starting with Duffy Boat ride followed up with walking through shops around the neighborhood and a bonfire sleepover. That left Mom and Kaylee to enjoy a manicure for Kaylee and Pedicure for Mom. A typical sleepover party with plenty of games and laughing!

Both girls had their last music concerts for the year. Cienna enjoyed re-uniting with her middle school friends while Kaylee played clarinet and sang with her friends! Then Cienna played Festive Overture with her Symphonic Winds among many other crazy difficult amazing songs for her last band performance.

The next weekend, Cienna went "thrifting/antiquing" with friends while mom and Kaylee went to Goodwill for school clothes. We also got to watch Lexie as one of the ancestors in "The Adams Family". The weekend was also filled with plenty of meeting new babies. Coach Kristen brought her brand new twin boys, Beckett and Gavin, to the gym, then for Mother's Day we went to the Ferrario's and got to meet Sierra and Robbie's new baby Archer, and play with baby Daxten and Emera. It was a very relaxing and fun brunch including some photo ops in one of Jen's cool Model A car.

There was a last minute chaperone cancellation so mom got to join Kaylee's music field trip to Knott's at the end of the month!

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Cienna - 15 Years 3 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 12 Years 10 Months Old!

Cienna got a great opportunity to see the Broadway show "Mean Girls" with some of her FLA friends at the Segromstrom! Meanwhile Mommy and Kaylee went to Sierra and Robbie's Baby shower at the Bakx. Later that evening we all got to go to the Marshalls for a BBQ where the girls all made a very interesting cake for dessert. The next day while Dad started brewing for Brewfest Mom went to Coach Kristen's baby shower even though her healthy premi twins have already arrived! It had the biggest variety of food that Mom have ever seen at any buffet ever. That evening the girls were still on the baking kick and made a delicious Chocolate Strawberry cake only because we had left over frosting to use.

Cienna got 1st all around in her 2nd high school competition against St. Josephs the day before Mom's Birthday which she filled in for Coach George at gymnastics practice and got to share with birthday buddy Francesca. The next day Cienna's Symphonic Winds competed in their annual high school competition and continued their over a decades worth of first place finishes!

Next up was the girls State Competition. It was at the OC Fairgrounds. It was a fun and long weekend with all the girls at different sessions throughout. After a long day we did not make it to Larry's 80th party but certainly thought about him and enjoyed the texts and photos!

Morning after competition Kaylee and Cienna helped to plan an impromptu Nerf gun War at the gym. George and Lisa's sons and friends left their nerf toys and pellets there for the girls to use. Almost all of their teammates were able to make it. They had so much fun doing something different in their gymnastics center!

Cienna had a Jazz performance at school before coming to gym and celebrating Coach George's Birthday by all the optionals surprising, dressing up and acting like him at the end of practice : ) We had dentist appts. and eye appts. with a new Optometrist that went well before Cienna's 3rd High School Competition against Lakewood at her home gymnastics Center! Kaylee supported Frankie at one of her Softball games after practice that Friday night!

While Cienna went to Pita's color pop tutu roller skating party ending in a sleepover, The 3 Musketeers got together for a sleepover at our house. Everyone had a good time. The next morning Cienna took her bike to keep mom company on her run. The following week Cienna had her last High School meet. She did amazing through the entire High School season. Always finishing in 1st place in one or more events if not All Around! Finals took place at her school and it was a great way to end the week before the start of Spring Break.

The girls both made plans for the first day. Cienna spent time at Julia's making Blueberry ice cream and relaxing watching movies. Kaylee went to the Stranger Things Experience with her close group of school friends for Frankie's 13th Birthday party! The following day was family time prepping for Easter. Lots of egg decorating and treat making. Finished the Front yard bark and planting. We also got to start the stay with Lula as our house guest for a few days!

