Cienna - 14 Years 6 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 12 Years 1 Month Old!

OHIO!!! Ubering to the airport, a smooth easy trip with nostalgia from 4 years ago, the last time we took this trip. This time as level 8 gymnasts vs level 3. With travel apparel gear. We landed in Cleveland, picked up again by the Cusicks and a strange pug mask. At least they took us to Fat Head brewery for dinner before heading to their beautiful home in Medina! That was Kaylee's first run in with a delicious pretzel that trip. We woke up and it was Fathers Day! We headed to the pool play area at the Cusick's community where Adi worked, we got some beers and lunch, being sure to not get anything with a tortilla. Afterward we headed back and did plenty of driving in the golf cart before Kyler and Jasen got home.  Jasen even got to participate in our Father's day tradition with kids on home made shirts!

The next morning, after debating about a green muffin (turned out to be pistachio), the girls were super brave to get in a morning gymnastics workout at Adi's gym. The whole gym family were very welcoming and despite the time change Cienna and Kaylee got some gymnastics time at Medina gymnastics center before heading to Toledo for the Nationals competition. 

After so much fun playing games, music, and enjoying each others company, we all headed with most of the Cusick's to downtown Medina for dinner and of course some frozen yogurt. It's indescribably the relaxing, fun time that is the Cusicks!

We were joined by Kari, Landen, and Kyler at Cedar Point the next day! There was seriously minimal lines at all the biggest roller coasters ever that day! It was certainly hot, and most were at the water park, but we were grateful to get on all the rides we wanted without a wait and with great company!

We parted from the Cusicks and then headed to the Nationals gymnastics celebration in Toledo. We started with hanging door signs, for all those that arrived before us, and then continued as everyone else got there! We spent some time driving around Toledo the next day with Kaylee navigating us from the back seat and somehow ended up at the "Old Bag of Nails."

We all got an amazing surprise before Juliana's senior ceremony. The Shoenbergs came to join us for the competition festivities. Mommy got to head to the ceremony to celebrate so many years of Juliana's gymnastics career.

The next day the optionals got to wear there practice leotards and test out the equipment before the festivities and competitions began. The girls got to walk around the Toledo Mud Hens baseball field (5th 3rd Field) representing Lakewood, Ca. They actually got to lead the parade and get some fun time with the mascots (Muddy and Mudanna) beforehand. After being seated we listened to the keynote speaker, Olympic gold medalist Lauri Hernandez.

Then the competitions began. Everyone did a great job and had a lot of fun. All of our optionals qualified for the final All-around competition to close out the weekend. We all celebrated with a fun BBQ/ice cream party. Before the girls competed the next day, Daddy took them to the Toledo Zoo with Clara while Mommy did more coaching. They did great at the competition that evening and even got to watch the high level boys compete in the gym next to theirs.

We then headed to Michigan to see cousin Erik, meet his girlfriend Mary and her family, and spend time with their 1 year old daughter Violet. They treated us to a delicious BBQ lunch and a fun trip around their town, including huge 7-11 Slurpee's. We got up early for a smooth trip back home.

We picked up Ash for some doggy sitting as we unpacked throughout the day. Later in the week, the girls and Mommy headed to the gym to clean out the pit. It's always exciting, tiring, and very dirty. Hopefully we get some replacement pit soon, since we threw out quite a bit of the really old stuff.

Cienna and her friends planned a surprise birthday trip to Knott's for Zion, and then Michele finally had her 40th birthday party, a couple of years late.  The girls and the Marshalls entertained themselves at our house as the adults were celebrating. The next day we all took Porter and Roaklee to Dog Beach. It was Roaklee's first time and did amazing.

We did some bike decorating and riding through the neighbor hood before heading for some swim time, pickle ball, and BBQ at the Ferrarios for the Forth of July. We watched fireworks as we drove home and sat on the roof to watch some more.

Cienna then went to Knott's again and Kaylee and Mommy did some doorbell ditching while dropping off some summer signs for friends. Cienna, Kaylee and Marshall girls all made the parents tacos and cake for dinner.

We did some hair trimming, the girls did their first week of Acting Out camp for the summer, and we made some vinyl decor for some gifts for family we will be celebrating the next week. The final show for Acting Camp was at a large church and was a wonderful performance.

