Cienna - 10 Years 6 Months... Kaylee - 8 Years 1 Month!!

Mark got ready for our trip with a fun doctor visit while Cienna helped out by mowing the lawn for her first time.  The day before the magnificent trip to Ohio, as I will write about, the girls had a "Power Workout" with all the girls that were planning to go to the National's competition.  They all wore matching-ish outfits and brought each other good luck gifts.  Afterward Mommy and the girls planned on making it to Kaylee's cookie sell party at John's Incredible Pizza, but ended up at the wrong one.  We were going to be late anyway, and were close to Knott's, so decided to go there instead to make up for it and had a great time.

The next day we left on a super adventure from LAX to Cleveland, Ohio.  Lucky us we have great friends like the Marshall's to take care of Porter while we left for just over a week!  We had a layover in Texas and thought of our Auntie Bridget and Vickie, but they were cruisin' the islands at the time.  Our flight was a little delayed, so coming into Ohio after 1 am it was best we lay over at a hotel that night before the next few perfect days at the Cusick resort!  We had a little hiccup getting the hotel, but were in good spirits through it all and ended up with a great breakfast.  Kari came to pick us up after breakfast.  When we came down from the elevator, we saw a new statue in the lobby of the hotel.  Had a pug face and a Landen body!  We weren't sure, but knew what we were looking at once we saw Kari cracking up to the side.  Nice welcome Landen!  When we showed up at their house, we got to meet Kyler and the puppies.  Only heard about Sherbert so far, but eventually met the cat.

Before meeting Charlie, Lulu, and eventually Sherbert, we also got to meet Feathers.  She is a wild bird that lays 4 eggs (apparently each year she does this) on the rocks next to their driveway.  And of course Mr. Feathers was around occasionally.  Her eggs hatched a couple weeks after we left and the Cusicks named them after us!  Upon arrival, the girls instantly wanted to play a soccer game, girls against boys in their yard.  Addie and Jasen weren't their yet, but we had a great game with the 7 of us.  The neighborhood pool was next on the agenda after Addie and Jasen got home, but while they were getting ready, Kaylee heard they had a golf cart and they were willing to let her drive it.  This was the first of many times!  The pool was fun and refreshing before dinner at the small downtown of Medina.

After dinner and ice cream we headed back for outdoor movie night, and bedtime.  The next morning after wrestling and watching world cup we headed back to the pool while the Dad's got us a rental car.  Then some of us went fishing as others went to the store before joining them.  We all caught fish and then released them at the nearby pond, that we got to via golf cart.  We had a fun night next to the fire pit and ping pong for the adults before traveling to Cedar Point the next day joined by the Cusick family!

Best Roller Coaster Rides EVER!  Such a great day, with great company, consisting of rides, perfect weather, and happiness.  Then we had to say goodbye and head to Toledo for the Nationals gymnastics meet for the girls.  We arrived at the hotel and were ready for dinner and a good night sleep.  In the morning we met up with the other 18 gymnasts from our gym for breakfast.  We also hung up all the signs on each others door wishing good luck in the meet the next day.  But first we got to participate in the opening ceremonies!

Our team was the first to line up and welcome all the other teams with high fives!   The ceremony consisted of speeches by the mayor and Olympic gold medalist Nastia Luken along with dancing and fun times.  We then got to parade down the street and were welcomed as we marched around the field of a minor league baseball team before a big game.  We got "Mud Hen" dollars to spend for food and souvenirs and all had a wonderful time before realizing we should head back to go to bed since the first team member had to compete at 8 am and wanted to support her even though our girls didn't compete till 5 pm.

So then the girls big competition... side note Mommy and Daddy's 15th anniversary, Daddy spent most of his day in the bleachers with other Dad's and Mom's, while Mommy was coaching.   The girls had so much fun and were very proud of their performance!  It did end about 10pm, but they were troopers and we went to bed ready to spend fun time with some of the rest of the team at the Toledo Zoo the next day.  Also happened to be another team gymnast friend birthday, so we decorated her door when we got back to surprise her!

