Another memorable trip to Northern California to visit our amazing family. We went straight to Grammy and Grandpa's. The girl's got spoiled from the start. The next morning after a wonderful breakfast we went to Mommy's old gymnastics center. The girls had fun watching the Optionals workout and getting to do as they please around the entire gym. Mommy wore her old coaches shirt and team jacket! Later that day we met up with Poppa at his property to help clean up the land and prepare for the next phase of rebuilding. We re organized the tire swing and climbing rope and dismantled the zip line to be reconfigured another day. That evening we headed our to see the new Russian River brewery and get a couple boxes of Pliny, and some great food as well. We headed back to the gym once again the next day. Kaylee got her flyaway off the high bar by her self and a double back with the belt on the trampoline. Cienna got super close to her cast to handstand and her ariel on the floor.
We then had our first Thanksgiving dinner at The Marty's. It was completely delicious and so much fun hanging out with family. We stayed for the evening, walked the pups and kids in the rain, which cleared up the smokey atmosphere, then enjoyed our Thanks Christmas present opening. Thanksgiving Day Grammy and Grandpa had many activities planned including a visit from Riley and Chris, and the Payne's. We played in the yard, enjoyed company including the Marty's and Poppa, as well as the crab and roast!
Grammy and Grandpa did the last impromptu hosting of our third Thanksgiving feast with a beautifully prepared turkey compliments of the McFarland's who unfortunately were not feeling well and could not make it. Auntie Carrie got to come as well as the Natal's with more food and plenty of deserts! It's truly amazing to have such great family and friends!!
We made the long trek home more enjoyable with a now becoming family tradition by stopping half way home at Harris Ranch for the evening and fun in the pool in the morning before coming the rest of the way, unpacking, and preparing for the work/school week ahead.
Christmas upon us, we had our Gymnastics Holiday Show just around the corner. We had practice for over a month. Mommy got to choreograph the Optional's routine, and the girls were very excited to perform. They had two extremely enjoyable performances in one day.
We finally got around to decorating the house and getting our Christmas tree. It was a true family effort. Even included a trip to the train store to get more train accessories and additional track.
Kaylee's Brownie troup had a nice gift exchange and lunch at Bucco Di Beppo. Then we all enjoyed an outdoor movie night with the Snow's/Mitchell's. Daddy brought a projector next door and put on Polar Express for us all to watch with a delicious chili dinner, hot chocolate, and smores afterward.
Cienna's Junior troop also did a gift exchange and some neighborhood caroling to celebrate the holiday season. Mommy and Kaylee were the first to see the bright Naples Christmas lights on a fun trolley with her Brownie troop. The whole family family then walked the lighted route with the Bakx and Marshall's.
There was a couple more gymnastics holiday parties as well including one for the coaches at Cal Bowl, then one for the girls to do another secret Santa within their gymnastics team.
Happy Holidays to all of you!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/DfgZiLJrnG4DHZVw8
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Cienna - 10 Years 10 Months... Kaylee - 8 Years 5 Months!
Cienna was very excited to bring home her clarinet for practice the following week before the school had their fundraising bubble Olympic day at school. All classes got to represent a different country and represent wearing those colors then playing many different games together. We then had a great weekend with the family getting some stuff done which included finishing up the costumes for Halloween.
The next week was red ribbon week at school and many great activities were planned at school including the annual helicopter landing on their blacktop. That Friday we had many Halloween plans including Trunk-O-Treat as school then splitting the fun and heading to another party at the gymnastics center where Cienna, again, won a prize for her costume.
The weekend was not only filled with the families soccer games and Daddy refereeing, but we also were joined by the Casper's to go and watch what ended up being the Galaxy's last game of the season. Even though they were so close to moving to playoffs, we still had a blast watching them and then playing a pick-up game afterward to avoid leaving with the rest of the crowd. When we did get home it was pumpkin carving time!
The girls were filled with sugar parties at school as Halloween was on a Wednesday, then we joined the Marshall's for some pizza before heading out to Trick-O-Treat with the Lanai group. After we got home, as usual the highlight for the girls was giving out the candy that they just got to those coming to our front porch.
