Cienna - 18 Years 7 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 16 Years 2 Months Old!

Had the cool crew over for world cup to start off the month. Big work week for mom but enjoyed having Oakley to play with us and Roaklee : ) for the week. Dad had been planning trip up to Bend Oregon with Uncle Joe to surprise Uncle Matt. They started in SD and flew out from there. After a tour of Deshutes brewery, organized by Stacey, they went to the pub where they dressed in costumes so that Matt didn't immediately recognize them. It took more than costumes for Matt to realize that his two best buddies were at the table next to him and ordering him a fruity drink after making Stacey take a picture of them before he finally came to and recognized that his two besties were there for a weekend to all stay in a townhouse together! They got caught up, did some fishing, hiking, tubing, and enjoying each others company.

Meanwhile we got to watch Lexie as a main character in the Outsiders, and then enjoy Ashley's baby shower next door celebrating ..... We then got to luckily have Oakley over again for a few days in preparation for the next month to come. Cienna went to her first of two concerts for the summer that she had been planning since spring with Shawna. They went to San Diego and go to stay with Shawna's aunt before seeing Zach Bryan.

We finally got to use our Pint Life Passport and enjoyed a couple of breweries in Orange with Roman and Steph. The yearly Gymnastics Team Banquet was held before we all left to bring Cienna to school in NY. They girls had fun with all the littles and represented what being a top level gymnast is all about. Plus there was good food and fun activities with the Diamonds and Denim theme.

Kaylee had spent as many days as possible with friends at the beach and hanging out having fun anticipating the two week trip together as a family. Cienna then drove Shawna to the Crypto Center for there next concert seeing Megan Moroney. Meanwhile they also fit in some line dancing and axe throwing with friends as well. They both had a busy fun exciting summer. We finished with brunch with the Marshall's before Cienna and Lexi both leave for school at Crema Cafe in Seal Beach and then Callum's 1st Birthday at Cobi and Bri's farm.

Next up, one last gymnastics practice on Monday and a Chrysler Pacifica rental later and we were off on our coast to coast road trip! We can't express enough how much this was looked forward too and completely not looked forward too, and still it turned out to be the best choice and opportunity for all of us to enjoy together before letting Manhattan University get the opportunity to have Cienna as a part of their community! Go Jaspers!

We worked out pretty much every morning together in many different hotel fitness areas, had playlists for every state. We pulled over on the shoulder for each border crossing we could physically make happen, saw every attraction along the way as we could without departing too far off the route, lots of laughs, drive time, unexpected experiences, and most importantly time together.    

The Road Trip

Day 1 (7hrs 1min) - Mostly driving to get a good start

• Gym/ Pack
• Leave LB 12
• CA to AZ border
• Flagstaff IHG
• Northern pines flighty nice server

Day 2 (4hrs 24min) - Unexpected beauty in the forest and a family owned ice cream shop.

• Corner of Winslow
• AZ to NM
• Petrified forest National park
• Albuquerque IHGy
• Ponderosa brewing Co
• Old Town Albuquerque
• Ay Chihuahua ice cream

Day 3 (4hrs 12min) - Crazy natural swim hole that is always 60 degrees even though it was 90+ outside and the entire hole water reservoir replenishes quickly due to the water flow 300ft under ground. 

• Blue hole Santa Rosa
• NM to TX
• Cadillac ranch spray paint
• Big Texan (home of the 72oz steak challenge)
• Amarillo IHG

Day 4 (9hrs 50min) - 3 states in a day for the first time. Still enjoyed OK with a stop at U of O and the Lake.

• Drive by U-drop
• TX to OK
• U of O
• Lake Eufaula state park quick stop
• OK to AK
• Little Rock IHG
• BJ’s

Day 5 (5hrs 23min) - Toured the morning in AK and the Memphis before surprising Uncle B that night

• Little Rock Junction pedestrian bridge
• Nexus cafe
• AK to TN
• Memphis Beale Street walk
• Jonathan’s take out
• Uncle B’s Brentwood surprise
• Touring and hanging

Day 6 (0hr 0min) - Celebrating Uncle B's (and Uncle RJ's) Birthday with lunch in Nashville, tour around town and dinner with family

• Uncle B birthday
• Fix pinball and vending
• Nashville walk
• Jason Aldean’s lunch
• Downtown Franklin
• Swimming with kids
• Mexican dinner w/ Papa G and Dotty
• Cake
• Tiki speakeasy lounge

Day 7 (7hrs 5min) - Headed to an unknown territory which ended up being amazing with a thunderstorm and an amazing excursion the next morning

• Workout
• Say goodbye
• Knoxville sun sphere
• TN to VA
• VA to WV
• Fayetteville storm
• SSS dinner
• Fayetteville Quality Inn

Day 8 (4hrs 35min) - Great excursion in the Appalachian mountains (which West Virginia is the only state that is occupied completely)

• New River gorge River bridge walk
• WV to VA
• 50/50 tavern historic district old town Winchester

Day 9 (5hrs 3min) - States got closer together toward the east coast. Amazing lunch meeting Cienna's roommate and family and some unplanned stops along the way! Upon Arrival there was a collaborative sense of excitement to see city life and the coastline!

• VA to WV
• Lunch in Sheperdstown with Cora and mom walk
• WV to MD
• MD to PA
• Auntie Anne’s (thanks T-Mobile)
• Hershey PA chocolate world tour
• PA to NJ
• NJ to downtown NY
• Arrival!
• Yonkers brewery
• Yonkers Marriott

Day 10 (0hr 0min) - We puzzled our way through move in with the space and furniture that was provided along with the vision and extra stuff that Cienna brought. We had fun building everything together and Kaylee was quite helpful with making sure she was leaving Cienna with a some style with her decorating and organization skills. She had her roommate, Cora, on face time through the process. Ended up with a great space for Cienna to call her home away from home. Had a last dinner and night together in the hotel.

• Workout
• Move in day
• Salvatore’s of SoHo Pizza
• Cienna tour around campus
• Last night together in hotel

Day 11 (0 hr 0 min) -  Mark and Kaylee got to get familiar with the campus and we appreciated the sense of being part of the Jasper Family.  Walking through the buildings and paths along the campus with Cianna gave us the warm feelings that she belongs there. She has such a great roommate and Cora's parents were super amazing as well. Their room together is better than they expected and the friendship is going to last a lifetime.

• Orientation breakfast and speeches
• Informational activities throughout the day
• Last minute target trip
• Meet back up with Cienna and Cora/parents as she finished moving in
• A quick rainy goodbye as she used her first swipe in the food hall for dinner
• Meet back with Cora’s parents at the hotel (turns out they were the room across from ours!)
• Early rise for an early flight back home.
  

This emotional month brought a joyful summer full of family milestones, an unforgettable cross-country road trip and a bittersweet goodbye as we dropped off Cienna at Manhattan University (Man U).

Check out the photos/videos:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kyjF3pEVMNMzYpvs9

Cienna - 18 Years 6 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 16 Years 1 Month Old!

Summer on full shine! Girls were excited to continue on the party and beach path for sure. There was a slight/not slight set back when Cienna sprained both ankles but to put her words in quotes "everything happens for a reason" and we made the most of the situation. Was helpful when her sister and the Marshall girls got her a get up and at um gift and she had a Face time team meeting with her new upcoming teammates.

We celebrated Rylee's graduation and birthday party at the Bakx and then had quite an amazing Father's Day being given the opportunity to go with friends to a World Cup Game at SoFi. The Girls watched Kristen and Ken's kids and the parents all went and had a VIP experience watching Iran and Belgium in a 0-0 tie. The energy in the stadium was something to remember fore sure.

The last gymnastics practice before Nationals was fun with all the girls taking pictures together and all in the same leotard. They had a good luck party and we were all set to go to Greensboro North Carolina.

We headed out the next morning from LB with one layover in Co. Was Cienna's first time walking in over a week. She was a trooper since the transfer gate was about a 20 minute walk. She had a little help from mostly her sister giving her a piggie back, but we certainly made the connection to Raleigh.

Got our rental and even though we had the whole trip and restaurants planned we learned that the planned location leads you to the better one. We had a great dinner on the way to the hotel and then a goodish nights sleep (some bed arrangements needed to be done for all four of us to be in a 1 King bed room).

Morning check-in for the entire Nationals event for all athletes and Cienna to make sure all the event tables were happening was first. Next was Senior Ceremony, all about the 94 seniors that had dedicated so much time to get this far. The ceremony did a great job celebrating each one of them.

There did happen to be a scholarship awarded to 2 of the seniors. Cienna did happen to apply which involved multiple essays and letters of recommendations about, not only gymnastics, but all of their involvement in their education and community. She was awarded with the Outstanding Athlete Scholarship. There is not a single person that would disagree that she deserved this award.

It was followed up with local newspaper articles, podcasts, and photo sessions at the gym : ) Before we move on it is a good time to mention that Cienna also got awarded the "You run this town" scholarship the she applied for. Hard work certainly pays off! She is SO deserving.

