Cienna - 16 Years Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years 7 Months Old!

Holiday's are very excited and full of fun and adventure! Love the time we get to be with each other, more family and great friends who take us in as family as well! Every blog is a lot, but ok... I may have to take some verbiage short cuts on this one. 

Visit to gym from Shoenberg's led to a fun visit with Sadie at home. We then visited neighborhood Christmas decorations including coach Denise's house. We took family walks and wrapped gifts for family and friends.  We finally installed our new dishwasher which we had fun doing together! Cienna also made a winter painting of Snoopy and Winchester to bring to our next adventure to Greg and Jackie's cabin in Big Bear.

Prior to that we went to the Snow's for a big Christmas Eve party. There was a cookie contest and a white Elephant Gift exchange for the adults. Great time as always with a cheese-less lasagna for Mom thanks to Auntie Kimmie!

Christmas morning was as magical as ever. We love being together in the morning cuddling on our bed and watching a movie before the big day of excitement and cheer of Christmas with us and friends. After the morning we went on a walk together and then went to Auntie Kimmie and Uncle Keith's for a gift exchange. Cienna went with mom to walk around the neighborhood giving out hand made paintings that she worked hard on to those out and about. We also made our way to Heartwell Park where Cienna got to meet Balloo. The parrot we had previously talked about and they had a great time together on our walk! Later that evening we went to Joan and Larry's to enjoy being part of their family as always for so many occasions! It means a lot for us to be invited to such special times with them!

The next few days we enjoyed some of the gifts we got from each other and enjoying each other putting things together, playing games and making food. The girls had one last night at gym before we left to our next adventure in Big Bear! Both girls did their bar release skill on bars without a spot from a coach for the first time!

Dogs were again in the back seat of the truck with the girls...poor puppies! They all had fun and the road trip was easy. We loved getting to Greg and Jackie's cabin playing cards, learning card tricks, and making tortilla soup! We were preparing for a fun day of Snowboarding. It turned out to be a bikini wearing shorts type of snowboarding but we made the full day out of it! We all mastered the skill of snowboarding the way we want to and went home for pasta and meatballs! The puppies had a great evening walk with all of us and a fun night. Dad took them home the next day as Mom and the girls took a 5 mile walk to the village to get ice cream and enjoy the scenery! On the way back to the cabin Daddy was on his way back as well and picked us up to get back to the cabin for the evening for more family time and to set of for the next adventure in the morning.

We were cleaning the cabin and off to see The Sklenicka's! The New Year was upon us. We started with picking up pine needles, replacing air filters, showing off card tricks that we had previously learned, and all the kids, and adults, playing together. That first night ended with fun bedtime stories and Joe and Daddy staying up late as always enjoying each others company! Then it was New Years Eve! There was chocolate bombs, long walks, pickle ball, park time, and Kan Jam in the back yard. We did movies, VR, then Mom and Cienna passed time taking outside pictures just to stay up till midnight while Kaylee decorated Dad and Joe. We made barely made it to midnight but had a great time together.

After packing again in the morning we had an easy trip home on New Years Day (Grammy's Birthday) one more week of vacation we had so much fun! After one day back at gym a 6 person sleepover was in the works to finish up the Holiday show that they have kept as a tradition. This included a night time neighborhood adventure as well as the next day adventure to Heartwell park. They even took in a seventh member (Auralia) part way through the filming. The finale included a video at the Main Y that their gym is affiliated with!

Meanwhile Dad had been diligantly working to restore our amazing BBQ/Smoker! It looks like it is brand new! Next up was a Three Musketeers sleepover just to keep us all busy. Then the girls were super excited to take Jen up on her Christmas present to take them shopping! They had such a great time and came back with some new clothes that they love!

Time to go back to school and work, but fun continues. We had family visits to look forward too! For Ashley's graduation she got to bring her friend Emily along with Trevor and Sam to Disney for a couple days. We started with just the Marty's and Poppa, amazingly the Natal's were also here since Megan was doing the Disney Marathon. So all of us got to spend time together with lunch at LBX and then dinner at home. Natal's went back to the hotel to prepare for the run and more fun at Disneyland and before Emily and Sam got here the next day the rest of us went for a beautiful day on the bay renting a Duffy Boat. We brought lunch and enjoyed the sun before heading home. The next day Ashley, Emily, Trevor, and Sam headed to there Disney Adventure.