The last weekend we all made a quick family trip to Vista to participate in an Elite Gymnastics Camp. The gym had such fantastic equipment and the girls and Mommy got instructions from Olympic and Elite gymnastic coaches. They were troopers and even did double backs into the pit and multiple twisting on the tumble floor.

Off to Resort Del Poppa next. Check out the pictures below.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/X5LA11sF3GZ12cQN8

Cienna - 14 Years 5 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 12 Years Old!

There is nothing that can be written to truly describe this last month. So many things as have been accomplished, overcome, enjoyed, and all the growth of the girls and the family is overwhelming! There were big, huge, things as we are set now to leave for Ohio on our first summer excursion. 

So, Open house was awful at school because our kids are terrible students.. ok, not at all. It was wonderful to walk the path that they do each day and listen to them talk about when they pass each other and say hello.

Then there was this incredible Disney Workshop that Mom wasn't even going to go on. But, man it was cool. The 8th grade band, and chorus got to be instructed by the Disney musical directors in the secret recording studio. At the end, their music got to be played along side a dramatic scene of the Lion King Movie! Then they spent the rest of the day hanging out together at Disneyland! Was fun and interesting for mom to be there by herself, but she did seem to manage to go on more rides that day than any of the kids. 

We got to watch Kaylee Shine as she tried out for and got a solo part in her chorus concert! Then 8th grade lunch on the lawn. Mommy and Daddy brought Cienna lunch and saw her for a minute or two, as after ate and said thanks for lunch she enjoyed the free time with her friends.

We had another memorable camping weekend in Vail Lake. Live music, amazing friends, dogs, pickle ball, bike rides, food, games, good times for sure! Then we divided and concurred, Daddy represented in Chico to watch two amazing people, Alex and Shannon (Kyle) get married and the girls had fun in San Diego with the girl Vigliotti's while doing a little gymnastics on the side. The all did great even with some struggles that would soon be overcome! 

Next up was the Science Center for Kaylee followed by an 8th grade award ceremony. It was invite only, and Cienna didn't only get invited, but got the top award of Principle Honors for her amazingness through all of these super abnormal years of middle school (crying) with all A's, and E's. Yep, we can't express how proud we are of these kids.

They both also got to finally experience a Middle School Carnival. Mommy helped set-up and make Super Nachos in the music booth. It began right after lunch and then the families got to join for about an hour after school. They both had a great time at all the booths and in the bounce obstacle courses etc. 

Then after doing our best to get all of Kaylee's buddies available to celebrate her turning 12, we got almost everyone to come and join an Escape Room party. They had pizza and cake ahead of time on a private balcony and then all barely escaped the Arc of the Covenant! Kaylee actually had to do the worm to earn them a few extra minutes. Kaylee and all her buddies truly had a great time! Mommy and Daddy were a little jealous that they still haven't gotten to have the experience, but it was worth it to hear the stories that came out of the room.

The last three days of school were next. Mommy and Daddy joined Kaylee for 6th grade awards and lunch on the lawn. Another 4.0 student for her second semester of middle school. Next was Cienna's 8th grade promotion. They had it on the Millikan field and all her friends took pictures and then celebrated with dinner at a Hibachi Grill thanks to the Luzzi's! And we have a soon to be High Schooler.  Kaylee's birthday landed on the last day of school. We showered her with balloon decorations and enjoyed the morning together. Mommy picked them up with flowers and Jamba Juice. Cienna and her friends took a little longer getting out of school wanted to make their Middle school time last even though they are all ready and excited for High School. Daddy brought some treats for after gymnastics and they all sang to her.

The girls had a relaxing next day hanging some with the Marshalls before Adi and Nicki came over for a 3 Musketeer birthday sleepover. We did a fun breakfast at The Pot Holder including the MAC Daddy pancake. Biggest pancake ever. Needless to say it did not get finished that day. We said goodbye and headed to the last home workout before Nationals. They had a great Good Luck Party after workout and we finally got to realize that we were leaving the next day for Ohio!

We managed to get all packed and ready to head out early the next morning. So, yes busy. But we are lucky to have such opportunities to enjoy together and to be able to celebrate all the accomplishments!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/BCjLWan6PjnrhctNA

Cienna - 14 Years 4 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 11 Years 11 Months!