Back to the timeline. We had first touch practices for Kaylee and the other level 6 - Champions. One of the coolest parts is that we all stay in the same hotel. As everyone arrived we got to put up door signs as we do and get ready to go to opening ceremonies together. It involved being announced by state and walking through the stadium. Cool that we are always the first team in line since no A states come.

Cienna got to be a big part of the opening ceremonies. Ran/walked the front flag and did the guest speaker announcements in the middle of the stadium. The National Champion Super Skippers also did a performance.

By then most all the team arrived and we had a huge team BBQ at the hotel. We pretty much took over the place and had a great food and quality time together. Rain didn't stop us!

6's competed the next morning before Kaylee and A'layah. They both had fun with the other Champions and competed great. They both made it to the Finals happening the next day. They even got to pick any leo they wanted to borrow from a local vender. They decided amazingly to match.

Kaylee turned out unsurprisingly to shock all the floor judges with a great routine for a second day. The entire trip was fun, we enjoyed being together as a team. The support amongst the levels makes it a strong family environment.

We said goodbye to Greensboro and came back home ready for more world cup games and parties.

We celebrated Michele late Birthday before preparing for Fourth of July. The girls went to the beach and endured a lot of push back on where they can actually enjoy themselves, but still definitely had a great time enjoying themselves with time with friends and a beautiful firework display. We went to the Ferrarios and had a great time with friends, lots of animals, and a plethora of fireworks. Not only safe and sane but big in the sky ones as well.

After more beach time Kaylee and mom had a last minute jaunt to Super Girl Camp and it was well worth it. A high level elite camp in Fremont. It was based on encouraging and supporting top level gymnasts as a whole and working together to achieve new and consistent goals. We left Sunday and Kaylee drove the entire 6+ hours including two lane highways and all the things. We stopped by San Jose State to walk the campus before heading to the hotel. Meanwhile Dad and Cienna found an Aqua Link boat transit to tour the waters along Queen Mary and such after they had dinner at Ballast Point.

The next morning when Cienna went to practice she felt like a celebrity because there were multiple news reporters wanting to take pictures as back up for their articles for the National Outstanding Athlete Scholarship Award. These ended in not only articles but an AI podcast : )

After hotel breakfast Kaylee and mom headed for Day 1 of 3 of camp. It was energized from the get go with warmups. Kaylee and Alay'ah got to be in the same group. There were 7 rotations. Vault, Bars, Beam, Floor, Silks, Judge scoring, and Dance. Kaylee unfortunately came into the camp with a pulled groin, but worked through it the entire time and made the most of the experience for sure!

We really appreciated the dinner times we had with Alana and Alay'ah. Both Kaylee and Alay'ah performed new, and improved on many skills throughout the 3 day camp. Most importantly they made new friends and gained confidence in their gymnastics. The last day had a cool thank you ceremony and a super hyped dance show from all the gymnasts. We headed home right after.

Since Kaylee's summer Spanish class was finally opened she did that all the way home and finished her first unit!

The week continued with ASB camp and the girls spending quality time with friends. Cienna helped with their Acting Out camp and then Dad and Mom finally got to use a Christmas gift they bought for Roman and Steph to visit some local Breweries and the Pint Life Passport. We had an amazing time together and glad it fulfilled the purpose of making a reason to get together. Bonus that we got to watch 3rd place World Cup as we went. We'll do it again!

Can't believe we'll be in the middle of a cross country road trip for the next entry.

Check out the pics:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/mDQKU4PrSARgis5H6

Cienna - 18 Years 5 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 16 Years Old!

A lot of lasts and looking forward to all that is to come. Music in the Air was as great as the last four years. Both girls got to sing on the mic with their friends and classmates. After that it felt like seniors were pretty much done with high school forever. Cienna did get to showcase her senior project. FLIP was her successful design to help athletes connect across the world to look forward and inspire each other. Next up was her senior trip with friends. They planned out their trip together to Palm Springs. Their rental was fully equipped with all they needed beside each other. Pool, hot tub, games, movie screen, and beautiful weather to be together enjoying every meal and being them. Mom even got to join for one of the evenings.

Back at home there was a mad rush to get ready for all the upcoming festivities. Dad put in every hour he had to get so close to being party ready. We had some painting and finish work which is always so satisfying, but still a lot of work. We did also enjoy some delicious BBQ with the Marshalls for Memorial Day.

The girls went line dancing and axe throwing with the Waters's. For one of Cienna's last finals she made an amazing pastel painting. Then headed to Six Flags for Grad Night til the wee hours of the morning. It was all decorated for the occasion and she took advantage of very short lines to go on all the best coasters for the first time this month.

Kaylee headed to another 16th birthday party at Rina's, and Cienna had a dinner with the senior FLA members getting another stole to wear for Graduation. Next morning the girls had a Chamber Choir brunch together.

Cienna stood out at her Quest senior awards night being highlighted by her teachers for all her accomplishments along with a stand out award for Science. She then went on to plan and execute the senior pranks for the year with her friends. They took over the teachers parking lot in the morning with tailgate breakfast and games (they did decide to get rid of senior parking this year). Then all seniors walked out of class in the middle of the day to join a Rave dance party in the ASB room. Both were complete successes.

Meanwhile we all continued to rush toward a finished back/party yard. The counter top happened to be a bit more of a problem child than necessary, but ended up working out alright.

There was also prep for Graduation day. Cienna deserved a student athlete stole even though her athletics was not through school, so she made one herself with the help of friends. After distribution day which she got her cap and gown and passed down the "torch" to kindergarteners from Emerson, she had friends over for craft decorating of their Grad caps.

Many Grad parties throughout the month. Started with Morgan, Hailey, and then Ulysses. We all had so much fun socializing and hanging out with such great friends. Before Senior Sunset Emma also had her Grad party. Another great turnout for senior sunset and as expected/hoped for the sun performed beautifully for them.

Kaylee meanwhile was still working hard to finish out her sophomore year with outstanding grades as always. She had many tough finals and did great on everyone despite all the parties.

Megan and June came to join us first the night before Graduation after gym, then Cienna headed to Emma's to sleepover with friends before the big day. We were joined by the rest of the Natal's, Grammy and Greg, and Evan before we all headed to watch Cienna sing with Vocal Ensemble for the ceremony then walk across the stage with her teachers and administrators receiving her diploma celebrating her and who she has become over the years. She followed up with doing the first back tuck ever after exiting the stage, flipping into her future.

Up next was preparing for the 2026 seniors to come back to their elementary school. Parents helped organize and teachers were ready to support all these students coming back to Carver and walking the halls in celebration of their academic careers so far.

Kaylee had her last day of school and got to get out a little early to join us at Carver. There were at least 50 that came back together. They walked the halls and were cheered along by all the elementary kids. They then passed the "torch" again the the Carver Kindergarteners before meeting back up with ALL their previous teachers. Most of them are retired or no longer work at Carver but came back for the occasion. There were plenty of speeches, and even more pictures taken, but it was great to be back together.

The bus showed up with Poppa and the Marty's, then the use of the hard work in the backyard began. With all the help from family we set up and decorated the day away in preparation for Cienna's big Graduation party. Everyone had such a great time and Cienna felt appreciated to be joined with all the friends and family that showed up to support as well as from those who could not make it. Her "Freshly Graduated" theme was fun to organize and definitely matched Cienna's tastes.

First thing the following morning the girl cousin's headed out to Torrance for an "Enchanted" Escape Room. Turns out they all worked very well together and not only escaped one, but three of the rooms. The rest of us enjoyed the morning with relaxing walks and talks. When the girls returned we all prepared to head to Naples canals for a Duffy Boat ride. The views, conversation, and relaxation flowed along with great weather. The girls even took a dip in the water with a jump off one of the bridge overpasses.

After saying goodbye to the Natal's, Poppa joined us for a delicious dinner at the Eldo followed by ice cream next door at the Scoop. Poppa and the Marty's headed off in the morning for their next adventure and we were beginning ours. We switched up the decorations from grad to Sweet 16, opened the hot tub and brought out the games in preparation for Kaylee to host her friends. They partied the night away and Kaylee was a good host. Chocolate fountain was flowing with plenty of cut up fruit, the fire pit was perfect for S'mores, and they were plenty loud into the night. Luckily we have great neighbors.

Kaylee had Nicki, Amiah, and Saorsie stay the night for a big day at Six Flags with the rest of us on her actual birthday. She woke up to decorations after a not restful but fun nights sleep. The seven of us started at Starbucks for her free birthday Trenta, and had a fun roadtrip to Valencia. It was a wee bit hot, but a great day for lines, or lack there of, at Magic Mountain. They got to about 10 or so roller coasters, way too expensive food, lot's of water and walking, and memories to last a lifetime. Came back late in the night to have ice cream in the hot tub and the birthday song.

After a good nights sleep and a semi relaxing day Kaylee was, as we all knew, prepared for her drivers test. She got the coolest guy for her test and they got along famously. Needless to say she came back a licensed driver. She took off on her own as soon as we got back to get the four of us Panera for lunch. She wasn't the one who paid, but "you fly I buy". Proceeded to drive her sister to gym, and although she said it felt lonely, she is getting the small taste of the freedom it has to offer.