Mom worked from home since the girls had the holiday off and Dad, Poppa, Mike, and Dana went to the LA car museum. Crazy looking cars and they enjoyed them all. Meanwhile Kaylee got to hang out with Amiah for the day and Cienna with Francesca to work on their Backstreet Bistro for school as well as just hang out together.

As family departed in the RV, we were getting ready to replenish the kitchen : ) and get ready for the next week before finals and a 16th Birthday!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/df5zc9ZiBwnk2mZ6A

Cienna - 15 Years 11 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years 6 Months Old!

Family Road Trip! Lots of pretty skies, birds, and rainbows along the way to our first stop of the Thanks Christmas Adventure.

Natals were first up. We all hung out and did a little catching up until they took our girls bowling to join one of Grace's end of the year team parties. Mom and Dad then continued on to Poppa's and left the girls to enjoy the girls cousin sleepover of the trip. Poppa and Heather were happy to see Mom and Dad and had us happily working around the property first thing in the morning. We did some ladder climbing to fix some stuff on the roofs and just had a great time doing stuff together, Mike and Dana also joined in on the fun. Meanwhile the girls loved being with the Natal's and even got to go to 6 Flags for a little while before Mom went to pick them up, leaving dad to help fix lawn mowers, and bring them back to Poppa's. They continued to help with fixing signs and both enjoyed themselves driving around the property.

Cienna did a great job driving up the Canyon the next morning which ended with a beautiful photo shoot at the top. She drove back down as well, but needed a little assistance from mom to take a fallen branch out of the road. All good experiences. We enjoyed dinner with Poppa and Heather and Cienna showed off her handstand stilt skills that evening.

Next morning we went to Grammy's house. After we got settled. Grammy came with Mom to have lunch with Darcie before we then brought the girls back to practice with her optionals. They always have such an amazing experience with their "Grand Coach" as the girls deemed her as she calls them her "Grand Gymnasts" :) After their practice Grammy gave them some pretty unique gifts that now decorate their room. That evening Grammy went to a fun party and we relaxed with Max and ordered a Door Dash that didn't end up so well, but we all still having a great time.

Next morning Mom drove Grammy and the girls to pick up Auntie Bridget from SFO. Girls enjoyed crossing the Golden Gate and arrived a little early so decided to stop at a memorabilia gift shop store in the city. Easy pickup at the airport and we were all excited to see Bridget. Took pretty much no convincing from her and we were headed to tour Lumbard Street! After that we went to lunch in beautiful Sausalito. Girls were again excited to do another practice at Darcie's so once we got back we headed straight to the gym. Meanwhile Daddy did an amazing job catching up on some computer work (pictures for the previous blog) and other stuff that needed to get done!

Spent another great evening at Grammy's with Bridget, dinner, desert, tiara's, and music! Headed out the next morning to the McFarlands for our first Thanksmas. Girls got to enjoy more cousins with Cole and Jacob as well as June and Grace. They got to play all over that property as well as the new one up the road... as well as driving vehicles between the two properties!

We all had a great time while Prime Rib was being wonderfully prepped and cooked by the McFarlands. There may have been some adult gymnastics or contemporary dancing for entertainment to work of the meal before cousins had a big sleepover and the adults went to bed. Next morning was first Christmas gift opening. Auntie Carrie came to join and Auntie Megan came back after watching her dogs and doing a run with friends. We were all spoiled with gifts, but much more spoiled with love as it should be. After some more adult cartwheels, and ATV driving The Natals, Grammy, Bridget and us left the McFarlands to prepare for their next party as we all went to Poppa's house.