We started Easter morning with a movie in bed all together before seeing what the was hiding for them in the Living Room! They had fun on the hunt and we held off on breakfast, but instead took a short bike ride/walk before heading over to the Snow's for another magnificent buffet style brunch! So much food and fun including another egg hunt for the kids. We then did a longer bike ride/walk together to work out all the delicious food we had.

Mom and Dad had to work during Spring Break but the girls enjoyed some relaxing time together and chose to even increase their gymnastics practice times. Kaylee also took the time to work hard on her ELA Novel project to go over and beyond the requirements of the assignment! Then the day mom had off they asked to go to the gym in the morning with Clara for the three of them to practice together in an empty gym. Perks of Mom having a key and being a coach. Those three were also the only ones to come to regular practice on Friday before the Regionals competition in Reno that weekend. Unfortunately Cienna hurt her hand right at the beginning of practice but decided if she is going to be hurt she needs to be able to do routines that way for the competition that weekend. Mom told her she doesn't, but she did.

Then 6am the next morning we were off on a flight from LAX to RNO. Mom and the girls were so happy to be traveling with Clara and her mom, Kristen. We got a ride to the airport, thanks Rocky, and had an easy travel to Reno. The flight ended with the girls talking to the pilot and getting to sit in the cockpit. Just a glimpse of all the fun things to come. Next was the rental car. Wasn't supposed to be the plan, but the girls talked their way into a super cool jeep with no extra charge! 

Because awesome things happen. The Natal's happen to have a soccer tournament the same weekend in Reno! Even more, both June and Grace had a game at the same time at the same location at nearby fields at the exact time that we had to watch! It was really amazing to be able to watch them play! We even got to see Grace score. Next we headed to support KC for her competition. The 5 of us then went to Red Robin for dinner before meeting up again with the Natals at the Grand Sierra Resort for Frozen Yogurt. We were exhausted from the day and had an early competition and went straight to bed!

A little early for an 8am competition Cienna and Clara were ready... maybe a little tired, but excited. Cienna was a bit nervous about her hand, but she her goal was to do all events the best she could. She did that and more! She had a walk of finish on her last event. Decided to do one Yurchenko flip and nailed it. No second vault needed. It was great to have Cienna and Clara in the same session! Next was Francesca and Kiera's turn. We stayed to support and again, they were very successful. We then finally actually got to check out the hotel we were staying at. FYI we happen to be staying at "The Nugget". We spent a little time at the pool/hot tub before heading to dinner at BJ's. Thanks to Dad's rewards all the girls enjoyed the pizzookie Trio! Afterward the girls all had fun hanging in the hotel rooms and doing some cool camera activities.

We all went to bed a little later knowing that we could actually sleep in the next morning... or not. Not going to go into major detail, but the super loud and obnoxious alarm in the next room started going off at 5am. Didn't turn off, so front desk was called, little was done, security couldn't go in the room since it was "occupied." Had a few trips to the front desk over the following hour, asked to sleep in another room, got into a room, but then our stuff needed to be packed up to bring to the other room. So to sum it up.. didn't get the sleep we wanted however Cienna did do her first period class online. Got $30 (1 1/2 lunches) in a not great hotel restaurant. Spent a good morning with friends and an easy afternoon flight home to the Long Beach Airport!

Daddy picked us all up and then, of course, since they missed school that day, we headed straight to gymnastics practice. Through the adventure in Reno, Daddy got a bunch of stuff done for the home! Outside and Inside, fixing and cleaning all that needed to be done! He also had some fun on the BBQ, getting a Ribeye which he said was and we definitely believe him was delicious! The puppies surely enjoyed his time and attention as well! Kaylee even made sure to facetime him for each of Cienna's competition events! He was able to be there virtually in real time!

Everyone together in their own beds made for a good night sleep before an early morning of school the next day!

The drive, triumph, creativity, humanity

... simply AMAZING!

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Cienna - 15 Years 2 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 12 Years 9 Months Old!