Needless to say we got to create more memories and experiences to continue our epic adventures together. Or seriously, enter your own closing statement here : )

Check out the pictures:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/z3ZnjEL2iceUKNUc9

Cienna - 18 Years 4 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 11 Months Old!

As mom headed back from SR, dad was doing more prep for future parties, Cienna went to the flower fields with friends after a hair cutting party for beautiful pictures, and Kaylee was paddle boarding with friends. The next week was the last formal chorus concert for the girls. They honored all the seniors and put on a beautiful performance as always.

The next weekend we all went to the Acro and Tumbling National Championship competition in Azuza. Kaylee did amazing driving the way there. We met up with a few of Cienna's future teammates and coach who were also there watching. It really got her excited for what's to come! Afterward Cienna headed to join Evan for his School Athlete Dance which was Cowboy themed.

The next Day had fun going to a Galaxy Game with some of the Bakx's and Scott. Meanwhile Kaylee, with a fixed paddle board went back to the bay. Then we all celebrated Roaklee's Birthday before a huge next weekend.

Dad went to Michigan for Eric and Mary's wedding, Mom and Cienna went to Idaho for Western's and Kaylee stayed at home to hold down the fort, take care of Roaklee, and attend all the parties that the rest of us were missing.

Michigan: Dad took off Wed. morning to meet up with Poppa and the Marty's. Thurs. they headed to the Ford museum and did some more site seeing. The Kyle's soon joined. That night was the the rehearsal dinner at local Italian restaurant and had some amazing deserts. Mark and Mike got up early Friday morning to meet up with Erik, Greg and his groomsmen to play some golf. Let's just say Mark is happy they played "better ball" The wedding was that night and was super beautiful. The weather held out and you could tell that Erik and Mary knew not only that they loved each other but felt super loved from those around them. Mark loved being with family on such a special occasion and we were all happy for him to pass on our love as well. Saturday they headed to brunch with the wedding party and on to there next hotel in downtown Detroit. Did some more site-seeing downtown and had Detroit-style pizza at Buddy's. The next day was Mark's Birthday. He felt pretty lucky to be spoiled by those around him. They went to a Detroit Tigers Game where he learned that he was sharing his birthday with the mascot. Mary's brother ended up catching a foul ball and gave it to Mark as a gift right before catching another one!!!! WHAT? Then they all got props on the jumbotron for Erik and Mary's wedding as well as Mark's birthday! Not to mention the Tiger-tail corn dog, which looks absolutely delicious to pretty much nobody : ) But must taste alright?

Idaho: Mom and Cienna left that afternoon. We had a couple stops on the way to Boise, but it was a pretty smooth trip other than maybe a high speed walk to another gate. Got to Boise just after midnight but had a great nights sleep. Got up just in time for continental breakfast before Cienna's warmup practice at the Idaho Central Arena. Practice went great and she made new friends from our Region (1)! We headed back to the hotel to change before going back downtown for some Mediterranean food. That night was also the Welcome party for all the gymnasts. They did some line dancing and got to all socialize.

We had the next two days to spend in Boise together before competition on Sunday and heading home. We went big on Friday with a hike up Camel's Back Park in Boise. Then we wanted to go bigger and looked up the nearest waterfall hike. It was an hour away, through some private roads, and off the beaten path, but we got there and it was beautiful. Strangely we actually ran into another gymnast (and her coaches and dad) who is not only competing with Cienna the following day but will be her teammate in Manhattan next fall! We then went for another walk near the hotel after a bit of relaxing along the Greenbelt, which included a strip near Boise State. We noticed a cool restaurant along the way, which we went to later for dinner.

Saturday we woke up late and went to watch a fellow Y gymnast that is also on the gymnast board compete. Along the way we found a cool coffee shop, a farmers market, and a famous "Freak Alley". We then did a self tour of Boise State, then wound down after dinner getting ready for competition the next morning. The day was as beautiful as the whole trip and we headed off after packing knowing we were headed to the airport straight after. Cienna had such a great time through the whole experience. Camaraderie and sportsmanship was the entire theme of the competition. Not only did she compete well, but she had experiences with other gymnasts that she will never forget. She even got to enjoy the senior recognition and after pictures without having to jet off to the airport too soon since mom booked a flight that was a bit too early if everything wasn't run so efficient, but it was and we had an easy time getting back home as well!

Back at Home: Kaylee had it all under control. She planned everything out ahead of time. Would have been easier if it was a month later when she would already have her driver's license, but it wouldn't have been as much fun : ) She organized rides from school and back whether it was early for Chamber or normal time. She had a different ride for each way to and from gymnastics, she luckily also was taken in for the evenings by the Marshall's as one of their own. Even when some rides fell through she was able to make new plans and contact some backups. She was very appreciative of all that we're there for her and we are so lucky to have such a great support system. Meanwhile she studied for her AP World History Test which she got 5/5 on Saturday morning before she helped set up for Mac's 50th birthday party. Actually got confirmation that she was a big help (truly not surprising, she's good like that). She then got to attend and represent all of us at the PeeWee Herman themed party. Meanwhile she made sure to feed Roaklee, take him on walks and take care of herself and the house the entire time we were gone.

I guess Prom prep should be mentioned first. But backyard stuff is a close second since it involved getting the hot tub delivered and functional. Meanwhile, mom also somehow got all insulation done in the garage. Ok, back to prom prep. Kaylee did Cienna's nails, then the day before was a flower bouquet/boutonniere making party at the house. That afternoon Dad took Evan and Cienna to the beach for pictures. Next day was prom and Cienna went with friends to Ranch Los Cerritos for a boat load of amazing pictures before getting all together at a friends backyard for a catered dinner. They were all picked up by a luxury bus and headed to Hanger21 in Fullerton for to continue their fun time enjoying their last dance together as high schoolers.

The hot tub in, insulation done, it was time for drywall. First up was the ceiling in the garage of course. Took all Sunday but we got it done! We also managed to have fun in the meantime and went soaked in the hot tub after. 

Unfortunately we ended up in Urgent Care on Monday after an incident with Cienna at practice but she's good and she's amazingly strong. She's recovering and only getting stronger. Girls continue to work in ASB promoting end of school activities, we keep on keeping on with drywall in the garage every moment, with Roaklee's help.

Moving forward together, but enjoying each moment together is the theme of our lives right now!

Check out the photos:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/X8UbQUzVVAhKS8Nx9

Cienna - 18 Years 3 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 10 Months Old!

Gymnastics State competition in San Diego was first. We went Friday evening to be there for Alayah's competition and then Saturday morning to support the Level 6 and 7's before Cienna and Kaylee. That night we stayed together at an amazing hotel in the Gaslamp district just down the street from the Convention Center in which the competition was being held. We had a great dinner together on the patio, people watching. Had a great morning breakfast at the hotel, Kaylee and Cienna fortunately got to go at the same time. Dad drove down to join us to watch the girls compete and participated in the senior ceremony celebrating all the years of hard work and dedication. Cienna got her first set of diamond earrings of the month which is a Southern California tradition for USAG. They both did amazing as always and qualified for Regionals in Vegas.

Mom had her 49th Bday doing what she loves most, spending time with her family. We had some fun plumbing the backyard for some new cement for our hot tub on its way.

Girls had some beach days, a carnival at school which they had a big part of being in ASB, and the four of us got to go to the Savanah Bananas! We had a complete blast! Got some shirts ahead of time and really enjoyed the show and being together.

Kaylee went with Mom and Dad to Tyler and Becky's Baby Shower which even had real life looking dinosaurs :)  The Girl's first day of Spring Break was Good Friday, they got up at 5am to sing for the YMCA breakfast with their school choir. Mom was lucky to be able to attend being a YMCA employee. Their choir was the most amazing entertainment for such a great gathering. They even got standing ovations!

That Saturday was spent preparing plumbing and finishing electrical in the backyard for cement to be poured prior to the hot tub arrival. We also got a chance to dye some eggs and prepare for Easter morning.

Girls still had fun hunting for eggs in the morning, then we first went to the Ferrario's. We enjoyed hanging out with everyone and saw some brand new puppies, and bunnies, as well as more Easter festivities with the little Ferrario's as well. We then came back to the Snow's for some delicious food and well spent time together.

The girls planned some fun adventures with each other and friends all week including a trip to the beach with Roaklee, paddle boarding in the bay, and taking pictures at Sunken City. We all also went to our first Acro & Tumbling competition at Asuza after Cienna took Evan on a Scavenger hunt asking Evan to Prom.

We all looked forward to more family time in Vegas for the girls Regional competition. We rented a car for the road trip to Vegas. Left the car after stopping at the world famous thermometer (was super exciting), then headed to the Rio for a delicious brunch. The event was being held at the Rio. We had a great view and settled in the room before heading to the pool. There may have been some inappropriate storm troopers walking around the pool (Empire Strips Back) as well. Mild compared to what we saw later in the evening.