After the Marty's arrived, some game play and visiting in the Cabana before the Natal's headed back home and Grammy and Bridget headed to their next adventure. We did some preparation for that evenings delicious dinner then had a tremendous family time opening gifts that we had gotten for each other. We were all ready for the plethora of food including turkey, ham and tri tip along with delicious sides including Brussel spouts, tomatoes, and potatoes :) We love all the time we get to spend with friends and family. That night we all had fun joining in an art project that Auntie Heather set up for the girls. Then a relaxing evening with full bellies before heading home the next morning.

Once back home the activities didn't stop. Girls enjoyed getting back to gymnastics practice and back into the holiday spirit days. First up was a snowball fight gym style (with pit blocks)!!! They had a great time after practice

After coming home Cienna kept up the driving lessons. Especially wanting to be able to drive to and from gym. But before that she drove to Julia's for a fun sleepover before the next day Daddy went with Uncle Joe to watch the Warriors and Clippers game at the Crypto Arena! They got some pretty great seats and it's needless to say enjoyed every minute! Even had a spinning great halftime show! Meanwhile Kaylee had planned a 3 Musketeers sleepover. Uncle Joe love it! He got a great breakfast out of it!

We had a day for outdoor Christmas lights. Fastest outdoor setup ever. Girls are getting good at it with Dad's supervision!

Next up was musical performances. Never cease to impress! Started with Kaylee's Middle school performance. She was in all of the numbers since she is in Jazz Band, Advanced Band, Vocal Ensemble, and Advanced Chorus. Then Cienna being in Concert Chorus had a day of dress rehearsal and two days of concert. The second performance they invited Kaylee's Marshall middle school Vocal Ensemble group to join in their concert as well getting to sing with Francesca and Lexi as well as others. They both stood out and did amazing!

So back to theme gym nights, it was movie night and the girls had so much fun bonding with all of their lower level teammates, as well as their own of course.

The next day they had their home gym practice meet. Their whole team did great and most importantly had a great time!

Cienna designed the next Nationals logo for the team, and Kaylee designed a personal fort out of a box! No choose and cut trees available, so we got one locally and had a great time decorating and putting up the train.

Gymnastics Team party was a big success! Did a successful Secret Santa gift exchange. Mom also had a coaches gym party where they did some thrift shopping with clues followed by a gift exchange of their merchandise they purchased. Was super fun and successful. Catered by Outback was a bonus! 

Next Lexi's 16th birthday brunch at the 908, doggy sitting Ash, and a Holiday show hang out with Francesca and the Water's to end the Month!!!! Video to come. Meanwhile enjoy the many photos and videos!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/vQ72vnUc9tdgAeK17

Cienna - 15 Years 10 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years 5 Months Old!

Long Beach Octoberfest with the Marshall's, Adam's, and a Donlon (Selena) was a great time. The band was a favorite with their clever twist on lyrics. The pretzels were also a hit. Cienna had a fun sleepover with friends at Peta's house before her choir performance. She also got to celebrate spirit week which she and her friends organized in ASB. Homecoming was the finally after they won the football game and some dancing in the quad.

They continue to have fun holiday gym days, including a dress up Halloween day. Then some of the girls teammates came over to make signs to put up for the compulsory Home Practice Meet. 

We got the pumpkins carved and costumes figured out in time for Halloween. Mom and Dad had the best Run DMC costume. Girls had buddy costumes. Cienna and Julia were Fire and Ice, and Kaylee and Nickie were Angle and Devil. Three of us went to the Marshall's to give out candy. Cienna started at Julia's and made their way over trick or treating. Kaylee got plenty of candy around the neighborhood. There was a pretty great haunted house that some of us really enjoyed as well.

We all went to the High School of Choice event even though Kaylee seems to be pretty set on going the Millikan where Cienna is, and Nicki will most likely be going :) There was a multi children sleep over at our house that included Julia and the Three Musketeers. Cienna and Julia went to volunteer at the Ronal McDonald house while Kaylee, Nicki and Adi played and went to Starbucks.

The following week Cienna got an amazing opportunity to go on a college tour with her FLA friends along with other high school FLA clubs. She got to see UCSB, Pepperdine, and Channel Islands (which apparently was built on an insane asylum) 

Girls and Mom had an early practice on Veterans Day and then went to help coach the compulsories that evening. Then on Sunday Mom and Dad had a great dinner with friends at Taco Beach. Dad then went into LA to meet co-workers that he'd only previously met online. He did have a new experience with Axe throwing and had plenty of delicious food throughout the day.