The month came in like a storm! We enjoyed the hail and the rainbows, maybe not so much the wind. The third tree casualty happened in our backyard while we were at the Bakx celebrating Stone’s 16^th birthday. The following day Mom and the girls helped with a gymnastics assessment to determine team placement of some class kids. It was a fun experience. Cienna had a fun sleepover with Julia and Peta at Julia's house where they learned that Krispy Creme gives a half dozen glazed doughnuts out for free to anyone with straight A's. They didn't go hungry. Meanwhile Kaylee had McKenna and Frankie over and didn't stop laughing for a few hours. Dad and the girls had President’s Day off. He ended up spending quality time with Kaylee in Urgent Care to determine exactly what is going on with her hand. Turns out she had a broken metacarpal. During the week Kaylee got to perform for next year’s incoming 6^th grade families to show off Marshall’s music program.

After spending some time preparing to fix our gate, we headed to the first annual Muscle Beach Competition in El Segundo to support the Level 3’s and then KC on Saturday before heading back all day on Sunday to support Cienna and the rest of the team. Cienna flipped her Yurchenko for the first time this season and Kaylee enjoyed the free food in the coaches hospitality room. Apparently a rap singer sitting close to Mark on the bleachers (Saweetie) was there as her kid may have been one of the gymnasts.

The following week we took one step closer to our much-anticipated Costa Rica vacation by filing for our Passports. It was quick and easy, now we wait. Then we had our yearly visit with Eric our financial advisor for the last 15 or more years. He was just as friendly and helpful as always! To end the week Cienna has her High School gymnastics Previews. All four of the high school gymnastics teams go in front of the judges for the first time of the season. Millikan hosted and all the girls enjoyed wearing their new leotards and performing their high school routines. Millikan took the win by a substantial amount. Two of Cienna’s club Level 8 teammates are also on the high school team. Sierra and Jen came to support Cienna and root her on as an alumni gymnast and mom!  After Previews, Mom went to dinner with some friends at Lazy Dog to celebrate Minda’s birthday!

A very busy Saturday began with the start of the front lawn island ring, followed by a matinee of the Adams Family musical put on by a very talented cast of Millikan students. Mom then took Dad to enjoy a whiskey tasting get together at Joan and Larry’s and came home with the Ferrario’s puppy to watch during the party. The Water’s girls also came to stay the night and enjoy time with puppy Summit, Porter and Roaklee loved having a friend over like their sisters. Then Sunday we took time to trim the remaining large tree in the backyard to hopefully prevent that one from toppling over, and we fixed the slouching gate while the girls gave it some flare with colorful paint at the bottom.

Marshall’s school musical performances were the following week. They had two shows during the day on both Tues. and Wed. for a couple elementary schools and their classmates. Then 2 evening performances for friends and family on Thurs. and Friday. They did “Legally Blonde” this year and although Kaylee was in the chorus, she mostly enjoyed overseeing and helping with stage props and costume changes. As always Mr. P and all the kids did a great job. Cienna also got to help as an alumni with many of her best middle school buddies that she doesn't get to see that often anymore. Also, Cienna had her first 1 vs 1 high school gymnastics meet against Wilson and did great. She ended up with a First Place All-Around! Mom and Dad also got to have lunch with Kaylee, her friends, and their family for Lunch on The Lawn. They got some awards and again she continues her streak of 4.0 GPA with all E’s! This uneventful week also included many dress up days at school.

Cienna got the opportunity to see the Broadway show “Mean Girls” at the Segerstrom Center with her FLA group while Mom and Kaylee did a Saturday practice before going to Sierra’s baby shower at the Bakx to celebrate baby Archer Dirk who is due in early May. Then that evening the Marshman’s got together to catch up with some BBQ, fun, and homemade desert from the girls.

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Cienna - 15 Years 1 Month Old! ... Kaylee - 12 Years 8 Months Old!