Spring break had its ups and some unexpected. Mommy took the week off to spend with the girls. Monday was a relaxed day, then Tues. didn't go quite as planned. We were looking forward to taking the train first to check out San Clemente Pier and then to Solana Beach for lunch and get home before gym. Turned out the train was delayed since it may have hit a trespasser on the previous stop. So after we had an adventure getting to the railway station with tickets in hand.....3 hours of waiting later we just took the car and had a great lunch in San Clemente. The girls got some souvenirs to remember our time not on the train. : ) Wednesday we headed to Knotts with some friends. Being Spring Break it was still a little crowded but we still had fun with Kamryn, Cane, and Adi. Then Thursday we brought Reagan and Josh to try something new. We headed to El Segundo in hopes to try out Top Golf. It turned out that the next available bay was 2 hours after we showed up.... so we made the most out of it by getting some brunch at a pancake house in Manhattan Beach and afterward the kids walked down to play in the ocean. Then right when we got back to they had just texted that it was our turn. None were very experienced golfers, but we all knew how to have fun with it!  And the girls got to see mom's work from the road for the first time since we were right next door. Then after a send off from the team for Cienna and KC after gymnastics practice, and finishing the garden planting the next day while Daddy finished work, we headed up north for a much anticipated trip to enjoy Cienna show all that she has accomplished this gymnastics season as well as spend time with family and friends.

We had an enjoyable car ride and then some delicious dinner from Cheesecake Factory after a little turmoil in ordering from the road. Cienna ate her spaghetti and meatballs and we all enjoyed our dinner relaxing in the hotel room. We made sure to decorate Coach George's hotel door before going to bed. Then in the morning before Cienna's competition we headed to Starbucks for breakfast then met up with Auntie Carrie and Grammy for lunch at Inc 82 brewery. Then it was time to get ready for the Regionals competition!

We met up with Poppa, Dana, Mike, Grammy and Auntie Carrie at the competition. Vera, Dani, and Juju also came with major support! Cienna did great representing her team truly appreciated her fan club being there for her, especially her sister being on the floor to route her on! The next morning we were happy to help out and route on KC for her first Regionals meet before we headed out for the road trip home. 

Next up was Roaklee's first birthday. He got a treat... off of a special plate, that's about it, but I'm sure he had a great day. Also Kaylee got to go on a Duffy Boat with some of her best friends from school for Reagans Birthday. Meanwhile Daddy headed to Brewfest to begin his birthday celebration and the girls had dinner at Ola for dinner at PCH and 2nd with the Marshalls before a fun long time waiting sleepover. 

Daddy had a great birthday camping weekend with his Brewfest buddies, even Uncle Joe made a come back bringing his buddy Jeff. We then had a special music show happening a couple blocks away showcasing Adi BV. The 3rd musketeer to Kaylee and Nicki. She sang amazingly along with many others at the PorchFest performance! I wish Bonnie did this more than twice a year!

Daddy and Mommy got a date night at Nicks on 2nd with the girls at gymnastics for Daddy's Birthday. It was super delicious, and we finally got to use the 4 year old gift card that we got for being awesome soccer coaches. After picking up girls from gym, we all celebrated with Lemon Meringue Pie, and ice cream to complete the birthday celebration!

Then we started on the run to the end of the school year. There are things like auditioning for Symphonic Winds for HIGH SCHOOL and all the end of the school year activities. Daddy also has gotten to go into his work more with great lunches and sharing views of the Hollywood sign from his building.

There was a pre-team tryout at gym and Cienna came to help coach and evaluate enjoying every moment at the gym that she can. That night we all had such a great dinner hosted by Tola and his family as well as Robert and Elissa. We had delicious burgers, goat curry, fermented limes, and time with a brand new puppy. We also got a cutting of a sweet pea plant to take home.

Arts In the Air was a great opportunity to show how much the girls have learned throughout the year. We were entertained by all the Marshall Middle school students with an amazing performance in the school field. Everything from beginning band to Vocal Ensemble. 

McKayla joined us for another Galaxy game with some of the Bakx's and Scott, although it wasn't the best game we all still had a great time before during and after. Even seeing coach Kristen again. Meanwhile Kaylee had fun celebrating Adi's 12th birthday hanging out at the beach and then a sleepover with the 3 musketeer's.

Cienna then got to have yet another wonderful experience with her friends to celebrate being together before high school. They enjoyed being 8th graders taking over Knott's!