Unfortunately the next Saturday was Cienna's first game of the Belmont Cup which they won and put them in a great position to move forward. Unfortunately it was her last game since she couldn't make the next one to help move her team along. But she did amazing and they all had fun! As day light saving came we had to start cutting practice short, and combined the two teams to get some fun scrimmages before the next games. Mommy and Daddy also got to hear wonderful things about the girls from all of their teachers during parent teacher conferences during the week.
Wildfires struck California again both in Southern and Northern California. The Camp Fire in Butte County unfortunately took Daddy's Aunt and Uncle's home but they were able to evacuate in time thanks to the first responders, great neighbors, and family. They are currently figuring out next steps in Auburn staying with good friends.
To end the week the girls came home with their School Spring Pictures and then Cienna got to join her Girls Scout Troop for a Krav Maga (Self defense Martial Arts) class that took over where Soccer City used to be. That Saturday after Kaylee's soccer game in the morning the girls had a in house practice gymnastics meet to help get ready for the upcoming season. They both did really great for just learning their routines and had a great time with their teammates! Unfortunately this is why we missed Cienna's team's last game which they almost pulled off the move on.
Kaylee had another game on Sunday, then Mommy took a day off to stay home with the girls who had Monday off for Veterans Day, which also was the day Grandpa Sam was born (a very memorable veteran for our family!) We headed to Knott's for just one ride since it was a busy day, but didn't mind just spending time together in line for a while. Mommy then had to head to Boston/New Hampshire for work the next day, not to return until just in time to pick up the girls from school on Thursday. Meanwhile Daddy took care of everything and the Marshall's helped get the girls from school till Daddy got off work.
Thursday night we had a fun time recognizing the great soccer season that we had with both of the girls teams with a party at Straw Hat. It's fun to bring both teams together as they got to know each other through the season having practices back to back for both teams. Mommy and Mac somehow made time to come up with some creative awards to give to each kid, and it was fun to hand them out and encourage them to keep playing soccer.
We also welcomed another Sklenicka into the world. Riggs Joseph Sklenicka was born November 10 and mommy, daddy, and brother Jackson couldn't be happier. We are excited to meet him!!
One last weekend of soccer for Kaylee's team came as they progressed through the Belmont Cup. They won on Saturday which guaranteed them two games on Sunday before we headed to our Thanksgiving trip up north to see family. Before that we also got to attend the UCLA/USC party at the Ferrario's with some wonderful friends for run as always and delicious food. Kaylee's team went on to win in the morning to make it to the championship game. They came the closest of any team this season of winning the champions, but took second place for the cup!
After a shower for all and the last of the packing we headed for our Thanksgiving vacation!
Daddy had also dealt with trying to get the 50cc Quad up and running to drive around Poppa's property, let's see how it goes!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/LTbDZBcqDMqTcUiD7
The next week was red ribbon week at school and many great activities were planned at school including the annual helicopter landing on their blacktop. That Friday we had many Halloween plans including Trunk-O-Treat as school then splitting the fun and heading to another party at the gymnastics center where Cienna, again, won a prize for her costume.
The weekend was not only filled with the families soccer games and Daddy refereeing, but we also were joined by the Casper's to go and watch what ended up being the Galaxy's last game of the season. Even though they were so close to moving to playoffs, we still had a blast watching them and then playing a pick-up game afterward to avoid leaving with the rest of the crowd. When we did get home it was pumpkin carving time!
The girls were filled with sugar parties at school as Halloween was on a Wednesday, then we joined the Marshall's for some pizza before heading out to Trick-O-Treat with the Lanai group. After we got home, as usual the highlight for the girls was giving out the candy that they just got to those coming to our front porch.
Unfortunately the next Saturday was Cienna's first game of the Belmont Cup which they won and put them in a great position to move forward. Unfortunately it was her last game since she couldn't make the next one to help move her team along. But she did amazing and they all had fun! As day light saving came we had to start cutting practice short, and combined the two teams to get some fun scrimmages before the next games. Mommy and Daddy also got to hear wonderful things about the girls from all of their teachers during parent teacher conferences during the week.
Wildfires struck California again both in Southern and Northern California. The Camp Fire in Butte County unfortunately took Daddy's Aunt and Uncle's home but they were able to evacuate in time thanks to the first responders, great neighbors, and family. They are currently figuring out next steps in Auburn staying with good friends.
