The girls started their summer with their very favorite summer camp. Even with lots of anticipation Acting Out camp didn't disappoint! The following weekend we spent time bike riding and joining in some neighborhood party redneck game Shenanigans. After the girls spent a day at AJ's we were all ready to go on our big Oregon vacation.
After an easy plane flight to Portland we got ourselves a Subaru and headed to the hotel for a good night sleep. We raided the continental breakfast before starting our road trip to Bend. First stop was the Vista House, then our first small hike at Bridal Falls. We stopped for a photo op at a rundown train tunnel before learning all about trout at the Boneville Fish Hatchery. Being so close to Washington, we decided we'd better visit two other states while of vacation. It was a long (nope) journey across the Columbia River on the Bridge of Gods where we stayed a whole 5 minutes in Washington. Just past the River we stopped for a bite and a beer at Full Sail Brewery. Next stop was a scenic view at Trillium Lake where we would have had a great view of Mt. Hood if it wasn't pouring at that time. We had fun locating it anyway. Then our final leg of the trip before arriving at the Payne's home who had a delicious Tri-Tip dinner ready for us. We got a tour of their beautiful home and spent the evening catching up.
Our first day in Bend, Matt showed us around the town. We walked through parks, hit up a coffee shop, bookstore, toy store, Bend Brewery, we stopped by Deschutes to visit Stacey at work before going to a Hobby Lobby and treating the kids to some crafts to have fun with before going to dinner at the Deschutes restaurant and work party. Stacey took the next day off of work and the 8 of us prepared for an over 8 mile, magnificently beautiful hike at Tumalo Falls. A plethora of waterfalls in all shapes and sizes, beautiful scenery, foliage, trees, terrain, amazing stories by Jasper, and even snow close to our final destination for lunch at Happy Valley. We'll forget about the mosquito's near the valley. The hike back was just as wonderful. After the big day the Nachos for dinner was a perfect plan while watching the USWNT play hard in the semi-finals.
We started off strong once again the next morning with Panperdu (prepared the night before) for breakfast. The Payne's started the trek back to Portland with us. We went to the Dee Wright Observatory first. It was pretty crazy to see the lava fields on the drive and from the Observatory itself. Then we headed toward an our last incredible waterfall hike that is mostly closed down during any other month of the year. All the kids, and adults got to get their feet wet and have fun climbing around.
We then said farewell to the Payne's and headed to dinner at our destination hotel by the Portland airport since we had to wake at 3:30am for our 6:00am flight. We took the food to the room and enjoyed our last evening together in Oregon. Not much sleep but we were all in good spirits on the flight home and enjoyed getting back home.
The girls got to enjoy a couple of more days at AJ's before the 4th of July celebrations began. We closed down our block. But so many others also did in the neighborhood. So we visited them all on a collaborative bike ride before coming back to enjoy our block including our neighbors and other friends stopping by to play with a jumpy, slip n' slide, the Douglas's pool, water balloon fights, great food, and fireworks to end the evening.
That Saturday was another big bash celebrating Dani and Tim's Engagement at the Bakx. We made a big night out of it with fun, music, and pool time. We even got to have a sleepover so we were all together to watch the USWNT Finals against the Netherlands early the next morning. USA...USA!!!
Following the game, the girls enjoyed some fun celebrating Jessica and Kate's 11th birthday play date. Perfect company, food, and fun for the day! The girls had their first week at YMCA camp which included lots of field trips and meeting new friends. Even though they weren't necessarily looking forward to it, they did enjoy themselves. The first Wednesday Mommy got to spend with the girls we got all the work around the house done together so we could then enjoy some roller skating. Then after Thursday camp we enjoyed slurpies for 7-11 day!
It was again time for more summer fun at Lake Casitas. Our first camping trip of the summer. We were happy to be joined by Cory, Autumn, Carver, and Miles for their first camping trip ever with their cool tent trailer. This spot has a water park that includes water slides and a lazy river. We played plenty of KanJam and Corn Hole, had Smores, went for our ritual group night bike ride, played LCR and Kaylee went home with the jackpot!
The girls headed back for their second week of Acting Out camp and continued summer fun days at gymnastics with Twin day and Movie night where they all stayed after practice to watch the Simone Biles movie projected on the gym wall.
Been a great first half of summer, but can't believe it has flown by with all the fun we've had!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/jJJKB1tsmwJRiwHB6
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Cienna - 11 Years 5 Months... Kaylee - 9 Years Old!
I will start out by saying... given the amount of things that happened this month, the blog really doesn't have time to be written. However it is happening. Another side note... there are only so many tears to be shed in one month for how fast the time is going, so this is going to be as straight and to the point as possible.
After a wonderful time with Grammy, we took our last possible chance to use our free tickets to Disneyland before they expired. As usual Cienna got her chance to be scholar of the week as one of the last students. That same week was the Carver open house. The 5th graders were on Thurs. night so one of their teachers could see her son graduate, and the rest were the Wed. before. Mommy got to help with many of the teachers prepare ahead of time and her and Daddy enjoyed the girls showing off some of the things they had created for display. That led to one of many date nights with Kaylee taking advantage of free deserts for her birthday.