We booked Ziplining along the downtown strip from the top of the largest slot machine (SlotZilla). All four of us got to go together checking out all the crazy that was below. Was a pretty cool experience, especially to do together. Then walking back down  the downtown area was a whole other experience with all the street performers and the downtown Vegas experience. We even had dinner (which had great food btw) that had a claw machine that for $2 you could grab a live lobster to eat if you won.

Kaylee was first to compete on Sunday. She had some great moments, ending with Regional medals on floor, beam, and all around. Cienna was next. Had another senior ceremony which she got more diamond earrings, also did great and made it to Western's her senior year in Idaho for her age division coming up next week.

Mom then headed to Regionals for the level 6 and 7's in Santa Rosa! After flying in to SR she met up at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds to coach a few sessions before visiting SRGC and surprising Darcie, then visited Poppa and Heather in Kenwood. Grammy and Greg joined the last competition session of the evening and then we all enjoyed the rest of the evening together. There was more sessions on Saturday and we spent more time together going to Home Depot, having dinner, and enjoying the company.

Meanwhile, Dad and the girls were doing multiple jobs around the house, continuing to upgrade the backyard and garage, and getting ready for the upcoming festivities. Kaylee and Nicki went paddle boarding while Cienna got the opportunity to go to a suite at the Grand Prix downtown with free food and all the luxuries that are accommodated special guests :)

I know we've said it before, but we think about it everyday that we're so lucky for all that we have, the people that surround and support us, and each other!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/KXFYHiDVGvL8TA4KA

Cienna - 18 Years 2 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 8 Months Old!

Cienna had a after party Galentines, we got the washer and dryer, started on some amazing under laundry system storage box unit including color matched paint! Meanwhile Kaylee organized a surprise birthday beach day for Amiaya and friends. Kaylee got her retainers, then we all headed for a long weekend in Palm Springs for a fun gymnastics competition. First time in forever, like ever, it landed on a Friday.

Cienna got Man U swag in the mail, we did our first load of laundry without failures, girls went to get $2 Pizzookies to eat in the garage attic, we finished laundry pedestals, Dad continues to impress co-workers, visited Erik for yearly financial check-in and the girls had their first babysitting job Friday after gym with Vienna and Max, Kristens' new baby and her Mom's German Shepard! They thoroughly had such a great time and look forward to the next.

Mom headed back to Camarillo on Friday and Sunday evening, to coach the 6's, 7's, and Platinums this time instead of skydiving. Meanwhile we kept moving and grooving with the garage any time we got. Busting hard into finishing electrical including figuring out hot tub situation and lighting. Getting closer and closer to putting up sheetrock. We're all having fun in the meantime. We really enjoyed going together watching a bunch of long time friends in the high school musical "Foot Loose"! Then gave some time to Roaklee enjoying a beautiful day at dog beach and getting smoothies at our local beach True Nature go to.

Kaylee headed to an overnight field trip with about 100+ of her Quest group to tour three San Diego colleges. They also hung out at the zoo, downtown, and had some beach-time. It's always beach weather around here. The last weekend Mom and Kaylee had hair appointments, Cienna represented for Sierra's baby sprinkle before heading to Knott's with Evan. Kaylee then had a driving lesson which she was way too over prepared for and mom a coaches meeting.  All while dad prepared everything to have friends over for a BBQ that evening.

It was such a great BBQ with friends even celebrating Mom and Minda with a birthday cake. Girls went paddle boarding the next day with Nicki. Mom and Dad went to scout out some hot tubs, got some more stuff done on the garage. We took Kaylee for a successful clothes shopping trip for jeans at TJ Max and prepared for the week.

We were happy to swing a St Patrick's Day dinner our style together with all our busy schedules and Dad did an amazing job for Uncle Joe capturing a leprechaun trap get away picture!

Couldn’t be more proud! We cherish the moments we get to spend together and even the moments when we come back together after being apart during the day.

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Cienna - 18 Years 1 Month Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 7 Months Old!

Nothing makes the job of starting the story each month easier and harder than the amount of love that is in our family. It happened to be finals week at school, but that might not be more important than Cienna turning 18. An age is an age that doesn't change how amazing she is and has always been. 

Girls were ready for finals, but after a morning birthday celebration and a couple of tests we took them out early on for Cienna's birthday adventure to Camarillo near the Oxnard airport.  We started the road trip with some breakfast, and road trip antics on our way to skydiving. Cienna and mom had a planned 3 o'clock dive, but the cooler experienced divers and pilot recommended coming early for better weather. We did a 2 o'clock dive and couldn't have had a better experience with staff, weather, company including dad and Kaylee supporting us the entire time! Pretty sure it is neither Cienna or mom's last time, but we'll see. The best part of the day was all being together. We checked out the beach towns nearby and had dinner in Santa Monica and walked along the Promenade before heading home.

Girls finished rocking finals and we had another party weekend. Cienna and Evan went/took Kaylee and Nicki to Laguna for a hike. When the girls got home Auntie Kimmie brought over a delicious strawberry lemon cake to celebrate. Through the day mom and dad continued to make progress on the garage before inviting friends over to make our way to a local bar and watch "Retrobution." Happens to be long time friends and a fantastic band. Was great to see and support them, as well as celebrate Selena and Jana's birthday. We started the end of the weekend putting up drywall with plenty of help from Kaylee in anticipation of our garage door installation which little did we know was the beginning of many parties to come! 

Afterward mom and Cienna headed to Laguna Nigel to meet up with Mckenna for her senior photos. The entire session, experience, and photos turned out perfect. Cienna brings the sunsets with her. Cliffs, beach, sunsets, such an amazing vibe and personality to go with that smile of hers. 

Keeping up the pace we continue with Cienna participating in multiple honor choir practices and performances as well as both girls preparing for their first gymnastics competition of the season at Soka U. May have been some prep for the upcoming week as well.

In coming,,,,, February. Backstage Bistro is kinda one of the coolest choir performances. This year included a first performance of both Cienna and Kaylee ever singing a duet singing "Fly". Cienna also finished out with two more duets singing "Little Talks" with Lexie (heart full) and then another with Shawna "Never Grow Up" even changing some words to accentuate the upcoming future college adventure.

If that wasn't enough after Friday practice we had Cienna's signing Day! Our Gymnastics Center helped out with the party with decorations, cake and pizza. Cienna had so many people come support and make such a memorable night. She knows how much everyone in her life contributes to how amazing she has become and appreciate those who made it and those who couldn't as well.

Wait, what? Cienna will be going to Manhattan University next Fall! Go Jaspers. She'll be a part of an amazing community, school, learning environment, and an Acro & Tumbling team! She also got an invitation to join the James Patterson Honors Program. We're all excited for what this commitment brings not only to her athletic but also her academic and social opportunities as a gosh darn college student.  

Next day was Winter Formal. The first of the two garage parties! It was  a corsage/boutonniere brunch/snack party, but it was quite successful! Made great use of the flowers from the previous week! Meanwhile Kaylee had a nail salon for a couple friends before everyone headed out for pictures. Mom went with Kaylee to Naples Fountain. They had dinner here and there. Dad went with Cienna to Ranchos Palos Verdes for beautiful sunset pictures before they had dinner at an Italian restaurant closer to the dance at Alta Sea in San Pedro.

Superbowl next. Yes we had plenty to do on the garage and maybe an emotional weekend, but come on it was the Superbowl and we had friends to hang out with : ) We did run a bunch of wire under the house first, and a visit from the Sklenicka's! Still smoked some delicious ribs and prepared for a great Sunday with friends. 

Kaylee was up for her final ortho appointments. This one wasn't her favorite since they made her wear rubber bands all across her mouth to keep it closed. Not her favorite, but she made it through the week even including another competition in Pasadena for "The Heart of A Champion" An amazing fundraiser that they have been competing in since they started gymnastics. They had their first ever Friday meet and were not happy about missing one period of school, but they had fun competing together and did fantastic.

We all helped Kaylee prepare for the next garage party. She hosted a Galentines with a bunch of friends. They all brought tasty treats and took pictures in front of a homemade photo collage. Cienna and Evan caught a cool launch while in San Pedro celebrating their 15/15.

Kaylee got her mouth closed rubber bands off as well as her braces. Pretty sure they're gone for good. Meanwhile, dad finished patching up the sheetrock in the bathroom and we look forward to all working together to complete the garage!

The TV went out, the washing machine to say the least is... finicky, but who needs clean clothes and TV when we're too busy having fun! If only we had a hot tub, said no one ever...except Mark!

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Cienna - 18 Years Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 7 Months Old!

This is a few... or more days late. We have an adult child, but that will be addressed more next month however may be the reason this is later than the 18th. This blog has a lot of content to go over but life is crazy and may be briefly touched upon. Nuff said.

Gym had a holiday party. Girls did a grab a gift between the three of them. We all went to the Belmont Boat Parade Christmas Eve. There was a SoCal "storm" which our biggest tree in the backyard fell.

