Second winter formal for Cienna was at Wilson High School. We thought it would be fun for Cienna and Evan to make their own boutonniere and corsages. Mom and Cienna went to the local flower shop and met a very enthusiastic flower shop lady that was a lot of help, and a lot of fun. Cienna brought the flowers to Evan's that morning and then came back home for us all to head over for a BBQ celebration for Stone turning 18 years old at the Bakx house! Came home in time to take Cienna to the Naples fountain for pictures, they went to dinner at Shoreline Village and then the formal on a boat at the Port of LA. It is an even vote as to which Formal was better.
After the late night we had our first (most likely last as we don't seem to like surprises) surprise Birthday Party for Cienna since her previous plans fell through. Her friends all showed up in her room Sunday morning, we then stopped by Francesca's Senior project Friends run on our way to Sunrise Cafe for breakfast. Afterward we headed to Sender One for some indoor climbing challenges. They had a good time challenging themselves and being together. Back at home we had ice cream cake, opened some presents, and chilling for the afternoon.
We made a mini vacation the following weekend in Indian Wells. Mom had to be there Sat. evening for the Level 6 competition before the girls competition on Sunday. So we all went early Sat. and stopped by the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway before getting to the hotel. It was a great recommendation. The bottom was Sunny and expected. Then at the top of the Tramway, there was snow hiking and colder weather. It was pretty crazy to see the change in climate in all of about 10 minutes.
The competition was supposed to be 45 min away in Corona, but due to technical difficulties ended up at the fancy Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells. We chose a less fancy (less expensive) route at the Indian Wells (original Lucille Ball/Desi Arnez) resort. It was still pretty cool. We didn't expect a suite with two doors into the two queen bedroom. While girls were with the L6's dad got dinner. We were starved after, but made due with burgers in the room. Got to bed late, but got to sleep in as the girls didn't compete till the afternoon. We got some hotel breakfast, made our way to the resort, got some smoothies, met up with teammates, even played some ping pong and foosball before starting. Was a fun meet and a good ride home.
Before the next competition (the next weekend) we enjoyed a good sunset with a photo op at the nearby parking garage. Then Toby Wells in San Diego was a Sunday event. A late one at that! We made the most of it by getting to spend time with the Sklenicka's for lunch! Those boys get so much bigger, and ever wittier every time we see them. Always great to see Joe and Dana as well! After the level 6's, the girls didn't start till about 6pm. Meaning.... after a some great routines..... we didn't get out of SD till about 9:30, means home late for a Sunday!
Didn't phase the flow of the week. We had Ortho's, dentist's, Optometrists, and even SAT's (all scheduled, no emergencies). Highlight of the week was Cienna's amazing experience at City Hall with her Youth Leadership Long Beach group. She got assigned to represent District 2 of Long Beach for Government day in a meeting of representatives and the city community to discuss the use of e-bikes on the beach bike path. It was a full day where they got to spend understanding and being a part of how the city works. They spent the day with the mayor and got a great understanding of the processes necessary to make a change. Cienna left with a bigger desire to get involved in the law process and wanting understand what it takes to become someone that can make a direct impact.
The next weekend didn't go as planned, but we took it in stride. Saturday we got stuff done to get ready for the week, Daddy made the Annual Rydman Red from garden hops, and we all worked around the house. Plans were set in motion for an easy fun Sunday. We were going to go for a test drive in a car Mom has been researching for quite some time. Then bike to a flower shop to get Auntie Kimmie flowers for her Chili 65th birthday party next door, followed by a Thai restaurant Mom was going to go to for her and Minda's birthday with a few other friends.
Test drive happened. 5 hours later we bought a car (Shouldn't have taken that long, but I guess that's how it goes for a deal). We were unfortunately late for Auntie Kimmie's Birthday, so didn't get to get flowers. She still gave us delicious chili, and even desert! I think she forgave us after we told her why we were late.
We got some unfortunate news that afternoon, and went to go spend some time and say goodbye to Lula. She's been a such big part of our family since the Marshall's brought that adorable puppy home over 10 years ago and the children declared her and Porter married. We will never forget her face with the joy and recognition she had every time we got to see her and spend time with her. Weather it was just picking up kids, visiting for an hour, or keeping her with us for a week or more. She truly made our lives more fulfilled as all loved ones do. We miss her already, but will never forget her.
It's also important to appreciate the value in having great friends that are understanding and make a big impromptu change of set plans because they care so much! Thank you.
Very busy St. Patricks day with work and gym. We did buy a corned beef, but didn't get made till the 18th. Cienna worked out after gym at the Y with friends and had froyo that she didn't bring home to the family. We still love her.
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