This last month of school was also filled with many parties, especially for Cienna and her fifth grade graduating class. First, there were the last meetings for both of Kaylee's troop 2283, and Cienna's very last for troop 1063 in which they had an awesome paint party.
This led to a three day weekend to include Memorial Day. We took advantage of one of few Saturdays to be only together starting with going out to Breakfast (including Porter), followed by yard work, which sent Kaylee up a tree with clippers. That Sunday, Cienna enjoyed hanging with friends at Sydney's birthday party while Mommy, Daddy, and Kaylee which just so happened that the only lanes left were the neon experience! We then also got to have more family time enjoying smoked ribs and cool fort building utilizing the back of Daddy's truck.
The next day at school Kaylee's class got to show off what they had learned on the recorder this year in a morning performance that Daddy got to see. That evening reality struck that Cienna will be in middle school next year as we went to an event to explain the elective choices that they get to choose in sixth grade. Cienna wants to continue clarinet in the band and do chorus which does a couple play productions throughout the school year. Next came the Carver Carnival which many parents came together to make possible for all kids to have a great time. We all had plenty of fun setting up even if we didn't have too much time to spend there since it was the last gymnastics practice before the girls State meet in San Diego. Mommy even went after practice to help tear down.
Then first thing the next morning after doing hair we got in the car and went south. First stop to drop off Mommy to help coach the level 3's and the rest of the family went to say hello and have lunch with the Sklenicka's before it was the girls turn to compete. As always they both had a great time competing and did so well as they just continue to excel in both skill and the love of the sport. They were happy that all four Sklenicka's came to watch as well.
Afterward we went back to their home for a delicious BBQ and a lot of fun. The next morning after some breakfast and fun at a cool nearby restaurant including a vintage bus for the kids to play on, Mommy went back to the competition to help the optional team while more fun was had with the rest with Joe, Dana, Jackson, and Riggs.
We had to leave just in time to make it to Cienna's very last girls scout event. Troop 1063 is coming to an end, but they did it with a great party at their troop leaders home. And it certainly isn't the end to any of their friendships.
Kaylee's third grade class had a big field trip to Knott's to have fun learning about California history, then that evening we made a trip to David's Bridal to size and order their flower girl dresses for Cobi and Bri's wedding toward the end of July. They are super excited to be part of their big day. Cienna then had her end of the year band concert to show off how far she has come since her previous one earlier this year. This was again followed by yet another date night and desert for Kaylee's birthday month.
During the weekend we all got to spend time with Roman, Larry, and the guests of honor, Cobi and Bri as Daddy and Roman began their brews for the wedding day celebration. The next day was full of more parties starting with Alexa's in the morning at Wardlow Park, followed by Dylan's pool party at the Chavez house, and we all then finally took Cara and Minda to the movies as promised from a Secret Santa gift last winter.
Then there was the last week of school. Both Kaylee and Cienna's classes pretty much partied and had plenty of free dress days. Then came the 5th grade walk through the hallways from 5th to the Kinder grades cheering them on with confetti before the big promotion ceremony. Mommy got to join Cienna at a party with many of Cienna's friends followed at the Adams family as they all were let out before lunch. Then we picked up Kaylee at the end of the day to prepare for the next day, the last day of the school year.
Mommy surprised the girls and took the day off to spend helping with the 5th grade party at the park. The sidewalk to the park was lined with inspirational sayings as always and the kids had so much fun enjoying what they have seen many 5th grade classes do before them. They had a big field day full of activities and a great taco truck for lunch before heading back for their last few minutes as elementary school kids.
Mommy was happy to help and see them enjoy the day. Also was able to present Kaylee's teacher and our friend, Ms. Richey with an end of the school gift as well as surprise Kaylee with donuts (something she never thought would ever happen) to give to celebrate her birthday (and the rest of the kids that have summer birthdays) during their last little bit as 3rd graders. And then again of course we had another desert at date night for Kaylee's birthday month : )
The next day Mommy, the girls, with Shawna went to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new addition of the gymnastics center. It was cool to see, we then all headed to get our nails done for the first day of summer. Afterward we went last minute shopping for Kaylee's first sleepover birthday party with two of her good buddies. And then Kaylee had her girl scout cookie sales party with her troop at the movie theater.
After Nicki and Addison arrived at our house with all their sleepover gear for Kaylee's party, we headed to the Lakewood Equestrian Center for a fun Sunset Pony trot. After the petting zoo, they all had fun riding on the ponies in shiny gold cowgirl hats. They had plenty of fun just goofing around the house, playing on the VR headset (both Nicki and Adi's first time), designing aprons, making their own spaghetti and meatball dinner with fruit salad, creating really cool ceramic "grill plates" for their dad's father's day gift, then all got matching slippers to watch The Greatest Showman while relaxing on the couch before setting up a living room full of air mattress and sleeping gear to sleep on for the night.