Christmas morning was magical as ever being together. Then a Sawzall to the backyard tree before heading to the Ferrarios to enjoy more of the loving vibe. Finished the evening with a visit from Evan and than all together prepping for the amazing week ahead of us.

Road trip to the Natals! Show'd up to welcoming arms and got to enjoy a fun evening with catching up, games, and delicious tacos! After a nights sleep and a relaxing morning and full bellies we hit the road again to Grammy's. Walked the neighborhood, after time at the park and a sunset made our way to Santa Rosa Gymnastics Center 50th reunion party! So many memories shared and a feeling of home when we are there as well as lifelong friends/family made for a memorable time.

Mom and Dad got up earlier to make the absolute most of the next morning by hanging out with Abbey and Shaun. We headed to a delicious downtown breakfast at Grossman's Noshery & Bar and couldn't have had better company than the four of us together that morning! The girls and Roaklee made their own adventure and walked down to Mendo to Joe's neighborhood cafe for breakfast. Little did they realize that it was a couple miles out, but they had fun and were glad that we were able to come pick them up.

We packed up again and all headed to the Marty's for Christmas. Beautiful day enjoying each other, making a wonderful meal, watching football, gift giving, and eating dinner all together at one love filled table. Roaklee and Duke were happy to be part of it all.

After a tasty breakfast and another walk together around the neighborhood we were off to Poppa's house, but on the way we stopped at the McFarlands to see Cole and Jacob and meet the horses. Mark got to see the barn for the first time. We unloaded again at Poppa's, Dad stayed to hang out and Mom and the girls went back to SRGC to get a practice in. They are so welcoming at that gym and the girls had such a great time being able to get a workout in with Darcie. We were also so thankful that Auntie Carrie came by to say hello and give wonderful hugs!

Off to San Francisco for Grammy's 80th! We said goodbye to Heather, Poppa, and Roaklee. We were so grateful to Heather for being there to take amazing care of Roaklee while we were in San Francisco. The entire trip to SF was way more relaxing knowing Roaklee was in such great care with Heather!

We started with the 4 of us going to Marin Headlands where Cienna had previously gone with choir to hike and sing in the tunnels. Also had an amazing view of the Golden Gate for a photo session. We cruised across the bridge and met back up with the Natal's to walk back across the bridge. Was the first time for Mom and the girls. Might have been a little windy but we had fun being together.

Got word Grammy, Greg, Bridget, and Veronica had made it to the hotel so we headed their way. There was a little mishap with parking but it all ended up for the best. After getting all settled we met up with everyone there and the McFarlands joined shortly after. Lot's of hugs and some fun gift giving from Bridget then the 6 cousins went galavanting around Pier 39. The rest of us chilled out before heading to Boudins for Dinner where we were the kids met back up with us after a fun ferris wheel ride.

Soup bowls did not disappoint. We all continued to enjoy Pier 39. Ghirardelli chocolate for ice cream, cable cars with Auntie Megan, street shows, arcades, then all of us ended having fun together in the hotel lobby.

New Years Eve started with a Greg, Grammy, and a blow dryer for breakfast! The croissant sandwiches were super fun and perfect beginning to the morning before the trip to Alcatraz. We all made it in time for the boat ride. There was a little rain but we all made the most of it. Most of us headed to the top to start the self guided tour. Super interesting walking through the experiences of the inmates and hearing about escape stories and life on the island. Kaylee and Mom went back early and the rest soon followed. We had to say goodbye to the McFarlands after that adventure.

We met back up at the hotel to relax in order to make the midnight celebration. We needed a snack before a big dinner and headed to an Applebees with June, Grace, and Uncle RJ which overlooked the Pier. Afterward the girls all went to Build a Bear together to make one to give to Grammy during the dinner that evening at Cioppino's that evening. The Marty's and Poppa joined us all for a big Italian feast and more celebrating.

We said goodbye to Marty's and Poppa but continued the party at the famous Irish coffee bar, Buena Vista. There were rounds of Irish coffee, Car bombs, and hot cocoa. Some hotel downtime was necessary before making the midnight fireworks on the Pier. We got a good spot and the weather held out just for us.

All were slowly awaking in the morning. Everyone did something on their own for breakfast, we toured the city finding some cool locations open on New Years Day and a little catering for Kaylee and Grace's specific requests. As we were packing up we ended up in the Birthday girls room to reminisce of the vacation and say our goodbyes.

Onward to pick up Roaklee and the rest of our travel belongings from Poppa's. A quick visit with Heather and Poppa to pack back up and head home. We considered a stop halfway and decided to continue to home! We all appreciated the decision. 

We took down decorations, had some downtime as a family, got ready to go back to school and work, and chillaxed for a minute. Cienna had some birthday dinners for Savannah and Alanna, Kaylee had some 3 musketeer hang out time and we got further along with the garage.

Every school that Cienna has heard back from she has been accepted to. She also had a fun senior gym photo shoot with Emma at the gymnastics center when it was closed. Kaylee went to help with posing, lighting, etc. The month ended before Cienna's birthday with a big weekend planned by Evan. He picked her up, she secretly decorated his car, we secretly packed her snowboarding gear as well. They went to move him back in for next semester. They went to the Griffith Observatory, then to Mountain High snowboarding the following day. Went on a hike and dinner in Diamond Bar. Came back in time to tell us all about it.

Meanwhile, the rest of us worked around the house and on the garage, then did some decoration prep for the 18th birthday coming up. Someone is going to go skydiving on her 18th.

What a great month, busy as they all are but got to hang with amazing friends and family! Love is all around.

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Cienna - 17 Years 11 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 6 Months Old!

After 15 years of putting it off, we began the garage remodel. We now have a garage in our bedroom : ). However we did decide on a pretty cool awning style window for the side. This was the beginning of all the holiday activities to come.

Lots of Friendsgivings before Thanksgiving. Both girls had some special time with friends, and we all went to Circus Vargas with Shawna and Evan. They never cease to amaze. Cienna even got a contact for her Senior Quest Project promoting young athletes around the world. The Morisky's invited us for another fun-filled evening at their place with a ton of food and fun.

We all got up early for a 5K Turkey Trot on the beach to start off Thanksgiving. It was such a cool event. We trotted along with the Morisky's and Shawna. There was a follow up activity with the girls doing muscle ups along side of the local calisthenics gurus that have a regular spot. Afterward we all had Pumpkin Smoothies as tradition by Stephanie.

In anticipation for a delicious Thanksgiving we headed home to heat up the ham for Thanksgiving at the Snow's. All the kids enjoyed being together. Such a range in age but all get along so well. Nobody went home hungry or without love in their hearts after such a wonderful day. We even made the cleanup a bonding experience : )

Kaylee then supported ( : ) ) Adi getting her first piercing, by getting her second with her. The experience was perfect and we all went to lunch after. We don't get to see the Viglioti's enough but enjoyed the time we had!

We took the minimal time we had that weekend to do some decorating for the Christmas Holiday. We got a great deal on a tree, used garage bins to put under the train this year and the inside was ready to go. We bought outside lights for cyber Monday and even though they weren't what we expected having a plug in the middle they ended up perfect with our setup and plug in the eve's!

Girls had a night with Noah and an Open House Parkour. Then so many concerts and parades were next. Both girls got to sing for the amazing and heartfelt Lights of Remembrance at the Forest Lawn memorial in Cypress. Their beautiful songs along with the thought provoking speeches were a very warming experience. Cienna joined the Brief family in the traditional Kazoo parade in Seal Beach. The Belmont Parade was a big one. The girls got to ride on a truck and sing along all the way along the parade. with the Millikan Choir. Just so happen that mom and dad were "security" behind and the next group was the YMCA Gymnastics Center. Out of about 100, we were right behind/in front of each other. Way cool. 

With all the stuff happening... the girls took it upon themselves to start the outdoor decor. New lights on the roof, snowboarding Santa, etc. Ready for more concerts and the rest of school before break.

SURPRISE Visit from Grammy and Greg. They were in as soon as we mentioned the Chorus Winter Concert that the girls were singing in together! It was a beautiful church ceremony! Auntie Kimmie and Patty as well as the Morisky's also came to support. 

Beforehand the girls came home from gym and were not only greated by Grammy and Greg but covid old Christmas bags that they found in the attic! Most gifts were still relevant and was so much fun to open and be with them. We also got to enjoy Maxwell's presence as Mom and Greg spent the night at the Queen Mary. They soon forged on to their next destination and we moved along with the garage.

Mom took off to Rochester NY for work Thursday for a work day on Friday. Dad and kids held down the fort with more garage, studying, holiday school activities, etc. Mom flew to JFK and dad brought Cienna to LAX for her first flight alone to meet mom at JFK.

Dad and Kaylee get a lot of work done at the house/garage electrical and enjoy plenty of time together fixing things and making the most out of their time. Kaylee may or may not have been a little spoiled over the weekend : )

Stasher was super helpful! They stored our luggage in Manhattan as we did all the things all day and night long instead of going way to far to put our luggage at the WAY less expensive hotel and then coming back all on the subway, which Cienna and I are pretty much experts at now. All Saturday was spent downtown, from Times Square, Radio City, Rockettes, Grand Central Station, dinner at Park Ave Tavern, then the Rockefeller where it first snowed as soon as we saw the tree, including tickets to the Top of the Rock and special tree pictures. After no sleep the previous night we ended at our hotel at midnight which was after a mile walk from the 4 train to our hotel in the Bronx. 