I for one have enjoyed the living daylights out of all the times we've had and watching these kids (all three of them) grow day after day is unbelievable to me.

We now have more pictures than we know what to do with, but I try to sort through them all, and the more the better right????

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NXPNEsPrc9ktfLb66

Cienna - 14 Years 3 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 11 Years 10 Months!

Was pretty exciting to get to be back at a galaxy game. Scott joined us for a tailgate in the parking lot which was many of our first time touching a soccer ball in a while. We then headed inside for pre-game activities before the Bakx met up with us for game time. The Galaxy dominated but did end up losing.. oh well. We went home and after some baking we played with the automatic ping pong KiwiCo game that Kaylee made. The next day we helped Auntie Kimmie celebrate the next day as part of her family and had as much amazing food and fun as always. 

That week at school Kaylee finally got to go on an actual school field trip. On mommy's birthday she got to be a chaperone for the 6th grade class at the Grammy Museum in LA. The best part was that they got to to on a field trip. Other than that it was pretty cool. Kaylee got selected from her music teachers to be one of the 5 to go on stage and help be part of a music production presentation! That night Mommy got some thoughtful crafts from the girls and a homemade brownie ice cream cake.

Mommy took Kaylee to a new friends Birthday party the next weekend to play Laser Tag for the first time. She loved it and a good time hanging with new friends. That Sunday was the USAG State meet in San Diego. They both did absolutely amazing and went into the meet excited and confident to qualify for Regionals! There were a lot of firsts that meet and it was a great competition for both of them. They both qualified! There also were some upsets for teammates that they went through together. Regionals for Cienna is in Pleasanton and she is excited for family to come and watch her show her routines! She had worked so hard and deserves every moment. Her last event was vault and she nailed it. Didn't even need to do her second one : )

Daddy went in person for the first time to work that Monday. He made his way around and had fun as they had a courtyard festival welcoming party. We got a little rain, and the best way to take advantage is to go on the trampoline of course. Then after that more baking.

Cienna then had her first field trip of the year, in which only some 8th graders pretty much got to run around Knott's Berry Farm as responsible adults... they did great and had a lot of fun.

Then more fun began with a visit from Grammy and Maxwell. She's an amazing women. After spoiling the kids, she helped up finish cleaning the weeds in the garden for a major overhaul. We decided that we needed to cover the garden in weed preventative material and use the raised garden beds she gave us to tame it down for a while.

Roman came to visit and brew with Mark for Homebrew in a few weeks, but it turned into a full on jam session with all of us. It was great. The next day we made Grammy go back to Knotts but it was all about the Boysenberry festival this time. No Silver Bullet. Just meatballs and pie.

Wednesday when Mommy had time off work to spend with Grammy... of course they spent the time finishing the preparation for gardening. They completely rearranged everything in the garden and put down the weed preventer, set the beds and got them ready for some growing!

Cienna's vocal ensemble got invite to do a few songs in the Long Beach Grand Hotel. (Apparently it was a paid gig that their principal is a frequent member). Meanwhile, Kaylee spent some time building a KiwiCo that may or may not be for a present for somebody in the family, while she was excited for a late night birthday outdoor movie party with her buddy Frankie.  

After the complete re-haul of the garden we were ready to plant a late garden of goodness.... then.... We realized an opportunity to use our existing sprinklers to make it all automated for the first time. We just needed more stuff of course, a trip to Lowe's it is. Or two, or three. We hadn't used this irrigation in 18 years, but we had it routed just in case. 

We had a fun trip to Gomez Growers, then after quite a bit of work on our sprinkler valves we were ready to plant! It has been quite the great garden maintenance ever since. We are looking forward to was comes out of these plants! The day ended up with some delicious carrot cake made by the girls with full on "carrot cake" decorations!

Daddy spent some more time at work and took pictures this time. He has free lunch that he can take to a balcony that overlooks the Hollywood sign! The girls like the cool snacks that he brings home also!

Then comes Spring Break! We get the first part to enjoy the doggy company of Ash! He is such a sweetheart and just as spirited as Roaklee. They had so much fun as did we all. We also go to celebrate Lacy Cook's "retirement"/70th birthday in El Segundo. This guy has been there since day one and 27 years prior to Mommy's job. First supervisor and pretty much the reason Raytheon is what it is. However it gave us a chance to actually meet SO many of Mommy's co-workers that they've only heard about over the years! He luckily only retired on paper and is still working to make amazing things happen!