To end the week the girls came home with their School Spring Pictures and then Cienna got to join her Girls Scout Troop for a Krav Maga (Self defense Martial Arts) class that took over where Soccer City used to be. That Saturday after Kaylee's soccer game in the morning the girls had a in house practice gymnastics meet to help get ready for the upcoming season. They both did really great for just learning their routines and had a great time with their teammates! Unfortunately this is why we missed Cienna's team's last game which they almost pulled off the move on.
Kaylee had another game on Sunday, then Mommy took a day off to stay home with the girls who had Monday off for Veterans Day, which also was the day Grandpa Sam was born (a very memorable veteran for our family!) We headed to Knott's for just one ride since it was a busy day, but didn't mind just spending time together in line for a while. Mommy then had to head to Boston/New Hampshire for work the next day, not to return until just in time to pick up the girls from school on Thursday. Meanwhile Daddy took care of everything and the Marshall's helped get the girls from school till Daddy got off work.
Thursday night we had a fun time recognizing the great soccer season that we had with both of the girls teams with a party at Straw Hat. It's fun to bring both teams together as they got to know each other through the season having practices back to back for both teams. Mommy and Mac somehow made time to come up with some creative awards to give to each kid, and it was fun to hand them out and encourage them to keep playing soccer.
We also welcomed another Sklenicka into the world. Riggs Joseph Sklenicka was born November 10 and mommy, daddy, and brother Jackson couldn't be happier. We are excited to meet him!!
One last weekend of soccer for Kaylee's team came as they progressed through the Belmont Cup. They won on Saturday which guaranteed them two games on Sunday before we headed to our Thanksgiving trip up north to see family. Before that we also got to attend the UCLA/USC party at the Ferrario's with some wonderful friends for run as always and delicious food. Kaylee's team went on to win in the morning to make it to the championship game. They came the closest of any team this season of winning the champions, but took second place for the cup!
After a shower for all and the last of the packing we headed for our Thanksgiving vacation!
Daddy had also dealt with trying to get the 50cc Quad up and running to drive around Poppa's property, let's see how it goes!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/LTbDZBcqDMqTcUiD7
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Cienna - 10 Years 9 Months... Kaylee - 8 Years 4 Months!
The girls were celebrated for all their hard work over the last gymnastics competition season. At the banquet, each of them got their move up recognition and continue to improve their level 4 skills. After the banquet, all the gymnasts got to enjoy a pool party at the Y. We left a little early to go and watch the CSULB girl soccer team play a great game and Cienna's team got to play on the field during half time. The rest of the weekend we painted our side gate and made make shift carts out of the give away pile in the garage.
Porter then made his first escape, going through a mid-life crisis through the front side gate to meet up with his girlfriend down the street. The girls also had picture day at school, and a playdate with London. A busy Saturday followed with many soccer games as well as soccer pictures scheduled for each team. After pictures we made it to see the Shoenberg's beautiful re-model for their house warming party. The girls were inspired and decided to do their own fort building in the backyard. Then, next we headed down the block to Ulysses's birthday party.
When Daddy took off for a quick trip to Vancouver for work late the next week after rushing to get a current passport, the girls had to have date night without him. However we did call to keep his presence their for a little bit. When Daddy got back we sent the girls for a sleepover at the Marshall's and Mommy and Daddy went to Temecula for our neighbors son's wedding. Dave and Serena had a wonderful location for the ceremony and reception. Many of the neighbors were invited to dance the night away together.
Cienna then finally lost one of her big baby molars and Kaylee was featured in a picture for the Long Beach School News Paper representing Carver. We enjoyed an amazing walk in the rain one evening watching lighting and listening to the following thunder as it was still warm. We don't get to see much weather very often. Unfortunately soccer games were cancelled but we got to play lots of games, and put up our Halloween decorations. Cienna got to enjoy Shawna's Birthday party at Round 1 then the whole family picked up the Marshall kiddo's and went to play handball together at Carver.