We slept through breakfast which wasn't like either of us but once we opened the curtains to white snow capped everything and snow falling we were excited to head back to NYC. Went to Wall Street, World Trade Center, United Nations, and found the best local hole in the wall brunch location ever. On a whim we took the 2 mile walk and it was the best choice ever. Freeman's is such a great restaurant, highly recommended if you look it up. We hit up Hershey store and Central Park before going back for the night getting dinner at a Bronx grocery store!

Monday was the official visit to Manhattan University for Cienna to meet and tour for the Acro and Tumbling Team. We had breakfast at the hotel before checking out. It was first day of Winter Break, so not many students were on campus but the coach took us all around and we also got to meet with the department head for Political Science. She was adorable and super informative. The snow was beautiful and so was the campus. Turned out that for the first time ever, Millikan shut down the school due to an electrical problem so Cienna didn't miss any school during the trip.

Cienna got a verbal commitment to join the team and we are all encompassing what this college thing is all about. So many things to consider and feelings to go through!

We headed to the airport and got home at midnight to sleep for the Tuesday to follow.

Kaylee's 15 and a half birthday which means eligible to take Drivers permit test. So, of course the first day she could she had it scheduled. Dad and Mom of course both went and were more confident than she was, but when she came out with a big smile we knew it was time to schedule behind the wheel lessons! She passed! Of course she wanted to drive home, we would've let her, but rules are rules.

Secret Santa's for Choir and gymnastics and one last Winter Concert assembly at school before break is upon us! Christmas up next followed by family time and celebrating Grammy's 80th Birthday!

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Cienna - 17 Years 10 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 5 Months Old!

The beginning of the end of October w/Mom and Dad going to Rasselbock with the Marshall's and Knobbe's for an Octoberfest celebration feast. This was a month of parties. Cienna did an outdoor movie night with crafts for Lilly's Birthday, then a night celebrating Maiela. The girls had their first choir concert of the year. Their concert groups were the hit of the show.

The next morning mom dropped them off early at school for them to head to Camp Oaks in Big Bear for the chamber retreat. They had so much fun with all the team bonding, Halloween skits, singing, food, and even being together. Meanwhile Mom and Dad were still looking for garage quotes in hopes to get started as soon as possible.

As soon as they got back Kaylee went to Mady's pool party, Dad left for an onsite work trip to Menlo Park and Cienna was off to her first official visit for college Acro and Tumbling to Azusa Pacific. Kaylee mostly held down the fort during the beginning of the week with rides from friends. Dad's visit was a success even though he was transferred to a whole new team just days prior to the trip. He enjoyed meeting new people and sharing thoughts and ideas of the best ways to work together to create a successful environment incorporating AI and improving the company as an efficient community. Mom took Cienna for the majority of the next couple days back and forth to Azusa, coming home for the evening while Cienna stayed in the dorms with the current team. Cienna started the first morning with a hike with the team then we got to take a campus tour and meet a lot of the staff. The next morning she got to practice with the team and then had a meeting with the coach who immediately accepted her to join the team for next year. We don't know that this is the school for her, but it was an amazing experience and opened other opportunities.

Girls got to enjoy Halloween at school first, then actually made a little time to carve pumpkins before the evening festivities. Somewhere along the way we decorated as well and got costumes pieced together. Mom and Dad went to the Marshall's to hang with the fire pit and enjoy trick-o-treater's, Kaylee cruised the neighborhood as well with friends and even went with Mom to the neighbors haunted house before heading with friends to a party. Cienna got ready and hung at a friends house before her party at a nearby house. They both ended up at the same party at the end just as it was "ending." Then had a sleepover at our house to end the night.

The next day Cienna went with Evan to the Sunken City and Mom and Kaylee went to see Rene. That evening the Water's girls came over to join us and Evan for dinner, then the five of them made fun videos as always and had a lot of laughs and memorable moments.

Then we decided to try and make the garage remodel a real possibility. We took out a main bush that will soon be a counter passthrough area to the garage. Meanwhile also did major weeding in the garden and saved the blueberry and blackberry bushes. Throughout the week we discussed how to get the plan in action and made one last visit with the chosen contractor. That being done we were moving everything out of the garage. Where to put it you ask? Well, seems as if our bedroom and the office had "plenty" of space for everything that needed to be covered by the elements. So that's what we did the following weekend.

Veteran's day apparently gave the girls a Tuesday off, so Monday was treated like a weekend. More sleepovers all around. Kaylee with 7 awesome ladies at home walking to In N Out and Cienna at Alana's making homemade pasta!

Kaylee went with many of her friends to support Amiah in Frozen as she took a leading role of Elsa. Then went to Val's Quinceanera the following day. Rain was welcomed throughout the weekend! Kaylee scheduled a DMV permit appointment for her 15.5 birthday and Cienna competed her UC applications.

We enjoyed the last Sunday very late breakfast after morning work together and then having committed to the garage remodel and contractor we proceeded with removing everything left in the garage to outdoor locations with tarp coverings.

Then the demo began!

More Adventures to come.

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Cienna - 17 Years 9 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 4 Months Old!

Lot's of Friday night football games for the girls. Being in ASB and hyping the crowd makes it fun no matter win or lose. Every weekend is full of shenanigans including sleepovers, trips to BJ's, carnivals, and TP'ing, etc.

We managed to actually do a garage sale for all the things that we had cleaned out. We'd say it was a success for many reasons regardless of how much we did not want to do a garage sale. Got an amazing opportunity to go to the Galaxy game. On the field again! Kaylee was at Jaela's sweet 16 so Cienna brought Lexi and we all had a great time. They won and we cheered right there next to Ricky Puig : )

Back to School night just keeps getting better, the teachers are so cool and Mark and I love the challenge of figuring out how to split up the schedules. The washing machine has also been a bit of a challenge this month taking away time that we don't have. It's been fixed, then doesn't work, then fixed, now fixed again... for now.

We all went to watch Evan play waterpolo at Oxy (Occidental College), had a great time. It's a pretty college. Kaylee went to Hayden's sweet 16 on the Bay. Mom and Dad went with the Marshall's and Jana to the "Taste of Los Al." A fundraiser for Adi's high school and a delicious tasting of a huge variety of local food. 

Ended with Homecoming week themes. We went to Saver's to get all the outfits that we didn't already have. Each day they went to school with theme's that they each got to make up for the school in ASB. The game was fun, they lost, but the girls probably did even know. Cienna got to sing the National Anthem with Vocal Assemble. They also sung Das Sound Machine during halftime.

We finished the month enjoying lunch with Greg and Jackie, more sleepovers, trips to BJ's and Oxy waterpolo, as well an Octoberfest meal with the Marshall's and Knobbe's at Rasselbock.

Lives are busy. Time is precious.

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Cienna - 17 Years 8 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 3 Month Old!

In preparation for the upcoming school year, with a SENIOR and Sophomore, the girls did a great job getting as much summertime as possible. Lots of friend time, beach time, bay time, and relaxing amongst all the other obligations! With them both being in ASB they got to be involved in Freshman orientation including rallying and dress up days. They both also got class schedules and books. We got TP'd way more than normal, but ok.

They continued to spend time with gym friends heading off to college. Pizzookies, finding random events in Lakewood parking lots on their way to the dollar tree, and sleepovers. Cienna spent time in Laguna, made senior pants, and helped a very successful senior sunrise with friends! In the meantime we also got some new fish.

Mom and Dad also got to invite Roman to go to a Galaxy game with Kristen in the best seats ever on the field. We had such a great time and loved hanging out with Kristen as always.

First day of school. We did pictures in the morning. Was Cienna's last first day of unpaid school. We printed out all of her first day pictures since Kinder. Then took her last one. We also got a picture of Kaylee : ) Cienna then headed off to decorate cars with Senior decor, and show up together at school with their "senior" backpacks.

The rest of the week the girls had a great time together on the field representing ASB at the football game. Together we finished going through the garage in preparation for the remodel. Was actually pretty fun and got to find old stuff we hadn't seen in a while.

A new "family" member also showed up on labor day weekend. We got to meet "Buffy", the Marshall's new Golden Retriever! She is as cute as you could possibly imagine her being. The fam also went cruising on the bay together with the girls on the paddle board and the parents on a blow up boat that they bought well over 20 years ago. 

The next weekend Dad brought the girls, with Adi and Evan to cruise Huntington Beach bike path and check out the bands along the way. Mom had a great lunch for Kristen's Baby shower! Evan came the next evening for some Cornhole and hanging out.