Of course our faulty fire alarm picked that night to go off in the 3 O'clock hour, but after being re-assured they all went back to sleep for at least a couple hours. Mommy then took the girls to the park to let Daddy get a little rest for fathers Day morning. We came back and made Blueberry muffins and bacon for breakfast before it was ready to go from Kaylee's Day to Daddy's day.
The girls were ready to show and give all that they had made for Daddy! T-Shirts weren't forgotten. We had a wonderful morning and then headed to the Bakx house to celebrate many more Father's. They had recorded the USA Women's World Cup game so we all watched it together, did some swimming, played games and of course music, and had dinner before heading home for a relaxing family movie night.
The first week of camp for the girls started with their favorite! They look forward to it all year long. Acting Out Camp! It is their 3rd year and so far wish it was offered all summer instead of just one or two weeks each summer. Their performance will be at the end of the week and I'm sure will be in next months blog.
This was really as straight and to the point as it could've been. Thanks for whomever made it through the whole thing. Sorry, too many emotions to come up with something to finish with.
As you could guess there are plenty of pictures to see.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/W2wxyktCRibMwfiY9
After a wonderful time with Grammy, we took our last possible chance to use our free tickets to Disneyland before they expired. As usual Cienna got her chance to be scholar of the week as one of the last students. That same week was the Carver open house. The 5th graders were on Thurs. night so one of their teachers could see her son graduate, and the rest were the Wed. before. Mommy got to help with many of the teachers prepare ahead of time and her and Daddy enjoyed the girls showing off some of the things they had created for display. That led to one of many date nights with Kaylee taking advantage of free deserts for her birthday.
This last month of school was also filled with many parties, especially for Cienna and her fifth grade graduating class. First, there were the last meetings for both of Kaylee's troop 2283, and Cienna's very last for troop 1063 in which they had an awesome paint party.
This led to a three day weekend to include Memorial Day. We took advantage of one of few Saturdays to be only together starting with going out to Breakfast (including Porter), followed by yard work, which sent Kaylee up a tree with clippers. That Sunday, Cienna enjoyed hanging with friends at Sydney's birthday party while Mommy, Daddy, and Kaylee which just so happened that the only lanes left were the neon experience! We then also got to have more family time enjoying smoked ribs and cool fort building utilizing the back of Daddy's truck.
The next day at school Kaylee's class got to show off what they had learned on the recorder this year in a morning performance that Daddy got to see. That evening reality struck that Cienna will be in middle school next year as we went to an event to explain the elective choices that they get to choose in sixth grade. Cienna wants to continue clarinet in the band and do chorus which does a couple play productions throughout the school year. Next came the Carver Carnival which many parents came together to make possible for all kids to have a great time. We all had plenty of fun setting up even if we didn't have too much time to spend there since it was the last gymnastics practice before the girls State meet in San Diego. Mommy even went after practice to help tear down.
Then first thing the next morning after doing hair we got in the car and went south. First stop to drop off Mommy to help coach the level 3's and the rest of the family went to say hello and have lunch with the Sklenicka's before it was the girls turn to compete. As always they both had a great time competing and did so well as they just continue to excel in both skill and the love of the sport. They were happy that all four Sklenicka's came to watch as well.
Afterward we went back to their home for a delicious BBQ and a lot of fun. The next morning after some breakfast and fun at a cool nearby restaurant including a vintage bus for the kids to play on, Mommy went back to the competition to help the optional team while more fun was had with the rest with Joe, Dana, Jackson, and Riggs.
We had to leave just in time to make it to Cienna's very last girls scout event. Troop 1063 is coming to an end, but they did it with a great party at their troop leaders home. And it certainly isn't the end to any of their friendships.
Kaylee's third grade class had a big field trip to Knott's to have fun learning about California history, then that evening we made a trip to David's Bridal to size and order their flower girl dresses for Cobi and Bri's wedding toward the end of July. They are super excited to be part of their big day. Cienna then had her end of the year band concert to show off how far she has come since her previous one earlier this year. This was again followed by yet another date night and desert for Kaylee's birthday month.
During the weekend we all got to spend time with Roman, Larry, and the guests of honor, Cobi and Bri as Daddy and Roman began their brews for the wedding day celebration. The next day was full of more parties starting with Alexa's in the morning at Wardlow Park, followed by Dylan's pool party at the Chavez house, and we all then finally took Cara and Minda to the movies as promised from a Secret Santa gift last winter.
Then there was the last week of school. Both Kaylee and Cienna's classes pretty much partied and had plenty of free dress days. Then came the 5th grade walk through the hallways from 5th to the Kinder grades cheering them on with confetti before the big promotion ceremony. Mommy got to join Cienna at a party with many of Cienna's friends followed at the Adams family as they all were let out before lunch. Then we picked up Kaylee at the end of the day to prepare for the next day, the last day of the school year.