The girls were very excited to pick out material and supplies for their costumes this year for Mommy to make and hope we get a little free time to get them done by the Halloween adventures to come : )
https://photos.app.goo.gl/n7LCk4CUKnUyC4o49
Porter then made his first escape, going through a mid-life crisis through the front side gate to meet up with his girlfriend down the street. The girls also had picture day at school, and a playdate with London. A busy Saturday followed with many soccer games as well as soccer pictures scheduled for each team. After pictures we made it to see the Shoenberg's beautiful re-model for their house warming party. The girls were inspired and decided to do their own fort building in the backyard. Then, next we headed down the block to Ulysses's birthday party.
When Daddy took off for a quick trip to Vancouver for work late the next week after rushing to get a current passport, the girls had to have date night without him. However we did call to keep his presence their for a little bit. When Daddy got back we sent the girls for a sleepover at the Marshall's and Mommy and Daddy went to Temecula for our neighbors son's wedding. Dave and Serena had a wonderful location for the ceremony and reception. Many of the neighbors were invited to dance the night away together.
Cienna then finally lost one of her big baby molars and Kaylee was featured in a picture for the Long Beach School News Paper representing Carver. We enjoyed an amazing walk in the rain one evening watching lighting and listening to the following thunder as it was still warm. We don't get to see much weather very often. Unfortunately soccer games were cancelled but we got to play lots of games, and put up our Halloween decorations. Cienna got to enjoy Shawna's Birthday party at Round 1 then the whole family picked up the Marshall kiddo's and went to play handball together at Carver.
The girls were very excited to pick out material and supplies for their costumes this year for Mommy to make and hope we get a little free time to get them done by the Halloween adventures to come : )
https://photos.app.goo.gl/n7LCk4CUKnUyC4o49
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Cienna - 10 Years 8 Months... Kaylee - 8 Years 3 Months!
The end of summer...
Uncle Joe came to visit and we were all super excited as always. It was only for one evening, but we made the most of it. One of many fundraisers, the soon to be fifth graders had a very successful bake sale just down the street. That weekend, we also got to watch Porter's girlfriend Lula.
Meanwhile the girls got another outing with their previous Kindergarten teacher and her daughter who was Cienna's fifth grade buddy when she was in Kindergarten. They enjoyed getting their nails done and Yogurtland! Mom took a couple days off before school started on Wednesday. We had a ton of fun including a few play dates and an hour or so at Knott's which seemed like we were the only ones there. It was AWESOME. We also had lots of family time that weekend including re-building gates and playing catch. Mommy and Kaylee got their nails done, while Daddy and Cienna spent time together at home.
Then came soccer. Two practices a week and they love it. Mommy and Mac are coaching and Daddy is doing plenty of referee time to earn points for the girls team, as well as helping at practice anytime he can. They were excited to meet new friends and get their uniforms. Kaylee's team is the Spicy Red Peppers and Cienna's is the Electric Highlighters.
It is Cienna's last year at Carver..... It's been a lot to take in for sure! Mostly for Mommy and Daddy as Cienna is of course ready. The girls were both excited to see their friends and start the school year!
Finishing the summer with a bang after the first few days of school the Bakx had an amazing backyard camp out for the end of summer/Labor Day/Joan's Birthday. Lots of pool time, outdoor movies, rocking out in the garage and sleeping in tents!
The next week we had a fantastic visit with Grammy and Auntie Bridget who flew in to spend lots of time with us and go on some adventures in Southern California! We all loved every moment of their visit. After hanging out one evening with Grammy, Bridget arrived the next day and was brave enough to make the walk to school and surprise the girls at lunch time. Then they headed to the Queen Mary for an evening of haunting adventures. The next day Grammy and Bridget picked up the girls from AJ's, where they are so happy to go to after school when Mommy can't pick them up, to show them all around the Queen Mary as well. Of course indulging them with sweatshirt paraphernalia. We then all met up for a local date night dinner before they headed onward to a trip to Catalina. When they got back we had more time together at nearby hotel swimming and making a delicious spaghetti dinner. It meant so much to all of us for them to come visit.
The next pool time was at the Chavez's for Ovi's 4th Birthday. Then the following week Girl Scout meetings started back up for this school year.
The girls were both very excited to get to play their first soccer games! They both are really loving the sport and the friendships that come with it! It is so much fun to watch them smile throughout each of their whole games.