We came home ready to finally prepare for Auntie Kimmie's Easter Brunch. It's been years and she did amazing as it had ever been. It's hard to believe the amount of dishes she puts together for one day! If the food wasn't good enough, the kids had a great time with an Easter Egg hunt including a tremendous Golden Egg and a fantastic beginning to Spring Break!

Pictures are more than words!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/cZsUfJvBgapFuCmT9

Cienna - 14 Years 2 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 11 Years 9 Months!

On to Ontario. The girls had a great meet with many individual accomplishments, and of course a great crowd to cheer them on. They have had so much fun just being able to show off their routines again and enjoy the exciting surroundings. Not to mention, they have grown and improved more than you could imagine since the last time they got to compete!

We all were looking forward to the next weekend away at Big Bear with Trevor! He flew in to Burbank and Daddy picked him up on Friday night while the rest of us were at gymnastics. We left a bit early and met them at home before some final packing and a start of a pretty awesome road trip to the mountains. Before we made the steep climb to 10 degree weather we even brought the dogs into the cab to avoid frozen dog syndrome : ) It was cozy but fun. The next morning we all woke up excited to go snowboarding.  Everyone did a great job and the whole mood was happy all day long. That evening we had a great dinner and we had fun playing games inside and out. There was a new snow that we got to play in and the weather was perfect the whole weekend. We are so grateful to have wonderful friends that let us use their cabin to create life long memories! It was Roaklee's first time in the snow and he did amazing playing and listening. We cleaned up the next morning and had lunch in town before heading back to Burbank to get Trevor on a plane back home. After succeeding, we got ourselves home and unpacked ready for the next week ahead.

We had our yearly visit with our family friend/financial advisor Eric. It was short but awesome, he does so much for us. Especially this year with Mark's new job and my company changing our retirement benefits. 

We were so thankful to have a visit from Jamaica, Jasmine, and Grayson that weekend. It was great to catch up and to see how much the kids have accomplished. We hung out at the house and then took a walk down the street for lunch before the had to head out. 

The next weekend we took advantage of some time we had to work on the Bronco. We removed the carburetor and learned a lot of the next steps we are looking forward to tackling in this restoration. We played hide and seek as a family and realized that there are still more places to hide after all these years.  We also realized that the school performance was soon upon us and the girls needed their costumes. Kaylee did amazing sewing her own skirt as a townsfolk. She picked out the fabric and measured her width and length. It turned out perfect!

Both girls were rewarded with straight A's and E's the last semester. We are so proud of the girls that they are. Not only because of how they do in school but the people they are. Each of them has shown compassion to their schoolmates, and given extra time to help others. We actually got to step foot on campus and have a lunch on the lawn with Kaylee and all her 6th grade friends. That was extremely refreshing for all of us!

The girl's gymnastics next meet was canceled since it was in Camarillo and all the optionals were scheduled for Friday morning. So we made arrangements to have one at our own gym for another competition experience before States in 2 weeks. Cienna got to flip her Yurchanco on her home vault for the first time, and we put the bleachers down for the parents, family and friends to watch. It's been years since they have been aloud to step foot in the gym : ) Afterwards, Cienna enjoyed spending time with her friends at Addie's birthday party which was cancelled two years ago. Two year anniversary of Covid and all. The rest of us went down the street to Time Square plaza to enjoy dinner with the Marshalls and Vigliotti's. 

The next day the Marshman kids were back in production as Daddy brewed "Rydman Red" in preparation for Brewfest.

The awesome Middle School performance that the girls and all of their friends... as well as Mr. P was happening this last week. They had dress rehearsal on Mon and Tues. Mom was happy to be able to finally help volunteer on campus. I'd say all the rehearsals went great, but we were all excited for the show to happen as 2 years ago the production was stopped only hours before they were going on to perform. 

Both performances were so heartfelt and you could tell how much work they all put in to the show. Cienna got to perform as Middle Anna the second night, and Kaylee was in 4 additional songs the second night as well. Just watching how much both girls lit up when they were singing was heartwarming.

We see true happiness every time they are performing and showing what they can do!