Mommy surprised the girls and took the day off to spend helping with the 5th grade party at the park. The sidewalk to the park was lined with inspirational sayings as always and the kids had so much fun enjoying what they have seen many 5th grade classes do before them. They had a big field day full of activities and a great taco truck for lunch before heading back for their last few minutes as elementary school kids.
Mommy was happy to help and see them enjoy the day. Also was able to present Kaylee's teacher and our friend, Ms. Richey with an end of the school gift as well as surprise Kaylee with donuts (something she never thought would ever happen) to give to celebrate her birthday (and the rest of the kids that have summer birthdays) during their last little bit as 3rd graders. And then again of course we had another desert at date night for Kaylee's birthday month : )
The next day Mommy, the girls, with Shawna went to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new addition of the gymnastics center. It was cool to see, we then all headed to get our nails done for the first day of summer. Afterward we went last minute shopping for Kaylee's first sleepover birthday party with two of her good buddies. And then Kaylee had her girl scout cookie sales party with her troop at the movie theater.
After Nicki and Addison arrived at our house with all their sleepover gear for Kaylee's party, we headed to the Lakewood Equestrian Center for a fun Sunset Pony trot. After the petting zoo, they all had fun riding on the ponies in shiny gold cowgirl hats. They had plenty of fun just goofing around the house, playing on the VR headset (both Nicki and Adi's first time), designing aprons, making their own spaghetti and meatball dinner with fruit salad, creating really cool ceramic "grill plates" for their dad's father's day gift, then all got matching slippers to watch The Greatest Showman while relaxing on the couch before setting up a living room full of air mattress and sleeping gear to sleep on for the night.
Of course our faulty fire alarm picked that night to go off in the 3 O'clock hour, but after being re-assured they all went back to sleep for at least a couple hours. Mommy then took the girls to the park to let Daddy get a little rest for fathers Day morning. We came back and made Blueberry muffins and bacon for breakfast before it was ready to go from Kaylee's Day to Daddy's day.
The girls were ready to show and give all that they had made for Daddy! T-Shirts weren't forgotten. We had a wonderful morning and then headed to the Bakx house to celebrate many more Father's. They had recorded the USA Women's World Cup game so we all watched it together, did some swimming, played games and of course music, and had dinner before heading home for a relaxing family movie night.
The first week of camp for the girls started with their favorite! They look forward to it all year long. Acting Out Camp! It is their 3rd year and so far wish it was offered all summer instead of just one or two weeks each summer. Their performance will be at the end of the week and I'm sure will be in next months blog.
This was really as straight and to the point as it could've been. Thanks for whomever made it through the whole thing. Sorry, too many emotions to come up with something to finish with.
As you could guess there are plenty of pictures to see.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/W2wxyktCRibMwfiY9
Friday, May 24, 2019
Cienna - 11 Years 4 Months... Kaylee - 8 Years 10 Months!
Always surprised how much we do in a month, yet is seems to pass so quickly! We started with a day off of school for Good Friday. We enjoyed running some errands and having friends over for a play date. We then got a rare and amazing surprise with a visit from the Ordonez family. They showed up at home when the girls were at gymnastics, then came to watch. Afterward they came over to reunite with great fun, even a trip into the attic. Was so good catching up with great friends. That evening we made sure to dye some eggs in preparation for a morning hunt.
Next came Spring Break. The girls weren't super excited to go to camp for three of the days, but ending up having a wonderful time. The Wednesday home with mom we all started on some Spring cleaning with the under stair storage clean-up. All of it came out, purged, and went back in organized. With all three of the girls working together it went smooth and so they were treated with lunch for free Pizzooki Day! Kaylee mowed the lawn as mom cleaned some more and we had more time together as a family the rest of the weekend.
For Mother's Day we did our traditional bagels and tailgate breakfast in anticipation of what we got to do that evening. Thanks to Denise (friend/director at the gymnastics center) we were offered amazing seats at Cirque du Soleil, that evening in San Pedro. We watched an incredibly talented crew perform the AmaLuna show. It was right next to the battleship and under a big tent. Certainly an evening to remember.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/WxbrQ3hSqeZvQQpc8
We are so glad to spend Easter Sunday as a family, including the Snow's next door who provided us with a delicious brunch and a relaxing day. That evening Cienna lost her very last baby tooth. Not surprising it was so soon, since she was practically born with teeth and has grown like a weed the past few months.
Next came Spring Break. The girls weren't super excited to go to camp for three of the days, but ending up having a wonderful time. The Wednesday home with mom we all started on some Spring cleaning with the under stair storage clean-up. All of it came out, purged, and went back in organized. With all three of the girls working together it went smooth and so they were treated with lunch for free Pizzooki Day! Kaylee mowed the lawn as mom cleaned some more and we had more time together as a family the rest of the weekend.
The last day before school started again, we had a fun experience at a La Galaxy game. We went with great friends and the kids got to go onto the field before the game to march in and roll out the huge flag. We started with tailgating and a pick-up soccer game and ended up with the La Galaxy winning.