Us girls all had a great time with Clara's very clever scavenger hunt 16th Birthday. She grouped up a bunch of friends and they were let loose to find and do some interesting activities on Atlantic. Then all the pictures were shown on the big screen after burgers later that evening. 

Bring your parents to gym day came back as one of the fun gym days! Dad won the show for sure! Actually it was a huge success and everyone that participated had so much fun. Although we're not sure how many of us parents were walking the next day. 

We had lots of art activities as well including finally making the handstand stilts that Cienna had been asking for for SO long, we also added epoxy to the gymnastics signs that Uncle Joe made the girls a while back. Kaylee made a pinball Kiwico and we got the girls to pose for some (at home) school pictures since they don't do them as school anymore.

More gym fun with a game night and karaoke. Then Mom took Kaylee and Nicki to surprise Adi and watch her amazing school performance. And of course it was followed by a 3 Musketeers sleepover which was mentioned earlier when Julia also was sleeping over, but I don't want to go back and re-edit :)

A couple extra additions is Mom getting to hold an awesome parakeet named Balloo while on a walk, Kaylee went for her front tuck on beam, Cienna and Francesca impressed again at the Marines pull up competition, and we watched the middle Donlon (Bennett) perform a piano recital at our neighbors. 

Next up, the holidays!

Check out the photos:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RLMHNDarnqHBGQKw9

Cienna - 15 Years 9 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years 4 Months Old!

Looking to sell the quad that Grandpa got for Cienna when she was 4. But not before fixing it up and enjoying it around the neighborhood!

Not sure where we find time outside our schedules these days, but we got to spend fun times with friends this month. Starting with some the first night time beach fun with the Marshall's. Then bike rides around the neighborhood followed by some baking of some delicious cake pops. There was some bedroom rearranging consisting of only stuff that was found in the garage but satisfied Kaylee's desire of a corner desk area while Cienna went to hang out at Julia's with some other buddies for the afternoon.

Next came a Poly high school home coming football game that they happened to be playing against Millikan. The entire optionals gymnastics team went, since either they went to one of the schools, were a sister of someone who went to one of the schools, or just went to have fun! They had a great time. Since Poly is one of the top 10 in all of California and Cienna goes to Millikan, it was exciting to see them tie... then lose in overtime for that game!

The skies didn't disappoint this month as you can see in the pictures. Plenty of sunsets and a partial annular eclipse. The next morning Mom went with Julia's mom, Sara, for a walk around the marina and a stop for ice cream. Mom and Dad celebrated Steph's 50th at a rock cover band concert at Gaslamp. Metallica cover was the main event. We had such a great time (the kids enjoyed themselves at the Marshall's, although may have overstayed their welcome due to how late we stayed.) The only downside of the concert was the fact we both realized it's way too hard to stay up that late.

Cienna had so much fun at Shawna's Sweet 16 starting at Wardlow Park with crafts and food, and her brother doing a photo shoot. They then walked to Shawna's celebrating the whole way for some more fun.

The girls got awarded again by the city of Lakewood for their Gymnastics National Team title from this summer in Cincinnati.

Mom and Dad had fun following Kaylee's class schedule for Back to School night. Mom, Cienna, went with Julia and her mom Sara for a bike ride/walk along the beach to a local smoothie shop. The next week Mom and Dad joined Corey to help move all the furniture out of the Snow's next door in anticipation for them getting new floors.

The girls honored Breast Cancer awareness and gave many good thoughts toward Abbey as we've done throughout the year. The next weekend was again full of fun. The girls went to LBX with the Marshall's for some Acai Bowls. They also planned a surprise sleepover for Clara who just turned 16. Paige (her 13 yr. old sister) and Kaylee pretty much orchestrated the whole thing. Cienna and Kaylee went with their mom to pick them up from the Taylor Swift movie at 10:30pm and surprise you have a whole night of NOT sleeping :)

The following day, after Mom and Dad helped the Snow's put their furniture back in on top of brand new flooring, Cienna went to Lily's Quinceanera that sounded amazing. So much like a wedding, but nobody gets married. Meanwhile the rest of us went to Frozen Yogurt!