We had one more day before heading out of Detroit, so we headed to the Henry Ford Museum.  Man does that guy own a lot of stuff!  We also spent time in his Greenfield Village were he uplifted things such as the Wright Bros family home and Edison's Workshop to name the least.  Kaylee even made an actual old school print from a printing press.  It was acres of land occupied by many landmarks.  The girls were troopers on a very hot day, but we all had fun regardless!

Lucky to have friends to pick us up from the airport, it was a very smooth trip home.  The next day Mommy picked up Grammy from the airport to spend a wonderful week of catching up, chatting, hanging out, and enjoying her company, but also a lot of spoiling the girls (a whole lot!!!) Other than that she of course also spent each day teaching them some musical skills on the Ukulele.  The girls were so happy to have Grammy watch them when Mommy and Daddy had to work and then we were all happy for her to get to spend 4th of July with us at the Ferrario's and set off sparklers in the neighborhood.  During Grammy's visit, we also got to have Lula spend some time while her family was in Hawaii.  Porter loves having his girlfriend around as much as we do.

After taking Grammy home we celebrated Uncle Keith's Birthday.  It was a wonderful spread of food, deserts, and great friends/family!  The following Day we welcomed more family visitors!  Auntie Carrie and Cousin Rylee came to play!  They spent a long evening of travel coming our way.  We headed to gymnastics and they got to rest and shop for all of us before we took them to play in the waves at the beach.  They girls also loved getting reunited at home afterward. There was plenty of gymnastics/cheerleeding fun on and off of the trampoline.  We then headed off for more fun at Knott's Berry Farm the next day, including a great dinner.  Plenty of games and crafts later, Rylee wanted to get back to the beach so that's where we went.  Next we headed to the Bay to warm up before heading back to our home.

Mommy took them home early the next morning and we appreciate every chance we get to see any of our family or friends!  Any time!

Summer is busy and great.  We have so many wonderful people and opportunities in our lives!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/QH2PWo1R1VSzZfAHA

Cienna - 10 Years 5 Months... Kaylee - 8 Years Old!!

The month started out with a ton of fun and didn't slow down from there.  We got to have a full fun filled day hanging out with the Switek family.  Soccer, Lunch, walks, and lots of playtime!  The evening they headed back home we were propositioned with having a group of gymnasts attending Shelby's 13th birthday slumber party come and TP our house.  We were warned ahead of time, but the girls didn't know.  They had a blast and it wasn't too bad of a clean up even though they did a great job.  We then prepared a dinosaur and book report diorama for school the following week.

That week at school was the book fair and Open House where the girls showed us all of their hard work that they have accomplished throughout the year.  We also got to pick up Odie to do some doggie sitting through the weekend.  On Friday Cienna headed with her girls scout troop and leaders to stay a night at Great Wolf Lodge which is how they chose to spend their cookie money.  They were spoiled and had a blast on the water slides.  While she was gone, Kaylee got some extra movie time that evening with Mommy and Daddy, then breakfast in the morning and extra alone time with Odie.  On Sunday we got to celebrate Sydney's Birthday pool party.  The following Monday was Memorial Day so we enjoyed family time.  Mommy even taught Kaylee how to mow the lawn, including how to start the mower herself.  We also spent some time playing on the VR goggles that Daddy brought home from work, and had a successful lemonade stand on the front yard.

The following was the slowest with only a couple of Dr. appointments for the girls.  Happy and healthy as always!  And a VIPS appreciation breakfast.  Then we had a tremendous weekend in San Diego.  The girls had their Y State competition and nailed it!  They had a great time and were very proud of themselves.  Afterward we stayed with the Sklenicka's and did some catching up and game playing.  Mommy helped coach some of the other levels that weekend as well.