Another big event came the following weekend with Daddy's birthday celebration. We all got to see him in the morning before he headed to Brewfest with Uncle B and Alex. The girls went to breakfast in his honor then gymnastics before mom left the girls next door and headed to join him and continue the celebration. Abby came to stay at the house with the girls that evening as mom and dad camped in the back of the truck after a fun evening.
Mommy left early the next morning to come and take the girls to a previous gymnastics friends going away party at her house. Many other gymnasts were there just to play and enjoy each other's company. We wish Emily safe travels to her new home. The girls were excited to present Daddy with his birthday gifts that they worked very hard on making. They turned out awesome and Daddy was very grateful with their thoughtfulness.
Kaylee had a fun first camping practice experience with brownies, and Mommy and Daddy both got to watch Cienna's hard work show as she presented her speech as Phillis Wheatley as well as an entire day filled with activities involving The Walk Through The Revolutionary War. Isn't that a fifth grade activity? Still surprising every time reality hits.
There was a llama (alpaca) at Hailey's birthday party that weekend by the name of Marshall. Super fun party even though Kaylee got an injury to her back just before the pinata. She recovered well and others shared their candy with her.
For Mother's Day we did our traditional bagels and tailgate breakfast in anticipation of what we got to do that evening. Thanks to Denise (friend/director at the gymnastics center) we were offered amazing seats at Cirque du Soleil, that evening in San Pedro. We watched an incredibly talented crew perform the AmaLuna show. It was right next to the battleship and under a big tent. Certainly an evening to remember.
The month finished strong with a visit from Grammy. She came to spoil all of us with cleaning, shopping spree's, great conversations, new decor for the living room, and an all around great time. She got to see Kaylee perform her very first solo on stage. She was Mrs. Potts in The Beauty and the Beast. She nailed all her lines, and then it was time. She had never got to do it during play practice, never sang in front of anyone other than family, never been mic'd, and expected to have background music. Background music never came, but she was ready. Ms. Luzzi couldn't get the background music to happen and just motioned for her to go. Mic'd and on stage, she NAILED IT! Grammy had gotten her an unforgettable large rose to present her at the end of the play to go along with the Mrs. Potts Piggy Bank that Cienna picked up months before, for this moment. We finished the evening with Frozen Yogurt meeting friends with the same plan.
The next evening Kaylee had a camping sleepover at Addison's house. It was a great idea to have the 5 wonderful girls sleep in the camper in the backyard, but even though it didn't happened as planned, it was still great fun for all the girls. Mommy, Daddy, and Cienna and Grammy had Lexie over for our own sleepover, including a new to us "bear chase" game.
Friday, April 26, 2019
Cienna - 11 Years 3 Months... Kaylee - 8 Years 10 Months!
First thing we did was get to welcome Poppa to our fun-filled busy home. He jumped right in the swing of things. The girls had their school Spring Picture day which is free dress, they'd rather not have to think about what to wear for sure. We had a wonderful date night with Poppa including another desert for Mom's birthday before heading to Big Bear for the weekend. It was such a fabulous trip thanks again to Greg and Jackie for letting us use their amazing cabin to stay in. That Saturday was Mommy's Birthday and we all went snowboarding, so she got a FREE lift ticket, which made it even better (as if snowboarding wasn't enough on its own!). We spent the rest of the time there playing games, watching movies, hiking, and enjoying each other.
Cienna was excited to be preparing for her big Beauty and the Beast performance that she has been working very hard on. They had a dress rehearsal and a preview show for the 5th graders the following week.
Then yet another big weekend came starting with Roman's 50th birthday party which started and ended at their house, and in between included a lit up limo bus and some brewery stops. Cienna enjoyed hanging out with Poppa and making brownies from scratch while Mommy and Daddy were gone and Kaylee had a birthday sleep over at Kamryns' house. Kaylee continued her party after Mommy played soccer the next morning at Sky High for London's birthday celebration. The weekend didn't stop there as we all headed with Poppa that evening to watch a fantastic LA Galaxy game, including a little chip PK goal from Zlatan.
The girls then had fun devising a plan to fool both Poppa and Daddy on April 1st. They hid Poppa's left overs and replaced them with sponges (but gave him a hint where to find the real stuff), then made Daddy's "coffee" in a different thermos and gave him one with water instead. We then gained a four legged friend for the next week. Zelda is Cobi and Bri's new puppy. She was quite cute even if she looked a little like a rat running around. Porter was amazing with her as expected and we all had fun spoiling her.
Cienna did amazing in her performance as Clogsworth and LeFou which we all enjoyed watching. She was sad that it was over and wished she could do it again. Soon after they had the 5th grade dance at school and just so happens all the costumes were still nearby so the cast members put them on for fun pictures during the dance. It was such a memorable dance for all of them. That is a really good class of kids to grow up with!