The following week, at the last moment, mom went to New York for work. Flew into Rochester on Tues. and out on Wed. but did get up early (3:00am Ca time) to walk the Erie Canal before working the rest of the day and heading home. Meanwhile dad took Cienna to a college fair in Pasadena. The girls celebrated Nicki's 16th birthday in Huntington with lunch at Dukes and shopping!

We've been getting back into the groove of whatever is happening now, and then and always enjoying time we have together and appreciate all that the girls are doing to be them!

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Cienna - 17 Years 7 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 2 Month Old!

Camping in DogWood party of 20, +five four legged ones as well! After confiscating Chum Chum from the Netter's backyard and packing up the truck the six of us headed toward Lake Arrowhead. The weather was amazing the whole weekend. Us, the Bakx - Stone, Joan and Larry, Dirks, Sean, JB, Sofia, and Hailey, and the Pham family including their two little girls Rhiannon and Chloe. Porter and Roaklee had some buddies come also. Thor, Jasper and Freya were there to play. As always there was no lack of entertainment or food. The tent held up with the six of us, we did a lot of exploring, and enjoyed all that the mountain nature had to offer.

Apparently the first go at "Senior" pictures happen way before school, which I get since it is mainly due to needing yearbook pictures, but it made things start to be real. After that side note we continued the fun heading toward the end of the summer. Dad headed to San Diego since Uncle B was there on business. They ended up meeting with Uncle Joe and crashing/making the most of Dana's farewell party at a good friend's house. There may have been some late night swimming involved. Meanwhile the girls took Mom paddle boarding for the first time. The blow up paddle board with the one paddle was not meant for three of us, but we made it work anyway. Against the wind and the tide, hard work paddling and Cienna kicking from behind, and Kaylee on Aux many jokes and laughter later we got back to shore tired and ready for food.

Dad made it home and we all decided to get Subway for dinner as we watched Happy Gilmore 2 together and relax! The girls both finished up all assignments for summer school that week (A's all around!) and then we were headed for out next big adventure up North with family at Resort Del Poppa!

We were so grateful that Sean and Jamie leant us their RV for the week. Sean even parked and hooked it up at Poppa's before we showed up. There were to be 5 RV's in all parked at Poppa's resort and Cabana that weekend. But the first night we relaxed with Poppa and Heather after going to get groceries and dropping by Sean and Jamie's, seeing the boys, and checking out the new barn getting ready for the horses, maybe a cow and perhaps a pig :) That night the four of us watched TSITP together in the cabana since it apparently comes out on Wednesdays, and that was the first one.

Woke up to a beautiful sunrise, mom and dad ran up the canyon, we decorated got the property ready and the girls perfected how to use the fly over drone. Ashley showed up first, one day after her birthday. We continued to prep for the party as the next guests arrived. Grammy and Greg came with Maxwell and Jake. All four puppies had so much fun together and we all had fun introducing Greg and Jake to the rest of the family. Mike and Dana picked up Erik, Mary, and Violet from the airport and were on their way next. We were all excited to see them again and for them to be able to make it out to California! If them being there wasn't big enough, they also shared that they are expecting a baby boy this January!

A wonderful sunset and dinner together, then a mellow sunrise and breakfast together lead to the start of the big festivities for the weekend. Erin and Charley arrived first shortly followed by Alex and Shannon with Charlotte, with Cameron coming next. They were all in festive matching outfits and we made the most of all the games, food, and activities. Grammy and Greg came and put up some good challenge with corn hole and Kan Jam as well. We waited for Trevor and Sam to show then really kicked off the family planned activities.

A pre-organized game of Family Feud was soon making it apparent that we were all there to have fun and enjoy. Thanks to Ashley, The Marty's, and Poppa for the planning and organization. Definitely not a lack of jokes, banter, and laughs!

After a long night, the sunset, and all the things imaginable for breakfast was delicious. We all spent the day enjoying each other and spending quality time. This included a Jeopardy game, Pickle Ball tournament, more lawn games, Picture slide shows, Swimming with the drone video experience, and a sewer clean out all before a tri-tip dinner cut by Kaylee. This was followed by a couple games of LCR, and plenty of impromptu hangman before bedtime. One last sunrise in the morning, clean up, and some goodbye's to the family before the road trip home.

I'm not good at writing, and what's next is too hard. We are so glad that Porter got these two fun filled "camping" trips this summer. He always loved camping, and Poppa's property. He got to spend time with so many people who loved and appreciated him over the last 14 years. It had been harder and harder for him to get around but he still did laps in the living room before going for a walk even though they were shorter.  We lost him, but he is not lost to us. He's shaped all our lives and there are holes missing each day with his absence. Thankful for Kaylee making photo frames of Porter to place around the house and appreciate all who reached out.  

During that next week the girls got to help out at the Acting Out camp that they have gone to for almost a decade. They couldn't do the entire camp but Erin appreciated any chance they got to be there during the week. The girls had some extra morning practices which let us all go to dinner together on Thurs. night. We went to a location near the bay and walked around the shore during sunset and enjoyed our time together. 

After Friday morning practice both girls headed off to ASB camp. They enjoyed outdoor sports/games like archery and zip lining, they all performed skits with different groups, had bonfires and hike, and played games all together in the common room way past bedtime.

Meanwhile dad and mom took the time to really embrace the fact that we are actually going to be doing the garage remodel. Architect plans are in the work to be approved and already have contractors on board to get it done. So what's left is to clean and organize. We had a great time working together making a plan to get it done. First up was hardware, then what to keep, throw away, and the "other" what to do with piles :)

When the girls came home we certainly enlisted their help in the garage. After a little resistance, we ended up making the most out of it and having fun together in the daunting task. Kaylee found a solar powered fountain, dad found some disturbing toys from childhood, and there were old soccer banners to reminisce.

Ending the last week Dad went to an Angels/Dodgers game in Anaheim with Roman and Mike, the girls went to Knott's with Clara, Francesca, Keira, and two littles Jill and Kalista. All but the littles closed down the park as the lines for the rides got exponentially shorter. Mom also spent quite a bit of time on the gymnastics seniors gifts for the upcoming end of the season banquet.

It was a Luau theme. All level on the team made it and got awards, had delicious food, and was followed by a pool party at the main Y. The seniors enjoyed the photo book gifts that included pictures of each of them over the past decade of their gymnastic experiences as they head of to college for more new experiences to come.

One last week before Cienna's final year of high school. She has certainly been working hard with her essay's and college applications all summer long. She deserves so much and we hope to be able to help her any way we can along her journey but can't even fathom that she is going to be a senior in high school. Both girls will be welcoming in the Freshman for orientation next week with the rest of their ASB classmates. They look forward to making them start off the high school experience on a positive note!

I have no closing statement. I'm drained.

We love you Porter!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/piML8D69AcQoFjtp7

Cienna - 17 Years 6 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 1 Month Old!

For Kaylee's Third birthday party she took her gymnastics team to an escape room entitled "The Lab" in downtown LB. They had a great time while Mom and Dad walked to lunch nearby. Thought it would be a great chance to work together before 3 of the 6 of them graduate after the upcoming Gymnastics Nationals trip to Wisconsin! They made it out and solved it together.

Before heading to Wisconsin Kaylee took an appointment to do Shawna's nails for her trip out East to visit her friend. Mom also had a Bunco party with Bonnie, then Cienna had a graduation brunch from Youth Leadership Long Beach with friends she has made many special connections. 

Next up was Clara's graduation party which included more fun in there backyard with a tree house and backyard games. We followed that party with Stone's Grad party and Rylee's 21'st all in one. Plenty of music played reminiscing in the garage and delicious food. Then we headed to the beach the following day for Evan's grad party. A beautiful sunset and bonfire along with great people made for an enjoyable time. Some lost keys may have made the night more of an adventure than planned, but all worked out in the end!

With all the birthday and graduations slowly subsiding, we were off to Wisconsin. Why you ask? For the Cheese! Nope.... The girls Nationals Gymnastics competition this year. 

We left out of Long Beach to Nashville for a short layover and got to travel with all the coaches! Once in Milwaukee we got our rental and headed to LakeFront Brewery (LB) First experience, but not the last of cheese curds. We then headed our way to the hotel in Green Bay!

Woke up for some breakfast and excited to celebrate Clara, Francesca, and Keira at the senior ceremony. It was held at Lambeau Field "ish". We were all happy be there to support them. Little did we know that we were going to be invited to be on the field to take pictures and hang out as long as we wanted. The girls definitely took advantage of the time with pictures and videos.

Cienna and Francesca played a big roll in the weekend as the student athlete representatives on the YMCA National Board. They had planned many activities and really engaged in many ways to make the event more memorable for all those participating! Many of them included the gymnast check in and the Opening Ceremonies.

Before the ceremonies the next day Cienna and Kaylee got to do their first touch warm up practice along with their teammates. They were feeling great about the whole event and were excited for the opening ceremonies. Went back to the hotel for hotel signs and to hang with all those on the rest of their team trickling in from their flights.