Kaylee's 2nd Grade class had their field trip to the Cabrillo Aquarium the next week and the last Brownie meeting of the year where she got presented with her prizes from a great job cookie selling.  She was the 2nd highest in her troop this year.  Thursday was her first birthday month date night and got a large free ice cream out of it.

On Friday, Cienna left us once again for a girls scout overnight.  This time it was at a Girl Scout house without the amenities they were spoiled with at the Lodge.  It was walking distance from the beach and they certainly took advantage of that while Daddy took a extra trip to bring them some aerobeds since the floors were all hardwood in the place with no furniture.  Kaylee again got breakfast with Mommy and Daddy before picking Cienna up the next morning.  Then as Daddy was asking our Galaxy contact guy how we could bring him our framed picture of Cienna's 4th grade class as a thank you for a donation, he offered us some amazing tickets to the Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake on Sat. night.  It was a great game and it'll be hard to watch from other seats from now on.  Kaylee even got a cool bag and set of 7 towels since her birthday was the following Friday.  On Sunday Cienna finally got the chance to volunteer at the nearby Equestrian Center.  Daddy went with her and they learned a lot, picked up poop, walked the horses and helped with many other tasks.  We all then began to prepare for the last week of school and upcoming birthday events.

Cienna had her 4th Grade Gold Rush play, she was one of the main characters.  She did great despite some curtain malfunctions.  That also happen to be Porter's Birthday, he got a rawhide and some extra hugs.  Then tortured with a balloon tied to his neck as we sang to him.  The whole week at school was filled with pretty much just play, party time and clean up in both of the girls classrooms.  Mommy and Daddy even got off of work early on Thursday, the last day of school.  We brought treats at the end of the day for Kaylee's class to celebrate her Birthday the following day.  Afterward we all went out to dinner at Knott's Berry Farm.  Of course we went on a couple of rides before and after dinner, including the new Hang Time.  We all LOVED it!

Then it happened, our baby girl turned 8 years old.  Say it isn't so.  While Daddy was at work we updated him with pictures of our day.  First breakfast, Kaylee chose a place that we could bring Porter, of course.  Then we seriously needed groceries, so they partied their way through the store.  Afterward Kaylee wanted her fingers and toes done, mostly for the massage part.  Cienna just opted for her fingernails.  The library was the next stop before it was time for gymnastics practice.  Kaylee wanted to bring Icee's for her friends.  For her Birthday party the following day she chose to have it at CPK.  They were wonderful.  All kids got to make chef's hats, Kaylee got a special chef jacket.  Then they got to each make their own pizza and got a tour of the kitchen while the pizzas were cooking.  Our host was so gracious to Kaylee when she decided that she was going to help make the sundae's for her party in the kitchen.  She had fun with all her friends.  Then that evening we were off to another party at Cara's house, they share a birthday.  It was a mystery play acting party.  Each girl had a part to play and it even had commercial breaks for the girls to make up skits to.

Father's day came next.  After starting with a nice family walk joined by the Marshall's we finally got Daddy Country Fried Steak and Eggs to eat while sitting on our front porch watching as we washed his truck.  When he was way too full we went over to Joan and Larry's to celebrate more Father's and eat the delicious tapas that they had spent days preparing.  Was a big and wonderful weekend.

On the last day we were lucky to have our neighbor come to watch the girls in the morning when we went to work.  She then took them to one of Cienna's good friend Jayden's house for yet another party, this one was an 80's themed Dance Birthday party.  They let them stay there till Mommy was able to pick them up after work.

The girls just keep getting older regardless of what we ask of them.  It's amazing, scary, and sad all at the same time.  We are so proud and do all we can to take the best care of who they are becoming.

Check out the pictures to go along with the story.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Dudmxs7ju5A89sZ87

Cienna - 10 Years 4 Months... Kaylee - 7 Years, 11 Months!