Enjoy the photos and videos!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ocWiAsZH6eJ6m7HH6

Cienna - 14 Years 1 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 11 Years 8 Months!

We now have a completely amazing, well rounded, intelligent, independent, driven, thoughtful, creative, loving, outgoing, powerful, and athletic (adjectives from the family) 14 year old! She also wanted to add full of important activities. Cienna has made a lead part in the upcoming play, and is co-chairman of student site council for her school, 1st chair in Jazz Band, and in vocal ensemble. There is nothing she won't put her self out there for even with the fear of not succeeding. That doesn't even include the leaps and bounds that she makes every day at gymnastics in her "spare time" of 18 hours a week. She has showcased her progress on her private blog and enjoys every practice and meet as she continues to progress! She also got accepted to her school of choice for High School next year, "Milikan Quest", which is a scholastically chosen group of applicants. So, yes, she speaks for herself. And others speak of her.

Given all that I guess she deserved some balloons to wake up to as well as a good breakfast before school. Then a birthday song from friends before ice cream treats at gymnastics. Afterward she opened some gifts from family before yet another desert and celebration with just us.

She was very excited that she had a gymnastics meet the day after her birthday which happened to be in Anaheim. We made a whole weekend of it and actually got a hotel room that Saturday night. Cienna did have a great meet and we all got to enjoy each other in the hotel. The next morning we got up to support/coach Adi for her session before going back to the hotel so Kaylee could get dressed for hers later that afternoon before checkout. Kaylee had a solid meet as well and had fun with her teammates.

Daddy got his Meta Quest Headsets (one for work, and one for family play) that next week. We also prepared for a great birthday celebration. Cienna invited some friends to meet at the Belmont Shore Pool near the beach bike path. We all headed on a fun sunset bike ride to Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt on the Boardwalk. Enjoyed sweet treats, and checking out the cool nearby shops before riding back along the path. They took advantage of photo ops and fun times to hang out together!

The next day we had our "Super Bowl" with the 49ers and the Bakx. It was a decent game even though the Niners lost, but the food was amazing. Lots of appetizers, and of course ribs! We played with the Meta Quest, Trampoline, and loved catching up!

The girls created many projects which included some intricate KiWi Co kits built by Kaylee and Cienna designed her Birthday thank you card templates. We also got time to hang out with the Marshall's and Vigliotti's for bike trip to ice cream at Handels. The girls also had fun getting some dollar store decorations for Valentines Day.

We were so happy and fortunate to be invited to Robert and Elissa's wedding. It was a beautiful day and we were all happy to share it with them. The next day we made and recorded a rap song for Poppa's 80th birthday. We all think it was amazing...maybe not so much, but Poppa loved it...maybe??? But no matter, we love Poppa.

We welcomed a visit from Auntie Bridget the next week. No matter our week schedule she only made us all better and enjoyed all the time we had with her. She hitched a ride with MiKayla on Monday. They got to enjoy dinner with Mark. Then Mommy and her Aunt had a blast at Knott's Berry Farm. Bridget got in using Grammy's annual pass that she bought last winter. Mommy loved spending the one on one time with her Aunt. We actually got to look around the Amusement Park and go on one of the best roller coasters there! 

Cienna continues to make very creative paintings as you will see in the Olympic background, we finally got Daddy a (or two) gym Dad T-Shirts.

We got to doggy sit Lula while her family was in Mammoth. That...actual Super Bowl Sunday we went to Knott's to ride Hang 10 since it was out of commission before going to the Bakx for game time. It was a good game, but better company.

Next up, Valentines Day. Girls had school off but Mommy and Daddy had to work. MiKayla was awesome and brought both Lucky and Ellie to hang out. It was fun for them to have 5 large dogs to play with throughout the day and MiKayla brought them to lunch at Panera to eat as they watched Encanto for the umpteenth time.

Mark had a "fixed" root canal from over 20 years ago because it may not have been done correctly, but is healing alright.

We could look at pictures of our kids all day long, but pictures definitely show a better story than we could write.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RUQyLgGA1arwxive8

Cienna - 14 years Old!! ... Kaylee - 11 Years 7 Months!