Then Sunday as if they hadn't done enough, Cienna went with other friends to watch the Taylor Swift movie herself and then Kaylee had fun during sunset at the beach with the other 2 Musketeers. Glad we get to fit in so much time with friends, school activities, along with the fun at gym (spirit days all month) and work activities!

Enjoy the photos:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/UW118uX7iewyGTL17

Cienna - 15 Years 8 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years 3 Months Old!

Wrapping up the summer, Kaylee made a porch sign for Auntie Kimmie and they had the last summer fun day at gymnastics with Movie Night at the gym. Not many girls watched the movie, but they had fun playing all together. The next night was the annual awards ceremony at the main Y followed by dinner and swimming all together. Cienna even got a human size banner of herself for being one of the level 9 team for Nationals. Then Kaylee orchestrated the next 3 Musketeers sleepover to round out the summer. They played in the rain and did all kinds of mischievous activities. The week before school Kaylee had Web training before the 6th grade orientation, and Cienna got to show the 9th graders around for theirs as well. Mark went on a bike ride in Huntington with the crew and finished with a professional concert put on by the Chavez's. Meanwhile the next sleepover was happening with the Waters's girls which included plenty of pool time at the Douglas's across the street. Just previous to the first day of school Cienna got to go have her 10th grade orientation to get all her books and picture ID photo taken.

Then Cienna's DMV appointment had arrived. She made it in time before the busy school year came. She studied hard, but had heard many other friends had not passed their permit test. Mom and dad took her and went through the process. Just as she was going in to the room for her test, she was turned around and told that the system just went down and she would have to wait for an unknown period of time or go home and come back another day. She said "I'm waiting" so we waited. Just about an hour later she was in and taking a paper tests instead of on the computer (which was new). Mom and Dad waited.... Apparently 30 minutes later she finished but the test grader decided just then it was his time for lunch so she and parents unknowingly waited another 30 minutes. She did have a friend to talk to, but was rightfully nervously awaiting. So, then test got graded and she PASSED! Soon after scheduled her first behind the wheel lesson for next month.

Then the new school year was upon us. The girls were both excited to go, but not excited for summer to end. Just before we got to observe a Blue Moon through our very old telescopes, but it was a successful viewing. A few days later we got to celebrate Joan's 80th birthday party at the Ferrario's. We got to see Cobi and Bri's new place next door with their plethora of animals including a puppy farm, baby bunnies, exotic birds, etc. We all had fun playing pool, swimming in the pool, outdoor games, indoor games, food, dancing, and a lot of fun!

With school in session we had more family time on the weekend for walks together, chores, music time, dancing, making food together and enjoying each other. Meanwhile dad got to go to an Angels game with Roman and Mike, and Mom sold her Subaru after 22 years of a great ride. Was told it would be restored and will see it again in better shape than it was. Cienna has enjoyed going to Football game as part of the ASB and student crowd since gym gets out at 7 on Fridays. We brought out the Quad out of the garage that Grandpa Kim bought Cienna when she was 4 to restore. Daddy got a new battery and spent some extra time during the week and the we're are excited to try it out. 

Finishing up the month Mom and dad got to go to Kaylee's Back to School night. They'd met all her teachers before since Cienna had each of them before. But nevertheless they had nothing but great things to say about the contributions that Kaylee makes everyday in class. Last but not least for Nicki's 14th Birthday, another 3 Musketeer sleepover at the Marshall's after a huge day of Knott's followed by nighttime beach play. Cienna and Lexie came to our house and had a sleepover of their own without the antics of the other 3, although they had antics of their own.

In a nutshell, life is great and these two children never cease to amaze.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Sxa5utpzxKiRhnuMA

Cienna - 15 Years 7 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years 2 Month Old!

    Was great to see summer fun days at gym make a come back to instill team comradery at gymnastics! From colors to accessories, nerf night, beach day and at last the stay up all night sleepover at the gym! The girls again were excited as always to go to Acting Out camp. The first week was more new campers and they were some of the older ones but got to share all their experience since they used to be the youngest. 