Kaylee went from a Brownie meeting to her very excitedly anticipated dentist appointment (those at the office think she might be a dentist when she grows up) before performing her talent show again during Milikan High School's Senior Day for Hope's (her dance instructor) Senior Project.  The next day we all went to watch the Lorax in appreciation of Arbor Day at their school's outdoor movie night.  That weekend we all did some fun projects including more prep for the upcoming school Carnival.  We also built and donated a Lego's First Competition Table for the school.  Cienna's first competition last month was our inspiration.  We then had play time with the Marshall's and headed to Knott's Berry Farm for a couple of rides.

Cienna worked very hard and had so much fun in Chorus this year with Ms. Karoncong she made Mommy tear up when watching their fantastic Spring performance.  The following weekend we attended Girl Scout Night with the LA Galaxy.  Although it was a late night, it was a great high scoring game and full of fun memories for the girls.  They got their third signature on their homemade T-Shirts.  We then FINALLY got to planting the garden.  We got way more plants than planned, but it is going to be awesome.  The whole family enjoyed getting dirty and are ready for the rewarding food to come.  That weekend we decided to shower Daddy with his Birthday gifts since we were all together even though his birthday was on Thursday, we had other plans for that evening.  Auntie Kimmie's fairy from next door also brought the girls delicious cinnamon rolls that we all got to share.

Daddy decided we would all have a great time and head to Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner in downtown Knott's Berry Farm for his birthday and hope we could fit in a ride.  We got there at 5:30 expecting it to be open to 9pm, but they informed us that it closed at 6.  We went for the ride anyway, and it turns out that Thursday is a great time to go.  We got 4 rides in a half an hour.  They even let Kaylee on one that she was a tiny bit too short for because nobody at all was in any line!  Afterward we enjoyed a great meal and celebrated Daddy!

Daddy continued to celebrate the next morning as Uncle B showed up and they headed off to Brewfest.  Mommy stayed with the girls and worked hard setting up the 4th Grade Carnival Booth, Kick the Satellite into Space!  It was a long day and a lot of hard work went into a very successful school carnival, but the children had an amazing time and a lot of money was raised to go toward keeping our school as great as it is.

The next morning Steph picked up Mommy to join the party at Brewfest.  Before that Mommy went running then dropped off the girls at the Marshalls for a fun filled day starting with breakfast at Ruby's.  They enjoyed their day and slumber party almost as much as Daddy did during Brewfest.  It was awesome sleeping on the truck aero-bed with a camper shell.

When we got home there was quite a lot of preparation to get done for Teacher Appreciation Week, along with Administrative Assistant, appreciating our great school nurse, and of course our principal!  We have such great faculty and wanted to make sure they know it.

Next is was Cienna with on Ortho appt. and a Junior meeting to make a wonderful Mother's Day gift.  Before Mother's Day we had an amazing time at the Lakewood Equestrian Center donating our time and money to a cause that lets children volunteer to keep hundreds of horses happy just a few miles from our home.  We enjoyed friends, games, horses, petting all kinds of animals and a place where we see spending a lot more time!  We won a raffle of a couple of pillow cases that were made by Sam which is a very good gymnastics friend of ours whom we bought the tickets from!

The next day we had a lot of catching up to do with so many other activities happening.  Mother's Day was spent just like Mom likes.  We tailgated in the parking lot where we got supplies for Cienna's Mission project (Mission De Asis) and Kaylee's Dinosaur Diorama of a Stegosaurus.  That was our family time projects for the day and it was great.  Mom got plenty of very thoughtful gifts and just enjoyed hanging out with Daddy and the girls.

Ending the month, Cienna had her dentist appt. and then a field trip that she had plenty to talk about at Rancho Los Cerritos.  The grand finale if the month which will continue the first day of next month was the visit of the Switeck's.  They stopped by Friday night on their way home from an amazing week+ long family vacation that we were lucky to be part of.  The girls hit it off immediately that evening and the next day only got better!