We had a great Harry Potter themed get together next door after school the next Friday to celebrate Haiden turning 8. And the next day Kaylee got to have her first sleepover without Cienna at the Marshall's for Nicki's 9th birthday. We got to have Lex stay with us, so it was pretty much a sister swap for the evening. To end the summer, Mommy got to finally play soccer since her Fall Sunday Women's Outdoor team started again.
Enjoy every day!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/yJcNCoQnsTVD2yCcA
Uncle Joe came to visit and we were all super excited as always. It was only for one evening, but we made the most of it. One of many fundraisers, the soon to be fifth graders had a very successful bake sale just down the street. That weekend, we also got to watch Porter's girlfriend Lula.
Meanwhile the girls got another outing with their previous Kindergarten teacher and her daughter who was Cienna's fifth grade buddy when she was in Kindergarten. They enjoyed getting their nails done and Yogurtland! Mom took a couple days off before school started on Wednesday. We had a ton of fun including a few play dates and an hour or so at Knott's which seemed like we were the only ones there. It was AWESOME. We also had lots of family time that weekend including re-building gates and playing catch. Mommy and Kaylee got their nails done, while Daddy and Cienna spent time together at home.
Then came soccer. Two practices a week and they love it. Mommy and Mac are coaching and Daddy is doing plenty of referee time to earn points for the girls team, as well as helping at practice anytime he can. They were excited to meet new friends and get their uniforms. Kaylee's team is the Spicy Red Peppers and Cienna's is the Electric Highlighters.
It is Cienna's last year at Carver..... It's been a lot to take in for sure! Mostly for Mommy and Daddy as Cienna is of course ready. The girls were both excited to see their friends and start the school year!
Finishing the summer with a bang after the first few days of school the Bakx had an amazing backyard camp out for the end of summer/Labor Day/Joan's Birthday. Lots of pool time, outdoor movies, rocking out in the garage and sleeping in tents!
The next week we had a fantastic visit with Grammy and Auntie Bridget who flew in to spend lots of time with us and go on some adventures in Southern California! We all loved every moment of their visit. After hanging out one evening with Grammy, Bridget arrived the next day and was brave enough to make the walk to school and surprise the girls at lunch time. Then they headed to the Queen Mary for an evening of haunting adventures. The next day Grammy and Bridget picked up the girls from AJ's, where they are so happy to go to after school when Mommy can't pick them up, to show them all around the Queen Mary as well. Of course indulging them with sweatshirt paraphernalia. We then all met up for a local date night dinner before they headed onward to a trip to Catalina. When they got back we had more time together at nearby hotel swimming and making a delicious spaghetti dinner. It meant so much to all of us for them to come visit.
The next pool time was at the Chavez's for Ovi's 4th Birthday. Then the following week Girl Scout meetings started back up for this school year.
The girls were both very excited to get to play their first soccer games! They both are really loving the sport and the friendships that come with it! It is so much fun to watch them smile throughout each of their whole games.
We had a great Harry Potter themed get together next door after school the next Friday to celebrate Haiden turning 8. And the next day Kaylee got to have her first sleepover without Cienna at the Marshall's for Nicki's 9th birthday. We got to have Lex stay with us, so it was pretty much a sister swap for the evening. To end the summer, Mommy got to finally play soccer since her Fall Sunday Women's Outdoor team started again.
Enjoy every day!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/yJcNCoQnsTVD2yCcA
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Cienna - 10 Years 7 Months... Kaylee - 8 Years 2 Months!
There was twin day for the last themed day Friday morning gymnastics practices before more summer fun came this last month. Afterward we went on our way to camping at Dog Wood with most of our camping crew. The first evening we got the great news of Cobi and Bri's engagement who were joining us the next day. After their arrival we spent time on the inflatables and water slides at Lake Gregory which unfortunately didn't have nearly enough water to be considered a lake. We all had fun playing many games, taking nature guided and non guided nature hikes, and making up plays on the nearby stage.
The following week was one of the hottest and of course was the girls AYSO soccer camp. They didn't once complain about the heat and just enjoyed playing soccer with the great coaches and friends that they met. After soccer camp on Friday they joined in on their gymnastics team beach day at Seal Beach. All the girls had so much fun getting to hang with their teammates and just play in the water. Daddy took the girls to practice the next day since Mommy had to do a U12 soccer coach clinic to ensure being able to coach both girls soccer teams this year.