    Then Mom and Dad went out for a weekend to celebrate Dani's 50th. It was more like a luxurious wedding event in the wine caves, all being catered too on a party bus and delicious dinner. Meanwhile Cienna went for an amazing experience in Irvine for ASB camp. Kaylee spent time with the Marshalls till we all got back home.

    After mom coached soccer at Arena Soccer Parks with Steph for the first time in a long time, the girls made plans with their gym team to see the Barbie movie together. It was great that they all made it and then carpooled for Devynn's middle school graduation party. Next day we had more great food BBQing at the Marshall's and the Marshman's had a cake bake off. We all won this time!

    Next plans included a sleepover with the Waters. Makeup, movies, a great breakfast with homemade whipped cream. Cienna went with buddies to the HB surf classic and enjoyed it so much that she wanted us all to go the next weekend. Bunch of SWAG and she won the Hook Toss and got $50 worth of stuff that was for Mom.

    We all brought back Friday Night Lights with biking around with our light up jackets and waving to neighbors preceding the next week of Acting Out for the girls. The week was like a friends reunion over all the years they've been at the camp. Was the biggest camp ever, and almost all of their buddies over the last 7 years were there. They had a very memorable experience as always and shined on stage during the Friday showcase!

    Shortly after, meaning right after the girls went to gym for a few hours, we all set off on a road trip up north to surprise RJ for his 50th birthday. We planned for a stop halfway at Harris Ranch. Had a great night sleep and then after an awesome breakfast we had fun in the pool before finishing our road trip and first surprising cousins. Then surprising RJ by picking him up after a long morning of golf. Afterward heading back to the Natal's for more surprise guests and many racks of ribs and all the sides. Grammy, then Auntie Carrie, followed by the other McFarlands. Let the party happen! Park and play for the kids as well as adults including game play "Sword Fish". : ) Then Dessert!!

    Lake Berryessa was planned for the next day. RJ is absolutely as amazing as ever on a wakeboard! The girls got to go tubing on one huge tube behind the speed boat. They also wake boarded for the first time ever and had a blast.  Mom and Dad had so much fun as well. Think it's not the last time for us going.

Check out the photos:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/t6yM36mcu6PoBRAY8        

So excited to see what's next for the last of our summer fun! Kaylee has WEB training for three days. Which means she gets to learn what to do for 6th grade orientation since she is in 8th grade already. Cienna has her first DMV appointment on the 29th coming up to get her drivers permit.  Than we get to see the new Mario movie in the park soon. Super excited for that! Soon after that school starts! First day of 8th grade for Kaylee and first day of being a sophomore for Cienna!

Cienna - 15 Years 6 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years 1 Month Old!

There is no end to the fun and never ending excitement from last month! This month could be a novel in itself and would be easier to make bullet points, but it was just too amazing. Not a short read!

Dad took us girls to LAX to start our vacation adventures. Girls were off to Cincinnati to join their team for this years gymnastics Nationals competition. Unfortunately Dad couldn't make it, but we tried to keep him informed the whole week!

Ohio Day 1: We actually landed in Kentucky since the airport is just a few miles short of Ohio/Cincinnati. We hadn't booked a rental car but got a great deal due to a very kind Avis employee on a Dodge Charger which was one of the very last cars available. Our first hotel was downtown and we arrived late at night hoping to get to a grocery store for dinner. Being in a new city and a smelly parking garage Mom walked to the store and barely got there by the time it closed. Did make it back and we all had a relaxing dinner in our hotel room while face time with dad and a good nights sleep before the next day in which we got to go the the main hotel which we would be staying with the whole team for the rest of the week.

Ohio Day 2: Checked out the area of the new hotel then took a walk in the daytime downtown in the area which we had stayed and were going to be spending for the Nationals gymnastics event. We went to the Convention Center and Fountain Square. Girls found an offbeat Acai bowl/smoothie place called Better Blend for lunch that was pretty delicious. We walked around the University of Cincinnati while showing Daddy over the phone before heading to dinner nearby the hotel.