Till next time!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/yFjpxTdaYINbA0e42

Cienna - 10 Years 3 Months... Kaylee - 7 Years, 10 Months!

Plenty of school activities started since the last time.  STEAM night was great fun at school, many different opportunities to learn.  Then a free dress day for Spring pictures followed by a dress rehearsal for Cienna's First Snow White production which was just for the 4th and 5th graders since the Hess's were moving to Ariz. and wanted to participate.  The Carver Olympics was a wonderful Sunny day and the whole school had a great time.

Many of practices and fun times later the girls finally got to showcase all the acts that they have worked on for the Carver Talent Show!  All four acts were AMAZING, and the show in itself was so tremendous to watch.

That weekend we got to have fun at JT's big 10th Birthday bash and later Kaylee joined Jessica for another birthday celebration.  The following week Mommy hung out with Steph to help people get healthy using her Arbonne products.  Then Daddy got to watch Cienna in an advanced screening as the Evil Queen for the 4th/5th grade production.

Then we all got to enjoy at least some, well quite a bit of Spring Break.  It started on Good Friday when we got to bring Kiera, Misha, Super Girl with us and the rest of the 4th Grade to join their teacher for a movie day to see "A Wrinkle in Time".  The Saturday to follow we enjoyed Kara's Birthday party at the park including a full on clown... ... ...

We got to enjoy the early Easter morning together as a family as the girls found Easter eggs and looked through their baskets before we got to enjoy a tremendous breakfast at the Marshall's followed by another egg hunt, egg dying, and plenty of fun.  Later that afternoon the joy continued as we spent time with the Snow's and family with even more food, hunts, and baskets!

Daddy took Monday to work from home and worked in time to take the girls out to play hand ball at school and have a special lunch with the three of them.  Tuesday Mommy worked from home, but still fit in a game of bowling and Frozen Yogurt.  Spring Break Wednesday after Mommy's dentist appt. we did take Porter to brunch, then after the fabric store we headed to get the rest of the supplies to prepare for, which included quite a bit of sewing, our Junior Girls Scout Play Date to help craft out our 4th Grade Carnival Game, "Kick the Soccer Ball Into Space."  Thursday the girls enjoyed a day with having Sara come watch them, while Mommy and Daddy were working, and have her play all the games they wanted.  Even Ryan and Lula came to enjoy the fun.

That Friday the girls were invited to a play date at Knott's Berry Farm.  Turns out year passes for the family including Soak City, which will be great for the summer, is not much more than a single day... so we now have season passes and this was our first day.  It was great to spend time with a new gymnastics friend Liegha.  The next morning the girls had a fun gymnastics performance for Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA.  Of course afterwards they had to make sure Daddy got to enjoy Knott's as well, so we went back and had more fun again being season ticket holders and all.

Then the last day of Spring Break Daddy had planned a brew day and us girls got some work done around the house.  Cienna and Kaylee made sure the trampoline wasn't getting bored.  We then graciously got invited again to the Marshall's to join an impromptu BBQ with many great friends!

Along the way there has been Talent Show, Robotics, and Snow White practices as well as Girls Scout meetings.  Cienna's girl scouts got to go to Pavilion's for a tour and to learn about money management.  They each got $10 to spend for an entire meal to make for their family.  They had a great time and we had to wait till Sunday for Cienna to make us terrific homemade pizza!  Because we were leaving on a plane the next day to visit the Natals!

It was a wonderfully full quick trip.  We went via plane and it was a great travel experience for all.  After the walk to the airport and quick flight, Cienna got to sit in the cockpit as the pilot explained how to fly the plane and let her pull levers and push buttons!  RJ was there just as we arrived to drive us to their home and spend a great evening catching up, having fun, and preparing for June's 1st Communion the next day.  Before the Communion after a great night and breakfast, we got to watch June play a great game of Softball as RJ coached and we even got to help score keep.