Acting Out camp came next. The girls had been talking about this camp since last summer and it surely didn't disappoint this year! Their was a smaller group and one included the main teachers niece from out of town. They made great friends and worked really hard to put on an amazing show for all the parents at the end of the week.
Meanwhile we were preparing for a quick trip to Mammoth for Bluesapalooza. Most of the Netters and Bakx were already there, then Daddy left on Thursday evening with Roman and Mike Netter to see TajMo Friday evening. Mommy and the girls left after their Acting Out performance on Friday. We all stayed at the Ferrario/Bakx fantastic cabin. While the adults were having a blast at the festival, the girls stayed with the teenagers at the cabin and had fun going to the movies, eating ice cream, and playing many games. On the way home we all had a great lunch together then headed our separate ways to prepare for the upcoming week.
Monday night after gymnastics was movie night. All the gymnasts and family watched "Full Out" until about 10 pm (very late after a big weekend in Mammoth). The next day was the girls first soccer practice of the season. Luckily we got to make practice times for both teams back to back and on the same field since Mommy is coaching with Mac again. Then we got to pick up a couple of special guests to stay with us for a few days. Ashley and her friend Sydney flew in by themselves to see Dan and Phil (??? youtubers) at the Staples Center. They came just in time for Parent Night (a.k.a Make fun of your Dad night) at gymnastics. Each kid brings parents to participate in two hours of gymnastics practice where they are the coach. Ashley and Sydney will confirm that it is pretty awesome. Thursday the Natal's were headed for The Great Wolf Lodge at the end of their vacation and dropped off Buster and Lou while the girls were at Y camp. After Mommy picked up the girls from camp we headed back to soccer practice while Daddy brought Ashley and Sydney to the "concert". He picked them up after when we were all in bed. They said that they had a magnificent time! We had a little time to play on Friday morning before we took them back to the airport to say goodbye. After gymnastics practice on Friday the Natal's came back to pick up the pups and we got to hang out for a while before they too headed back home. That evening Mommy volunteered to stay with the girls for the annual sleep over at the gym. About 45 girls ranging from 7 to 15 in a gymnastics center. Not much sleep happening their after a big week. But they certainly had some good times and memories!
That Saturday we had the pleasure of joining the Dunbar's vacation when we met up with the them for dinner at Bubba Gumps in Downtown Disney. We had a lot of laughs and enjoyed catching up. On Sunday the girls got to have a play date with their previous teacher, Ms. Ahrens. We had won an auction at the school carnival that gave them the opportunity to go to Paint and Glaze, followed by a Pizza lunch. She then of course continued to spoil them by following up with frozen yogurt. They all had such a fun afternoon! Then we picked our multitude of tomatoes, onions, and peppers and made some pasta sauce as well as two large containers of both mild and hot salsa. They all came out delicious!
As if they don't get enough, gymnastics camp came the next week. It's pretty busy when you have gymnastics all day then either gymnastics or soccer practice to follow each evening. You'd think they'd get tired out, but it must be nice being so adaptive because they didn't complain once. Only exciting stories and proud moments of their accomplishments. Also during that week we got to have Lula as a house guest which was as wonderful as always. Next guest to arrive at the end of the month was Uncle Joe. We had a busy fun-filled day even if the girls didn't succeed on getting him on the trampoline.
We also got to go to the Ferrario wild animal park while they were off backpacking to take care of the plants, finch, chickens, raccoon, squirrel, coy fish, cats, and dogs which is pretty cool to do. Unfortunately we did have to say goodbye to one of their dogs, Kona. She was peaceful in her bed when we arrived so we took care to keep her safe until they came back home. She was a great dog and we will miss her. We were told previous to our visit that this may be coming. She had such a great life with a great family!