Ohio Day 3: We all went to the hotel gym in the morning waiting for other teammates to arrive and to get some exercise. We were found by some new arrivals including Coach Denise and Coach George. Devynn had also gotten there and we had planned to go on a cool Riverboat excursion between Kentucky and Ohio. We learned quite a bit of history and saw how different the two sides were and how they each developed. Many more friends arrived that evening and they all spent some time in the pool. Unfortunately there were also many delayed and canceled flights for others.

Ohio Day 4: Cienna and Kaylee and the rest of the optionals got to go check in at the gymnastics event before a quick practice and testing out all of the equipment that they would be competing on the following day. Later that day was the opening ceremony where they all walked in as a group with every competing gymnast for the event. It included many keynote speakers including Shannon Miller. The speeches were followed by a show from local circus performers. After the opening ceremonies most of those who had already arrived went to a fun pizza dinner near our hotel before heading to bed to rest for the next day's competition.

Ohio Day 5: It was a great competition. The girls had a lot of fun. Cienna competed in the Championship level (9/10) and Kaylee did level 8. They both made it to the finals the next day and really enjoyed cheering on each other and all of their teammates. It was a long day of gymnastics and we all got together in the lobby for dinner.

Ohio Day 6: Was fun for the girls to get to compete for the second day in a row. While supporting Lucy in her Level 5 competition, Cienna got to compete in the event finals for Bars and Beam and ended up getting All American status for her All Around placement which was rewarded with a special jacket. Her team also won 1st place in the competition for that level! Kaylee was the 1st place National champion on Floor and ended up in 4th All around in her session. The day ended at almost midnight but the team still rallied for some ice cream and winding down together in the lobby knowing that the level 4's were competing the next morning.

Ohio Day 7: The final day we watched the Level 4's have a blast working their way through the competition and enjoying it the whole time. Then we went with Francesca, Keira, and parents to use our Culver's ice cream gift cards that were given to us for the event before hopping on the street car to see what more downtown had to offer. We walked across a bridge to Kentucky and found some well engineered parks that we all had fun figuring out. The Reds game was just letting out as well so there was some big time people watching. It was a great time to wind down and relax before the flight home. After all the troubles with flights, we luckily flew off without a hitch and we had a light show on the way. We watched an incredible 20 or more minutes worth of non-stop lightning as we took off, we'd never seen anything like it and were glad that it was off in the direction that we were not flying. We were all so tired, but happy to see dad when he picked us up at the airport.

Back to work and gymnastics the next few days. As well as a Swedish Midsummer's holiday for Cienna at Julia's before we were off for such and incredible vacation to Costa Rica with our new passports in hand.

Costa Rica Day 1: Arriving in Liberia airport was easy the transport to our first destination of Arenal was like our first excursion viewing all the beautiful landscape and the driver even reversed in the road to show us our first of many monkey's "hanging" out (a family of Howler monkeys). We arrived at the volcano resort, felt like celebrities, toured the location, then were shown to our room that had an inside hot tub and the best view of the Arenal Volcano ever. The Marty's and Poppa arrived shortly after and we enjoyed the pool and hot springs! There was an amazing storm all night which made for a great next day with clear skies.

Costa Rica Day 2: In the morning the nine of us left for our first excursion in the rain forest for a 3 mile hike full of animals and hanging bridges with our tour guide Gabriel. After a big morning we did some relaxing in the pool since we had another excursion planned that evening to go to a nearby reptile reserve and preserved rain forest owned by a local family where we saw many frogs, spiders, fish, steaming fungus, plenty of flying termites, and even a sloth before being served a delicious homemade dinner and listening to a great young pianist as entertainment.

Costa Rica Day 3: More Excitement with ziplining along the countries longest and fastest zipline. There were 7 in all. We took the Skyline gondola on a 15 minute ride up and then 6 of us zipped down at crazy speeds, but at some length to get to look around to see the birds and other animals flying around on your way to the abrupt stop! That evening was a special excursion at the resort made for us. A local family and local chef at the resort had a cooking lesson for their local meals and traditions for us to learn and enjoy. We also got to eat it afterward and it was great. We think they're going to make it a regular excursion for other guests as well.