Starting off the Christmas School vacation, the girls did some amazing surprise gift exchanges with friends. Loved that they all planned it out and were so thoughtful and appreciative of their friends. Kaylee's gift was money toward a phone case which it so happened that Mommy and Daddy had already purchased. She was happy to have gotten it that day! Thank you Reagan. All the girls and Mommy were then on vacation and Daddy was working through ending his 13 yr. long career with friends and co-workers at CraneMorley. We all celebrated with a family dinner at Tokyo Hibachi!

The girls have gotten into making fun videos with Cap Cut, and put their talents to use with plenty of videos during their sleepover with Clara and Francesca. The girls all enjoyed touching fire, walking around on the roof, of course trampoline time, they created a gymnastics holiday show since the gym did not get to do one this year, and they took the dogs for a walk in the rain!

We got some unfortunate news that Poppa was going to have to spend Christmas in the hospital due to an allergic reaction. Luckily he is a very intuitive and smart guy and was able to call for help since he was home alone. The Marty's were able to visit with him and keep him sane for the few days he had to stay until he was fine to go back home. Daddy would go to visit the following week to hang out for a bit and make sure all is good. He is doing great now and back to his Poppa self. He just needs to be careful what he eats and hopefully we can find out what the problem was that caused the reaction!

The days leading up to Christmas we had fun playing games together, making our Christmas card, doing stunts in the kitchen and finished up the last of our advent calendars. 

We stuck with our Christmas tradition morning where the girls come downstairs into our bed and we all cuddle and watch a movie, even the puppies. It was a little more crowded this year with the addition of Roaklee. Then we came out to open gifts and appreciate all that we have and can give. Then the Ferrario's took us in as family where we had more food, exchanged gifts, played pickle ball, and enjoyed the time together. Lastly we had a delicious dinner at the Snow's next door including a Peppermint cake for desert. We finished the day as we started, together watching a movie.

We spent much of the following days looking for new beds for the girls which was their big Christmas gift. We went to IKEA and thought we figured it out, only they were out of stock forever. Then Living Spaces, and back to IKEA. No luck and we were done looking, so we went to Mama's for date night and figured we take a different approach and look more online even if it would take a little longer and Kaylee wouldn't have it in time for her sleepover with Adi the following night. The girls along with Adi went to hangout at the park with the Marshall's after the sleepover. We also eventually found their full size bed frames, mattresses, and sheets during the week as we also prepared to head to Big Bear for New Years.

Luckily the Marshall's and Snow's helped take care of the puppies while we were away. We let them have most of the house to be safe and comfortable and they only got into a little mischief while we were gone for the weekend since the dogs apparently like coffee and can open pantry doors. The night before we left it was pouring rain in Long Beach and we seriously considered not braving the roads to Big Bear, but as it turned out the roads had no ice, and not even chains were required. No traffic either. There was however, plenty of snow on the ground for sledding and snow ball fights. It was great to get to spend New Year with the Sklenicka's again. We made a huge Prime rib, watched movies, took trips to the park for sledding and playtime. We also played bocce ball in the dark. Mommy, Daddy, and the girls all slept downstairs with the fire going. We left the next day after a relaxing morning and one last snowball fight. The trip down the mountain was thankfully just as easy.

An early birthday gift for Cienna from Kaylee had come in the mail. Her gymnastics bag was broken, so Kaylee wanted to get her a new one. While Daddy was at Poppa's the last week of Mommy's vacation and the girls first week back at school, the beds were delivered so we put them together. Not all the parts came at once, but there was enough at first to make Kaylee's, then Cienna's the next day. When Daddy got home we all designed floating shelves for their nightstands and built them together after getting the supplies we needed. We also finished fixing all the springs on the trampoline and put up the new net so they don't fall through!

The next weekend the girls had their first gymnastics competition of the season in Pasadena. Grammy wrote an inspiring note to all the gymnasts and a couple of the seniors read it out loud at practice the night before. The meet went great, they were proud of themselves and had fun!

Kaylee lost her very last baby tooth at school the following week, and we were able to meet up with the Natal's again at Downtown Disney for dinner. Cienna finally figured out a fun Birthday Party idea so we made the evite for a week after her Birthday since we'll be at their second competition in Anaheim her birthday weekend and we wanted to give a little heads up to her guests.

What a wonderful holiday break to spend together and with so many friends. We are truly grateful for all those that we have to care about and that care about us!

Plenty of photos to document this last month.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/J39j5iheSHQGemrv6