Soon after, we unfortunately had to take Poppa back to the airport for him to head home to his almost ready to go house (home) in Kenwood. But before he left we made sure he helped get the garden ready, finally, for some planting. If not for his push I think we may not have gotten to it this year. But it happened! Daddy and Roman also had a brew day in preparation for the home brew festival next month. Meanwhile Kaylee finished her huge Biome project that she had been working extremely hard to complete over the past few weeks. Her main focus was the Ocean Biome, but she also researched four others. It included a 4 page written essay and many long paragraphs and pictures to accompany all of her research.
Cienna then had some more 5th grade fun with one field trip to an orthodontists and another to CSULB. And even more school pictures in preparation for 5th grade promotion. They also got to decorate their 5th grade tiles to display at Carver for all the years to come. Cienna says hers is colorful with a drawing of a gymnast in the middle. This is all too much to think about.
Getting back to more parties. Cienna got to enjoy Maddalyn's Slime Party, then we all had fun next door with Paisley's 5th Little Mermaid Party. A couple of girls scout events ended the month and now it is off to Spring Break.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/A1VYb6vX2VNjFvpm8
Cienna was excited to be preparing for her big Beauty and the Beast performance that she has been working very hard on. They had a dress rehearsal and a preview show for the 5th graders the following week.
Then yet another big weekend came starting with Roman's 50th birthday party which started and ended at their house, and in between included a lit up limo bus and some brewery stops. Cienna enjoyed hanging out with Poppa and making brownies from scratch while Mommy and Daddy were gone and Kaylee had a birthday sleep over at Kamryns' house. Kaylee continued her party after Mommy played soccer the next morning at Sky High for London's birthday celebration. The weekend didn't stop there as we all headed with Poppa that evening to watch a fantastic LA Galaxy game, including a little chip PK goal from Zlatan.
The girls then had fun devising a plan to fool both Poppa and Daddy on April 1st. They hid Poppa's left overs and replaced them with sponges (but gave him a hint where to find the real stuff), then made Daddy's "coffee" in a different thermos and gave him one with water instead. We then gained a four legged friend for the next week. Zelda is Cobi and Bri's new puppy. She was quite cute even if she looked a little like a rat running around. Porter was amazing with her as expected and we all had fun spoiling her.
Cienna did amazing in her performance as Clogsworth and LeFou which we all enjoyed watching. She was sad that it was over and wished she could do it again. Soon after they had the 5th grade dance at school and just so happens all the costumes were still nearby so the cast members put them on for fun pictures during the dance. It was such a memorable dance for all of them. That is a really good class of kids to grow up with!
Soon after, we unfortunately had to take Poppa back to the airport for him to head home to his almost ready to go house (home) in Kenwood. But before he left we made sure he helped get the garden ready, finally, for some planting. If not for his push I think we may not have gotten to it this year. But it happened! Daddy and Roman also had a brew day in preparation for the home brew festival next month. Meanwhile Kaylee finished her huge Biome project that she had been working extremely hard to complete over the past few weeks. Her main focus was the Ocean Biome, but she also researched four others. It included a 4 page written essay and many long paragraphs and pictures to accompany all of her research.
Cienna then had some more 5th grade fun with one field trip to an orthodontists and another to CSULB. And even more school pictures in preparation for 5th grade promotion. They also got to decorate their 5th grade tiles to display at Carver for all the years to come. Cienna says hers is colorful with a drawing of a gymnast in the middle. This is all too much to think about.
Getting back to more parties. Cienna got to enjoy Maddalyn's Slime Party, then we all had fun next door with Paisley's 5th Little Mermaid Party. A couple of girls scout events ended the month and now it is off to Spring Break.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/A1VYb6vX2VNjFvpm8
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Cienna - 11 Years 2 Months... Kaylee - 8 Years 9 Months!
A purchase that we’ve needed for quite a long time started our last month.
We finally got a new couch and a new mattress after more than 15
years. It may be a little large, but it is certainly growing on us!
Cookie season also came to an end, but not until after the girls participated in a couple of successful cookie booth sales. The girls also had Read Across America Day, pizza parties, and a field trip to the middle school musical of Little Mermaid. Much of the time we spent being silly and spending time together.
The family took advantage of a free Sunday to use up our 2nd of our So Cal 3 pack of Disney tickets that we took advantage of when we went with the Natal’s during their visit. We had a great time and the weather was great. It was supposed to rain, which we think kept some of the crowds away.
The following weekend we finally got to meet baby Riggs. It was such a fun visit, as always, with the Sklenicka’s in San Diego. While there the girls had their last gymnastics meet of the season before the YMCA State meet in June. They had fun as always and made improvements. They were very proud of their performances. They have also enjoyed getting to work on advanced level skills at practice and are rapidly improving and increasing both of their skill sets!!
For Pi day we spent date night at BJ’s. We didn’t only take advantage of the pizza “Pi” day special but also got our fill of pizzookie. Free curtesy of Mommy’s birthday month.