Now she is 15 and still as amazing as ever! The day before she brought some Drumsticks to gym and was sung a birthday song that had never been sung before from all her gym buddies. The day of, She woke up to many streamers and balloons, next was Starbucks and Bagels for breakfast. We headed off to the beach for a bike ride in the afternoon to get smoothies at a local shop before coming back to introduce Poppa to VR and have Mom's lasagna for dinner. We did one last light up bike ride that evening before eating the very tasty lemon cake that Auntie Kimmie brought over to end the wonderful family filled day!

The girls then had their first competition of the gymnastics season. It happened to be at the Disneyland Hotel. They both did amazing and even Poppa came to watch the whole day. Their Level 8 team ended up getting the first place team award. They were also "awarded" with more new mats for their pit vault landing! Slowly but surely the equipment is coming in.

Uncle Mike then flew in to pick up Poppa and take him back home in the bus before Cienna's big Birthday Party adventure in Hollywood. All her buddies met at our house and we carpooled to Hollywood. We first parked and after spending some time in the gift shop took some time walking through the Stars before our tour began. We took a private 15 passenger bus on a 2 hour tour of all the Hollywood sites. No way would we have ever thought to know this is a thing that exists, but we heard about it and then it was a reality. It was a great time seeing so many sites you may hear about, and others that are "hidden secrets"! The girls had a great time together with many pictures and snacks. The day was concluded with more Drumsticks at home and another Birthday song!

That evening mom had a good time at a relaxing dinner catching up with long time friends. Then after the next week the girls got to enjoy the Christmas gift from the Ferrario's to a real Broadway show. Frozen was truly amazing. The venue was beautiful as well as the production!

Next up was Cienna's Winter Formal. Her and her buddies work it all out by themselves, of course asking for rides and permission along the way : ) They planned on meeting in Downtown Long Beach at the Lighthouse during sunset for some pretty amazing pictures, then got reservations at PF Chang's for dinner, then arranged carpool to the dance which was held at the Natural History Museum in Downtown LA. Cienna had such a great time and all of the exhibits were open with dance lighting flare along with music, food, games, karaoke, and other activities. Daddy picked her up at midnight and she luckily didn't have to compete the next day until late in the afternoon!

Unfortunately the previous day Kaylee hurt her hand pretty bad and was not going to be able to compete. But she headed down to San Diego to the Cameron Y "Love" competition earlier that day with Mom to support her other teammates and was joined later by Dad and Cienna. We had lunch between sessions and then Cienna and the rest of her and Kaylee's level had a great competition.

As if she hadn't had enough excitement for the month the following weekend, Cienna  got to go to a school field trip in Catalina! She went with a group of close friends, but came back with a bigger group of closer friends. We all got to enjoy all of her stories, pictures, and videos of her experiences when she got home. It made us very happy that she got to have this adventure and are so proud that she truly makes the most of all her opportunities! You'll see all of the beautiful sights and activities!

Meanwhile Mom, Dad, and Kaylee had fun watching Lula, working around the house, playing games together and having fun before preparing for a Super Bowl Sunday. Ribs were smoking early in the day and nachos were ready after dad brought Cienna home from camp. Adi BV came to hang out for the day as well, we played cornhole, watched the game, and ate quite a bit.

Girls had the following Monday off. Cienna took a bike ride to chalk Happy Birthday, and Happy Valentines on some friends sidewalk, and Kaylee took the time to relax before the had practice in the evening.

For Valentines day Mommy got box seat tickets from work at the Crypto.com center for the whole family to watch the Clippers vs. Warriors game. The game itself wasn't too exciting as Curry wasn't playing, but the overall excitement of being there was pretty awesome!

The final weekend was Cienna's 2nd competition. It was another annual Glider's competition in Ontario. Cienna competed on Saturday (Kaylee's hand diagnosed as a 4th metacarpal fracture did not compete, more on the story next month, hopefully better news)  Cienna had a great meet with a bar routine at the end of which she said “Well, I’ve never done that bar routine before”.

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Cienna - 15 Years Old! ... Kaylee - 12 Years 7 Months Old!