Costa Rica Day 4: Off to the next adventure we took transportation 6 hrs to Manuel Antonio, our next resort. On the way we stopped off at the crocodile bridge, Tarcoles. There were a few crocodiles waiting to eat whoever was thrown over next. We arrived at our next place which had an elevator that opened up straight into our suite.

Costa Rica Day 5: So, we had breakfast with monkeys. There were more than a dozen having a great time scoping out who was going to drop the next bit of food. Then, horseback riding! Running, galloping, through rivers, rain forest, stopping at and jumping in whirlpools, before heading back! The horses were beautiful and so were the smiles on the girls faces. Back at the resort we trekked to the private beach and watched crazy high tide beat us against the rocks, then enjoyed the hot tub in the rain.

Costa Rica Day 6: After the nights rain made for a beautiful waterfall! We went next to the Nauyaca waterfall Nature Park. Started with an hour bus ride, then a tractor taking us through roads that no other vehicle could mange, followed by a nature hike, swim in the natural waterfall pool from the largest point, with some smaller jumping points and a fruit snack which we learned how to cut to make at home. Then Cienna, Daddy, Trevor, and Mike went to concur the 33ft. jump. The hardest part was getting to the top of the rock to jump. They did AMAZING! Cienna may have taken a couple tour guides down and ripped a shirt, but at the end of it all they jumped and were all exhilarated by the experience! After the excitement we all finally got to hang out in our room and play a really fun game called "Code Names" that Ashley brought.

Costa Rica Day 7: We headed on foot nearby in search of some souvenirs after breakfast. We found a cool sign to give Poppa for his Cabana to remember the trip. White faced monkeys came for lunch that day before we all headed out on a boat to learn about and experience the Mangrove trees. More white faced monkeys (cannibals') joined us on the boat, but were harmless. We saw a new part of Costa Rica as well as some Pelicans near where the river and the ocean met and some Toucans on the ride back to the resort.

Costa Rica Day 8: Another travel day to Flamingo where we were to stay at Margaritaville. One souvenir shop stop on the way. Ending in a more relaxing state with an all inclusive pass to food and drink. We took in the views and dinner and some fun playing corn hole after the drive.

Costa Rica Day 9: After a delicious breakfast we had our first encounter with Rocket/Swiper racoon that we aren't sure if it's pretending, but seemed to only have 3 legs working. He liked to go through peoples stuff, but also lounge around like he was one of the tourists! We spent some time boogie boarding at the beach before heading off on a breathtaking sunset cruise that included snorkeling with blowfish, eels, octopus, and other sea life. Then a double rainbow, no rain, and an incredible sunset! Let's take this moment to mention that the weather was 100% on our side the entire trip!

Costa Rica Day 10: We set out in the morning with the resort photographer. We didn't necessarily plan attire, but made it work regardless. She was great and picked great lighting for the event! We spent the rest of the day relaxing at the pool before our Italian restaurant dinner reservations for the evening! Even though it was a small space, they were able to put all 9 of us together. We gave Poppa his sign that we picked up and enjoyed each other for the last night together.

Costa Rica Day 11: Breakfast Iguana's this time. Iguana's on the order of a few feet and some small monkeys that we'd say looked like squirrels. After saying goodbye to Poppa and the Marty's, the airport was close and easy and we were on our way home!

Check out the VLOG Cienna put together outlining the whole trip!!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLckY4KvwM4DIMie9-0-ESWI3Ha-WpAbZp

Back to work and some gymnastics as well as Cienna had ASB workshop and a lot of catching up for her summer school PE. Then Kaylee got her hair cut for the first time by someone other than her mom for curtain bangs before going to a fun summer birthday/poor/BBQ party for her buddy Zeke. Cienna also then decided to trim her hair by mom that weekend. The girls finished this month heading to their favorite camp of the summer, "Acting Out".

I did not capture it all, but it was a lot and super amazing. There are more pictures and videos than can be handled!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/UnZp7bWuCzcGhj2S6