Opening ceremonies went wonderful and the weather held out throughout even though it called for rain during an outdoor event. Jordan Chiles was an inspirational guest speaker, after the parade of athletes, and we were even the closest team from where she walked in. Our team sent a flash mob dance to all other Y's that were involved previous to the competition and so when the DJ played the song during the after party so many other teams joined, in it was a sight to see! And a definite win for camaraderie throughout all the Y's in the Nation! There were also bounce houses, food, including cheese curd coupons : (

Most girls had arrived, so team door sign posting was if full effect! Next day was the girls first competition for their Championship level. (The Fours competed before them and did great getting first place team).  Both girls and the rest of their championship team qualified for all event finals the next day. But a pool party was inevitable since the hotel had a water park!

That night the fours were leaving and threw a hotel party : ) Next day before final we used our A&W root beer float coupons after supporting the level 6's and before competing that evening (they were small : ) They had amazing performances. A first place for one and a personal best for another.

Overall their team took 1st place National Champions for the 3rd year in a row. Had an amazing time as a team and celebrating the successes of 3 of their graduating senior teammates. It's now the two of them and Alayh'a.

We then had some time to visit a small time carnival that was reminiscent of Mom's childhood. The rides were ok, but even the tickets were $0.25 each! Most one ride took was 6, and that was Elvis Presley's favorite roller coaster!

Almost had a delayed fight home, but since all the coaches and the rest of us were on the same flight the held the lay over flight out of Nashville for us and we got home right in time for a lovely walk home and to get ready for the next week ahead of us. We were all so happy to see the puppies and so grateful for Annie and the Marshalls to take such great care of them while we were away.

Summer began again. The girls had ASB everyday for the next couple in the morning where they made signs for the upcoming school year. There was plenty of paddle boarding at the beach and even got to go out with Sadie and Shawna all together for a day.

The girls continue to spend time with Clara, Francesca, and Keira a couple times a week even they took the time to TP our house with Sadie while she was here.

We enjoyed getting to spend the 4th close to home. Had Scott, Roman and Steph swing by in the morning before not only our block but many around us were blocked off for some epic party fun. The Marshalls and Mom joined the Adams, then headed back home joined by the Knobbe's. We had great food and played games in the street. Cienna and Kaylee went to the bay for a bit and then came to join in our fun in the neighborhood when they realized it was crazy there : ) They brought friends for the food and festivities before the massive firework display! We may have let them on the roof to get a better look.

The Briefs then invited us to the Sawdust festival in Laguna. We took Shawna and met up with them and Mariela and her mom. It was cool to see such talented artists and unique designs. We headed for lunch before joining the Bakx to watch the USMNT soccer game.

Cienna had a night at a beach house with friends. Then on the way to gym we all go Slurpee's at 7-11 which were left in the freezer as we were on the way to gym. It also happened to be Denise's retirement party after gym that night. Crazy how many years and how many stories she has gone through with the same gymnastics center.

Throughout the weeks, the girls have been keeping up with summer school on a pretty aggressive schedule. Cienna taking a college Music Theory course, and Kaylee doing both Spanish and PE. However, still keeping up with and hanging out with friends more than ever. Meanwhile, Mom and dad fixed a leaky water heater spending only a few $ instead of replacing!

Lastly, Mom snagged Chum Chum from the Netter's to bring camping in DogWood near Lake Arrowhead with 16 other amazing people and their puppies which started with great food, games, music, and a night hike on the first night.

The rest of Dog Wood camping and another with a trip up North to see family to follow!

Not funny how time flies.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/X4FkhbZaEdVcUopR7 

Cienna - 17 Years 5 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years Old!

Again, too many things. All great, it's like they crawl one day and then walk the next. Got the Three Musketeers back together to celebrate Adi's 15th for a Sunday dinner in Seal Beach. Then the end of the school year was in full affect as summer made it's presence. After Cienna spent just a couple hours between school finals and gymnastics practice to somehow go paddle boarding with friends, she convinced us that we too needed a blow up paddle board. What a handy thing to have in Long Beach. 

The following week we had the girls last concert of the year (Music in the Air). Both girls sang and we all had fun hanging in the quad. Cienna may have high tailed it out of there after her performance to get to Evan's guitar concert. Then they spent the morning making corsages and boutonnières for the Wilson Senior Prom. Then got all dressed up for pictures at the Belmont Fountain with Dad, and had a great night at the Diamond Center.

That same week Cienna started her campaign for ASB VP with Shawna as Pres. Should've won, but didn't end up that way. They'll both still do the work to make their senior year amazing!

We spent the next day together making Beer Can Chicken with Caesar salad after a day of shopping together. Kaylee then went to another summer kick-off for Ever's Birthday at the beach! Some of them apparently like to tan and Kaylee and the others went into the waves! Meanwhile the rest of us loaded up the bikes on the Escape and did a Huntington Beach Bike ride. 

Memorial Day while mom worked was spent hanging out at pools and making crafts for the upcoming gymnastics Y State Competition. The girls all got together and made each team award consisting of boogie boards, large pinwheels, etc. 

Mom and Dad then got an amazing opportunity to go with Mom and the girls friend Coach Kristen to a LA Galaxy game. Let's just say that Kristen and her family have had season tickets for a long time and this year they were no longer in the seats, but actually first row chairs on the field! It was insane. We had 8 course meal, all you can eat in the Champion Lounge right next to the locker rooms. A free snack bar. We followed the players out to the field... they gave us desert at half time! Unfortunately the LA Galaxy still lost, but they won their next game for the first time this season after winning the last.

Y State competition is not our favorite gym to compete, but we did get to make time before to visit with the Sklenicka's which always makes the trip WELL worth it! We had a great lunch at Karls Strauss and got to catch up and reminisce. The girls made it through the competition with huge helicopter fans unfortunately without the seniors on their team whom competed the next night. We weren't super sad to get home late on Saturday instead of Sunday.

Especially since we had Grammy and Greg coming the following morning for breakfast! Although Cienna had gotten to meet Greg before when she went up north on a field trip the rest of us got the pleasure to hang out with him all day. 

We made breakfast, including orange juice whip cream bacon drinks apparently, got to open our new blow up paddle board, before the girls took off with Grammy to go shop some thrift stores leaving Greg to hang out with the cool kids to have a beer and relax. After Grammy brought the girls back with a dress for both Mark and I we headed out to Naples Rib Co for dinner!!!! There wasn't a lack of food in our bellies, so we went on a walk around Naples to take in the scenery which was the same scenery Cienna had done plenty of previous dance pictures : )

Wait, only now the school year starts to come to an end. There's still two weeks left. Nope, I can't even. Ok. Cienna does pre last week's of school with friend breakfasts (plural). Apparently final are over, but they all did great so....  The girls and A'layah then "lock-in" at gym with Sat. practice doing new and improved skills, Cienna gets to go to Cirque du Soleil with the Brief's, and doing some toilet papering afterward. (why waste the paper : ) )

Finals week was the previous week for Cienna and she did great, grades were pretty much already established. Kaylee didn't even have to take some of hers since she did so good through the semester. For the graduation ceremony Cienna got honored to be on the field as a junior to be part of the Junior Honor Guard and lead out the senior class.

Then it was the last day of school. Pretty mellow, until school got out. Cienna and I took most of Kaylee's friends home to our house for the beginning of Kaylee's school friend birthday party. Kaylee and I went to go pick up more then proceeded to drive to Seal Beach (including the Bronco) for a end of the school year slash beginning of Kaylee birthday party fun-time. They all had fun with tanning, beaching, volleyballing, seeing other friends, snacking, etc. till it was time to go home for more fun. We then had way too much Dominos pizza, but also vegetables, and ice cream cake before an outdoor movie with fire pit. Next up was apparently more TP'ing and all the girls finding a place to sleep in the living room.

You know you get along when the party lasts over 24 hours. They had a great breakfast of muffins, bacon and eggs. and decided swimming at the neighbors would be fun. It turned out they were right and continued to enjoy each others company till the girls had to leave for practice.

Party's don't stop, but not many get to say they got to go to a 60th wedding anniversary! There is no way to explain how amazing Joan and Larry are. We loved being able to celebrate this milestone with them and look forward to the next. It's always fun to talk about their latest adventures. And this celebrated all the ones they've gotten to experience. Kaylee then had a "Freshman" only bonfire at the beach. After we picked them up we all had fun chillin at the Marshall's fire pit.

Next up was a little bit of a dilemma. Father's Day happened to be on Kaylee's Birthday. So it became only Kaylee's Birthday. However, I think that it was planned perfectly for both! We played games all together in the yard and made chicken wings for dinner. This was of course after breakfast (brunch) at Starbucks for a free drink, Cassidy's Corner, Blue Bowl, and LBX Brewery!

Next up was Cienna and her friends being amazing as always and planning a trip for them all to go to Catalina. It's really heartwarming letting your kids experience great things that they are creating. Kaylee also took the blow up paddle board to the peninsula and got to go all around Naples having fun the whole day with a friend. There was a Goonies's beach movie night as well at Granada Beach.

Summer is not off to a slow start as always. We have more graduation and birthday parties and are headed to Wisconsin!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/HKaDPj18zaNLsD2D6