Cienna was on top of making gifts for friends and family early again this year and they came out looking wonderful! She then had an evening music concert at Millikan which she played second chair. Later in the week we got a delicious surprise on our front door. A family pack for four of Omaha Steaks from the Snows! We first went with the filet's and they didn't disappoint. The links and burgers were great too. And luckily we still have much more to go through!

Since the girls had gym off for Christmas Eve they invited a few gym buddies over to continue the Gymnastics Holiday Show tradition. Although it looks quite different this year they had a blast putting it together. Using many locations throughout the Christmas decorated neighborhood.

The girls woke us up on Christmas morning, climbed in our bed and we all watched Spangled for the 1st of many times through the break. We all were spoiled with gifts and enjoyed breakfast together before prepping a turkey to fry at the Bakx's. There was plenty of great food and company to finish Christmas at the Bakx.

The next day as we awaited for the arrival of Poppa and the Marty's we fried another turkey to make good use of all that oil and to have "leftover". The girls played clarinet together and we headed to gymnastics. As we got home the bus was pulling in the driveway and being set up for the stay. We took it easy that evening but had a big day the following. We made use of Daddy's breakfast sandwich maker before going on a Warner Bros. Tour. It was awesome getting a guided bus tour around all the sets and then seeing all the attractions and props used in the movies and shows! Then the girls got to have their first practice at their own gym! It wasn't quite complete, but they got to do some stuff. That evening we did our gift exchange and had some dinner before bed.

We then headed off to Greg's cabin in Big Bear. The ride up was easy minus having five of us in the back seat of Daddy's truck. The three girls and two dogs cuddled as we headed up the mountain. We enjoyed the view, the company, relaxing and playing games before waking up to falling snow the next morning. That was a first for many! Trevor and us made sure to bundle up for the overcast day of snow boarding. Good thing we did since it was cold, but we had an amazing time regardless, with much improving through the day! The girls new boots proved to be a good buy. The rest of the Marty's checked out downtown and Poppa came and picked us up to head back to the cozy cabin for a pasta dinner.

We woke for breakfast, the Marty's headed for their journey home, Poppa and Daddy took the dogs back to Long Beach, the girls stayed to clean the cabin in preparation to be picked back up by Daddy and Poppa and heading over to Dana and Joe's cabin to bring in the New Year. After putting Jackson and Riggs to bed Daddy and Joe stayed up too late as always and we all slept downstairs. The next day was New Years Eve and we took a walk to the park before it started to snow and had a blast on all the new equipment! It sure has been upgraded over the years! Then it began to snow again as we made a delicious 3 bone Prime Rib for dinner! Then we did all we could to stay up till midnight. We all barely made it but we did then headed straight to sleep.

It continued to snow and cover the backyard. We took advantage and played, made snow men, threw some at each other, and had a great time before deciding to head home that afternoon before the roads got icy. It was slow going but we made it safe and enjoyed sleeping in our own beds.

While we were in the snow, Long Beach had some wind and rain. It blew over one of our tallest trees in the yard. So Daddy with some of Mommy's help took it, and the tree next to it which was growing into the house, down with only a Sawzall. Then had the stumps grinded and all of it hauled away! The girls were happy to go back to gym as the pit was filled and bars were set up while we were away. Poppa even came to see.

As winter break came to an end we checked things off the list and took Poppa mini golfing where Karate Kid was filmed. We also got word that the Snow's had a carpet cleaner and so that became the weekend task. It was quite dirty after so many years...eeewww! 

We got back to the swing of things as schedules got back to normal. We had a lunch/left over dinner at BJ's. and even got to bring Togo's to Downtown Disney where the Natal's were taking a break from California Adventure to see us!

To end the month we had Christmas in the middle of January with the Snow's and family! Since they were all sick during the holiday, there was a little postponing. It was a blast! The lasagna was delicious, and Mommy as always was spoiled with a special cheese less one for her. The kids enjoyed playing together and the white elephant gift exchange was fun.

We're lucky to have such great friends and family! So much love and kindness throughout the crazy holidays!

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