June was amazing at her First Communion and it was pretty cool to see so much family support.  The Natal's held a wonderful celebration to follow and unfortunately soon after we had to head back to the airport.  Thanks to the Natal's for bringing us it was again an easy trip back home.  This time when we finished the flight, Kaylee got to sit in the Pilot seat and learn at least a few of the controls on the airplane.

After that great weekend, we still had a Sunday.  We had many more experiences.  Cienna had her first robotics competition with her 4th Grade Robotics Team.  They did amazing and is was so much fun to see all the hard work they have been putting in over the past few months!  Kaylee then went to lunch for Kamryn's 8th Birthday at Islands which the rest of us joined after robotics to continue to the movies and watch Sherlock Gnomes.  That evening, of course was finally when Cienna got her chance to make us a much needed wonderful homemade pizza dinner.  She did great!

The last few days consisted of a last practice for Kaylee got to do an amazing performance in front of all high school students to help Hope complete her senior project, just after her dental check up while Cienna had pictures before one of her last Snow White performance practices.

Till Next Time, Enjoy.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/gmSUZuVIO7mIl0wc2

Cienna - 10 Years 2 Months... Kaylee - 7 Years, 9 Months!

It might seem like this wasn't a busy month but you have not seen how marked up our calendar is.  Sure it started with a simple get together at a friends to talk about her growing business followed by Ava and Ricky's Super Birthday Party at Glow Zone with hundreds of people.  Then a nice date night out for a Carver fundraiser at CPK.  But the real business were the weeks filled with after school and weekend practices for the Robotics Club, Talent Show Practices... 4 acts between the 2 girls, one of which Mommy is the lead.  Different days of practice for each girl for the school play of Snow White to come in June.  There were a couple Girl Scout meetings, one of which we were in charge of St. Patty's themed snacks consisting of Green rice crispy treats and grapes.  All that along with working hard to sell all the cookies that they had recommended to be able to sell of course.  This is again on top of all the regular gymnastics, etc. that occurs every week.  And breathe...

Then along the way we had some cookie booths and a planned power outage.  Then on a Friday after going to school in pajamas for Read Across America Day, the girls missed the second half of school to compete in the Long Beach Open at the Convention Center.  They did fantastic and Daddy took a LONG lunch break to come watch them.  That Sunday Daddy left to go to New Jersey for a meeting at the Subaru headquarters.  Him and his co-workers had a little extra time after the meeting on Monday to visit some cool sites in Philadelphia.  Daddy even pretended to be Rocky Balboa!  The girls missed him but had a good time, mostly trying to sell cookies.

We had our yearly meeting with our financial advisory who has become a good friend to all of us.  This year he gave each girl a $2 bill.  Mommy also took a little time on a Friday night to celebrate Minda's 40th Birthday.  The following day we had Sadie's 10th Birthday along with Larry's 75th Birthday.  The girls were able to start at Larrry's, head over to Sadie's, and then back for more cake at Larry's.  Then Sunday, with more practices included in all of these days, Daddy got to spend time with Roman "preparing" for the Home Brew Festival (Brewing Beer).

Then there were no more cookies to sell, good thing it was the very last day to sell Girl Scout cookies!  The Carver 2nd through 5th graders all got to walk to Marshall (neighborhood Middle School) to watch a really good production put on by the middle schoolers of Princess and The Pea.  Mommy volunteered to work at the Y for a Kinder Open Gym, but then headed over right after to watch as well.  We knew some previous Carver students and also some close gymnastics teammates that were in the play so it was a blast to see them on stage.

The last weekend we celebrated the wee bit of Irish in us with a delicious corned beef and a visit from Poppa and the Marty's.  They came that evening in the new motor home and we all had a great dinner for the holiday.  The next day we got to spend even more enjoying each others company.  The girls also got to join in on Auntie Kimmie's birthday brunch celebration at Corey and Autumn's home!