The last weekend, Daddy spent Saturday brewing for Brewfest in May and the girls got some tickets to go to the UCLA vs. Utah St. gymnastics meet. It was Senior night, so there were ceremonies at the end for each of the outgoing seniors as well as Ms Mel who has been head coach for UCLA gymnastics for over 20 years. It was our first UCLA gymnastics meet and we had such a wonderful time.
For St. Patrick's Day we all made sure to wear green, the girls even made accessories for Porter. Also celebrating Auntie Kimmie's Birthday which was the next Monday we had a delicious brunch and party time at Corey and Autumn's. That evening we cruised the neighborhood while waiting for our corned beef dinner to be ready. It was tasty as it is every year and we loved ending the weekend and this month together on our new couch.
Not too many pictures this month, but their still some cute kids to see.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/2vbMn2fs2X1HK2X3A
Cookie season also came to an end, but not until after the girls participated in a couple of successful cookie booth sales. The girls also had Read Across America Day, pizza parties, and a field trip to the middle school musical of Little Mermaid. Much of the time we spent being silly and spending time together.
The family took advantage of a free Sunday to use up our 2nd of our So Cal 3 pack of Disney tickets that we took advantage of when we went with the Natal’s during their visit. We had a great time and the weather was great. It was supposed to rain, which we think kept some of the crowds away.
The following weekend we finally got to meet baby Riggs. It was such a fun visit, as always, with the Sklenicka’s in San Diego. While there the girls had their last gymnastics meet of the season before the YMCA State meet in June. They had fun as always and made improvements. They were very proud of their performances. They have also enjoyed getting to work on advanced level skills at practice and are rapidly improving and increasing both of their skill sets!!
For Pi day we spent date night at BJ’s. We didn’t only take advantage of the pizza “Pi” day special but also got our fill of pizzookie. Free curtesy of Mommy’s birthday month.
The last weekend, Daddy spent Saturday brewing for Brewfest in May and the girls got some tickets to go to the UCLA vs. Utah St. gymnastics meet. It was Senior night, so there were ceremonies at the end for each of the outgoing seniors as well as Ms Mel who has been head coach for UCLA gymnastics for over 20 years. It was our first UCLA gymnastics meet and we had such a wonderful time.
For St. Patrick's Day we all made sure to wear green, the girls even made accessories for Porter. Also celebrating Auntie Kimmie's Birthday which was the next Monday we had a delicious brunch and party time at Corey and Autumn's. That evening we cruised the neighborhood while waiting for our corned beef dinner to be ready. It was tasty as it is every year and we loved ending the weekend and this month together on our new couch.
Not too many pictures this month, but their still some cute kids to see.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/2vbMn2fs2X1HK2X3A
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Cienna - 11 Years 1 Month... Kaylee - 8 Years 8 Months!
Daddy and Kaylee said goodbye as Mommy and Cienna headed to Idylwild for 5th Grade AstroCamp! Almost 60 5th graders from Cienna's class had a blast. There were dorm rooms for each the boys and the girls. Two male chaperones and four women were in charge of 4 groups of about 15 kids as we learned a lot about different kids of science, ate in the dining hall, enjoyed plenty of activities including zip line, rope walks, rock climbing, and many hikes day and night! One evening after dinner the staff also made Cienna and another friend Birthday cakes for us all to celebrate. Meanwhile Daddy and Kaylee had fun playing miniature golf, having lunch dates, and playing with the Natal's who had just arrived for a Disney trip! They all made signs to welcome home Cienna and wish her a Happy Birthday. The Natal's left before Cienna and Mommy came home, but as a BIG surprise we all joined them the following day at California Adventure.
Keeping with the Disney theme the following weekend the girls had their first gymnastics meet of the season at the Disneyland Convention Center. They had fun and did great. After the meet we headed to Lakewood High school for Talent Show dress rehearsals. Then on Sunday they both did wonderful performing on stage for the real Show. This is Cienna's last talent show at Carver and she got to participate in the 5th Grade Finale as well as a Troop Act. Kaylee hummed with her class on the kazoo and danced with the Girls Scouts.
Better late than never, we had Cienna's Birthday party at the house with lots of her friends. We did cool crafts, some super cool water experiments, and played some fun games while eating delicious burrito before having cake.
Then it was time for cookie selling again. Super Bowl Sunday is always a good day to go door to door selling cookies, even when it is raining. We had an impromptu party at the house with good friends and neighbors. Luckily we all enjoyed the company since the game wasn't much to watch.
Mommy left for Boston again for work and missed the family, but has some good meals while away. Kaylee and Mommy went to Jalynn's 90's theme Birthday party the next weekend. Then that week Cienna had her first clarinet concert. It was short and sweet and fun to see her progress. Also that week was Valentines Day on Thursday so we did our usual Family Date Night at BJ's. Then Friday Mommy was invited to a Carver Founders luncheon and was awarded for continuing service as a volunteer.