Less than two weeks before school starts. Let's make the most of that time and everything that is to come.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/4Sovy2nNJb3YqipS8
The following week was one of the hottest and of course was the girls AYSO soccer camp. They didn't once complain about the heat and just enjoyed playing soccer with the great coaches and friends that they met. After soccer camp on Friday they joined in on their gymnastics team beach day at Seal Beach. All the girls had so much fun getting to hang with their teammates and just play in the water. Daddy took the girls to practice the next day since Mommy had to do a U12 soccer coach clinic to ensure being able to coach both girls soccer teams this year.
Acting Out camp came next. The girls had been talking about this camp since last summer and it surely didn't disappoint this year! Their was a smaller group and one included the main teachers niece from out of town. They made great friends and worked really hard to put on an amazing show for all the parents at the end of the week.
Meanwhile we were preparing for a quick trip to Mammoth for Bluesapalooza. Most of the Netters and Bakx were already there, then Daddy left on Thursday evening with Roman and Mike Netter to see TajMo Friday evening. Mommy and the girls left after their Acting Out performance on Friday. We all stayed at the Ferrario/Bakx fantastic cabin. While the adults were having a blast at the festival, the girls stayed with the teenagers at the cabin and had fun going to the movies, eating ice cream, and playing many games. On the way home we all had a great lunch together then headed our separate ways to prepare for the upcoming week.
Monday night after gymnastics was movie night. All the gymnasts and family watched "Full Out" until about 10 pm (very late after a big weekend in Mammoth). The next day was the girls first soccer practice of the season. Luckily we got to make practice times for both teams back to back and on the same field since Mommy is coaching with Mac again. Then we got to pick up a couple of special guests to stay with us for a few days. Ashley and her friend Sydney flew in by themselves to see Dan and Phil (??? youtubers) at the Staples Center. They came just in time for Parent Night (a.k.a Make fun of your Dad night) at gymnastics. Each kid brings parents to participate in two hours of gymnastics practice where they are the coach. Ashley and Sydney will confirm that it is pretty awesome. Thursday the Natal's were headed for The Great Wolf Lodge at the end of their vacation and dropped off Buster and Lou while the girls were at Y camp. After Mommy picked up the girls from camp we headed back to soccer practice while Daddy brought Ashley and Sydney to the "concert". He picked them up after when we were all in bed. They said that they had a magnificent time! We had a little time to play on Friday morning before we took them back to the airport to say goodbye. After gymnastics practice on Friday the Natal's came back to pick up the pups and we got to hang out for a while before they too headed back home. That evening Mommy volunteered to stay with the girls for the annual sleep over at the gym. About 45 girls ranging from 7 to 15 in a gymnastics center. Not much sleep happening their after a big week. But they certainly had some good times and memories!
That Saturday we had the pleasure of joining the Dunbar's vacation when we met up with the them for dinner at Bubba Gumps in Downtown Disney. We had a lot of laughs and enjoyed catching up. On Sunday the girls got to have a play date with their previous teacher, Ms. Ahrens. We had won an auction at the school carnival that gave them the opportunity to go to Paint and Glaze, followed by a Pizza lunch. She then of course continued to spoil them by following up with frozen yogurt. They all had such a fun afternoon! Then we picked our multitude of tomatoes, onions, and peppers and made some pasta sauce as well as two large containers of both mild and hot salsa. They all came out delicious!
As if they don't get enough, gymnastics camp came the next week. It's pretty busy when you have gymnastics all day then either gymnastics or soccer practice to follow each evening. You'd think they'd get tired out, but it must be nice being so adaptive because they didn't complain once. Only exciting stories and proud moments of their accomplishments. Also during that week we got to have Lula as a house guest which was as wonderful as always. Next guest to arrive at the end of the month was Uncle Joe. We had a busy fun-filled day even if the girls didn't succeed on getting him on the trampoline.
We also got to go to the Ferrario wild animal park while they were off backpacking to take care of the plants, finch, chickens, raccoon, squirrel, coy fish, cats, and dogs which is pretty cool to do. Unfortunately we did have to say goodbye to one of their dogs, Kona. She was peaceful in her bed when we arrived so we took care to keep her safe until they came back home. She was a great dog and we will miss her. We were told previous to our visit that this may be coming. She had such a great life with a great family!
Less than two weeks before school starts. Let's make the most of that time and everything that is to come.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/4Sovy2nNJb3YqipS8
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
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
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!
Thursday, June 21, 2018
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)