The girls really loved their first season of gymnastics competition!  It is now over with the exception of YMCA State and National Competitions coming in June.  Cienna has really enjoyed robotics taught by her teacher and they are both excited about the school play and enjoy the practices leading up to it.  The Talent Show will be a great time.  Kaylee is really shining in her dances and has even had to step in for one of Cienna's girl scouts that won't be able to make the show.

Click the link to see some pictures....

https://photos.app.goo.gl/aHV5htLpAwsUOYG23

Cienna - 10 Years 1 Month... Kaylee - 7 Years, 8 Months!

Before the big Birthday, Cienna's Junior Girl Scout troop, joined with many other volunteers, planted trees in the parkways around the neighborhood for a city improvement organization.  We can't wait to see them continue to grow.

Then it happened, our little baby turned double digits.  She is such an amazing person and we couldn't be more proud of her and everything that she is.  She had chosen over half a year ago to do a "color run" for her birthday party.  They of course didn't have a local run planned in January, so we had to make our own.  It was such a great time.  We set up an 8 course obstacle at a nearby park and had so many parents volunteer to spray color all over the kiddos.  The parents and kids were all fantastic guests and really got into it.  Cienna was very happy to be around so many of her friends!

Then again the teeth began falling out.  One for each of the girls this month.  They also had auditions for the school play, Snow White.  They both got the part they asked for.  Cienna is the Evil Queen, and Kaylee is the Snow Fairy.. and an extra part as a Royal Subject.  It is Kaylee's first chance to be in the school play and is quite excited, and it is still one of Cienna's favorite parts of the school year.

Mommy got to join Cienna on her class field trip to the local Community College, she even got put to work as one of the nursing students didn't make it.  That weekend we were joined by Porter's best buddy Lula, and Girl Scout cookie sales were under way.  The first pick-up and distribution of the troops cookies is always crazy.  But no selling till the next day : )  The girls were on it first thing, going around the neighborhood on a beautiful day.

The following week Kaylee got to go to the Science Center for a field trip and then learn to crochet with the rest of her Brownie Troop.  They also had their first Talent Show practice which is a dance to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun".  Mommy is again in charge of Cienna's Junior Girl Scout Troop's talent show routine.  We also had our first practice which was a brain storming session to advance Daddy's amazing idea of an Internet of Things (IoT) skit.  So far both acts are turning out to be great.  Both girls are also practicing a second act.  Kaylee's is with some friends for one of the local high school girls senior project, and Cienna's is with her 4th grade class.

That weekend Mommy and Daddy went to help celebrate Kristen's 40th birthday.  We had a great high school neighbor come by to stay with the kids as they slept.  She came early with her brother and we all played a game together before bedtime.  It was fun hanging out with some great friends.  The next day the girls had a gymnastics meet in Pasadena which happens to be where one of Mommy's ex-coworkers, Brian, lives.  We decided to go early for lunch, since their meet didn't start till around 2, and met up with Brian and his kids.  It was nice to fit in some time with them.  The girls did so wonderful and had a great time at their meet.  Kaylee even got the Heart of the Champions award which only 3 of the MANY level 3's earned for encouragement, leadership, and determination which is recognized by the judges.

We had many successful cookie booths throughout the rest of the month and more trips around the neighborhood.  Valentines Day was full of sugar.  First from school, then a pretty awesome gymnastics Valentines Day party.  Lots of work making treats for so many wonderful friends, but good times were had by all.  The last Girl Scout event of the month was for Cienna who watched the movie "Wonder" with her troop, who had each been given the book to read prior.  She had a "wonderful" time, but did say she cried a little when the .... won't spoil it part happened.  Meanwhile, Mommy, Daddy, and Kaylee spent some quality time building things and hanging out!

Until next month, when they are even older then they are now, enjoy the pictures.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/hBdnjmeb4Aj1A9PT2

Cienna - 10 Years Old... Kaylee - 7 Years, 7 Months!