To end the month the last weekend was the girls second gymnastics meet. The Long Beach Open was held at the LB Convention Center. They didn't win the diamond earnings that were given to those who got 1st place all-around, but they did perform fantastic and as always had a great time.
Photos at link below.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/KMQ6WmwbHXxAbq7p8
Photos at link below.
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Cienna - 11 Years Old... Kaylee - 8 Years 7 Months!
Schools out for Winter.... Well before that we had some gifts to make and give to be sure our teachers have a great break from the kiddos. The girls were sad to say goodbye for a couple weeks, but were excited for the holidays to come. We made sure to set the groove by enjoying and finishing the outdoor decorations. First thing we headed to get Kaylee her very first brand new mattress (not a hand me down from her sister). She has had nothing but successful sleeping since. (She had been great prior to that as well : )) We had a few tremendous days that we all spent enjoying each others company. We went to parks, playtime, and adventure parks including Knott's! We wish we could have those everyday!
The girls enjoyed finishing their advent calendars in anticipation of Santa coming to visit. They left carrots and cookies that we all made together. Christmas Day was as unforgettable as they can be. We spent all morning enjoying being together. Then headed next door to the Snow's to be with more "family", then ending the evening at the Ferrario's with even more "family". The friendships we have are incredible and never ending.
We didn't take long to clean up after the big day, but are going to miss the train till next year. The best part of the rest of the week, before heading to Big Bear, was watching the girls enjoying each others company and playing like they haven't gotten too for awhile. They like their sister time.
Come the New Year, we spent this one at home for the first time in quite a while. We were certainly thinking of the Sklenicka's and new baby Riggs. Hopefully we get to meet him soon! We had a wonderful time with neighbors and the girls worked very hard staying up for their very first midnight celebration. We all had a couple of winks or two before, but we were all (briefly) awake at midnight.
For our next adventure, we were lucky enough to head to Big Bear, thanks to the Chavez families. They have a magnificent cabin that was available for us to use. There was still snow on the ground at the cabin where we played outside, and plenty of games inside before heading for a beautiful day of snowboarding at Bear Mountain. Even though the girls only get about one day a year on the slopes, they keep improving. There is never one complaint when we spend the day snowboarding on a mountain!
Back to School and work for us. We miss more time with just us, but we all knew that the New Year has so much to bring. Since school began after break, we have had a few talent show practices and fun times with friends. Soon up and coming is the 5th Grade Astro Camp, that Cienna has been raising money for which Mommy won the lottery to be a chaperone. Cienna's Birthday is the Monday to follow, and both girls got exactly the parts for the school play that they had hoped for and then some.
Kaylee is Mrs. Potts which she get to sing a solo, and Guard 1 as an extra. Cienna is going to be Cogsworth which was her number 1 choice and LeFou!
Meanwhile, Mommy lost many pictures during a fluke of a factory reset of her phone, but luckily we back-up often.
Thinking of all our amazing friends and family!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/fZ19zsDKLn3HUfB48
The girls enjoyed finishing their advent calendars in anticipation of Santa coming to visit. They left carrots and cookies that we all made together. Christmas Day was as unforgettable as they can be. We spent all morning enjoying being together. Then headed next door to the Snow's to be with more "family", then ending the evening at the Ferrario's with even more "family". The friendships we have are incredible and never ending.
We didn't take long to clean up after the big day, but are going to miss the train till next year. The best part of the rest of the week, before heading to Big Bear, was watching the girls enjoying each others company and playing like they haven't gotten too for awhile. They like their sister time.
Come the New Year, we spent this one at home for the first time in quite a while. We were certainly thinking of the Sklenicka's and new baby Riggs. Hopefully we get to meet him soon! We had a wonderful time with neighbors and the girls worked very hard staying up for their very first midnight celebration. We all had a couple of winks or two before, but we were all (briefly) awake at midnight.
For our next adventure, we were lucky enough to head to Big Bear, thanks to the Chavez families. They have a magnificent cabin that was available for us to use. There was still snow on the ground at the cabin where we played outside, and plenty of games inside before heading for a beautiful day of snowboarding at Bear Mountain. Even though the girls only get about one day a year on the slopes, they keep improving. There is never one complaint when we spend the day snowboarding on a mountain!
Back to School and work for us. We miss more time with just us, but we all knew that the New Year has so much to bring. Since school began after break, we have had a few talent show practices and fun times with friends. Soon up and coming is the 5th Grade Astro Camp, that Cienna has been raising money for which Mommy won the lottery to be a chaperone. Cienna's Birthday is the Monday to follow, and both girls got exactly the parts for the school play that they had hoped for and then some.
Kaylee is Mrs. Potts which she get to sing a solo, and Guard 1 as an extra. Cienna is going to be Cogsworth which was her number 1 choice and LeFou!
Meanwhile, Mommy lost many pictures during a fluke of a factory reset of her phone, but luckily we back-up often.
Thinking of all our amazing friends and family!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/fZ19zsDKLn3HUfB48
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