The jungle tree down the street was chopped down to a stump.  A little sad but sure did change our view in that direction.  Then it came.  The last day of school before winter break Cienna got to wear Pajamas and both girls pretty much partied the day away toward vacation.  The weekend before Christmas was filled with making final gifts, dance parties, Go Noodle, making cookies, bike rides, and Mommy got to go to a Y Christmas staff party.

Christmas morning was incredible as the girls came down stairs to cuddle in our bed and watch a show before slowly making our way to the living room and making a big breakfast to enjoy as we exchanged gifts with one another and were just thankful to be together.  We then spent the afternoon spending time with and getting spoiled as always by Auntie Kimmie and Uncle Keith.  That evening we made our way to the Ferrario's who always treat us as part of their family.  It's amazing to have such wonderful friends.

Through the next week before leaving town, we slowly cleaned up the Holiday decorations, played Pie Face (a gift from Kaylee to Daddy), had play dates, and even got to feed the whole Ferrario zoo while they were away.  Then we were off to Big Bear to bring in the 2018.  We first dropped off Porter at Greg's cabin before heading to the Sklenicka's place.  It was a totally different scene than last year as there was absolutely no snow to be seen.  We made the most of it, enjoying walks around the neighborhood, playing games inside and outside, and enjoying each others company.  The girls loved playing with Jackson and making sure he was entertained.  They also got to stay up for East Coast New Years, and the rest of us barely made it to midnight before hitting the sack.

After the New Year came we said goodbye to the Sklenicka's and made our way to Greg's cabin to spend the rest of the week together.  Since the snow was missing in action we got a chance to switch up our activities from sledding and snowmen to going to the Big Bear Alpine Rehabilitation Zoo, and Discovery Center.  We all agree that the zoo was one of our favorites!  All the animals were so active, even the Grizzly's!  We still went on plenty of walks through the beautiful neighborhood, played many game of Skip Bo, and the girls were very happy that they got to continue their video game of Ratatouille from last year.  We all lasted a very smile filled full day on the mountain of man made snow.  It was a fantastic day of snowboarding none the less.  Each girl improved even more and there was no complaining, only good times.  And no one got run over by a ski instructor this year.

It was then time to head home.  As always the road trip was as pleasant as a car ride can be.  When we got home, Cienna pretty much re packed her bag and headed to her first sleep over just down the street for Alexis's 10 Birthday party.  She was quite exhausted the following day!  While she was away Kaylee was overjoyed to have both Mommy and Daddy to herself.  We jumped on the tramp together in the dark while Daddy made a strobe light with his phone, had a great dinner while watching a movie and she got to stay up late.  The next evening Cienna finally lost her tooth, of which the adult tooth had pretty much already come all the way in.  The girls were happy to spend a couple of nights in their own beds before heading back to school.

Mommy and Daddy then realized that they had a 10th Birthday party to plan.  Evite went out a little late, but think it's going to be a fun time.  Back to the routine for the week, but a three day weekend was coming up.  The girls had their first meet of their first season as Level 3 gymnasts.  It happened to be in Palm Springs, so we made a small trip out of it and stayed near Downtown where we could walk down the street and pick out a dinner place before going back to the motel and getting some good sleep before the meet the next morning.  The Natal's had come to Southern California and it worked out so that they could come and route on the girls as they did their routines.  Everyone was excited.  The girls both had a fantastic time and did really well.  We all went back to Long Beach to have dinner and playtime together before sending them on their way to Disneyland for a few days.

We prepared for a short week of school and had a couple of girl scout activities to finish off this last month.  Cienna's troop made signs in preparation for planting trees in the neighborhood, and Kaylee's troop had their first of two lessons learning how to crochet.

The next time this is written, we will have a 10 year old.  Time is passing so quick, but we are enjoying each moment and are very proud of our amazing little girls.

Check out the story in picture form below:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DaDQKglJe902Bn6z2