Cienna - 16 Years 7 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 14 Years 2 Month Old!

After the amazing vacations, we figured relaxing and doing nothing was the way to go.... didn't happen so much. Maybe a little. The final showcase for the girls Acting Out Camp started it all off. They had such a great time and are now the old timers in the camp even though Kaylee originally was let in before meeting the minimum age! Sadie came to town which warranted a "all in" one gym and sibling sleepover at our house! Lots of games, smores, food and fun. Some sleep.... Next day of course, Cienna had another sleepover with best buds from school. She even got layers in her hair, curliness is amazing. Of course free doughnuts, and Local Grinds in the morning.

Cienna had her first of two weeks of ASB workshops, in the middle of which we all went to San Diego for a Level 9/10 Region 1 Gymnastics camp. Also took that opportunity to hang out with the Sklenicka's! They were awesome enough to put us up for the night as well as feed us! We had so much fun catching up and the camp was a great opportunity to learn and win the dance competition! Cienna stood up her double full and Kaylee made her front full/front full. They both did their release moves on bars after a while of not practicing those skills.

Mom got to go to work a couple days at 3am during the weekend, but it was pretty fun and a good experience. Learned more about astronomy and got to solve problems. Clara came over for some painting. The end result of what Cienna and her accomplished was remarkable.

Cienna went to Irvine for a team building ASB camp. Ropes course, hikes, camp fire plays, and good food. Kaylee got her nails done by Ashley as we are learning to do are own while accumulating all the stuff to make it happen. Way less expensive and more fun than the nail salon.

Gym sleepover started the girls next weekend with no sleep before heading to San Diego again. Mom brought them half way to meet up with Shirly (Marshall's Grandma) who brought them to their home in Del Mar Heights for a weekend of pool time, good food, San Diego Zoo, sunsets, hikes, and so much more. They're already planning on the same trip together next summer.

Next preparation for upcoming school orientations and spirit wear sales. The Optionals also convinced Coach George to bring them onto the very high YMCA gymnastics center roof to watch the sunset all together. There were some good pictures, some questionable ladder climbing, and of course some handstand pictures involved!

The annual team gymnastics award ceremony and following dinner and pool party was the next hit. The girls and their team got their All American jackets, personalized rings, and matching Nike shoes to wear to competitions along with their awards for the other accomplishments of the season!

We wanted to end the blog month with a pretzel festival in Huntington Beach, but when we arrived it seemed as if there was no end in sight of the entry line. So we made our own pretzel excursion to BJ's. It was delicious and fun to all be together for the afternoon!

Photos and videos are pretty good with animal and sunset shots as well as one of Mark in lederhosen.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/4mukT4FvA8x4HTV67

Cienna - 16 Years 6 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 14 Years 1 Month Old!

Didn't think it could be more than last month. Let's go! Pre Nationals gym good luck practice. More time with Grammy, including a trip to Altar Society with Mark. She bid us farewell and we took of down the street for first stop from LGB to Chicago. Enjoyed each other in the airport for hours then got to Philly! We were quite later than expected, but got a blue Jeep for the week. After a couple hours of sleep the girls had their first equipment touch in the morning. This was followed by a fun opening ceremony including Dance party, great speakers, and Coach George entering the Dad's dance competition in front of everyone and WON!

Next day was the girls All around competition. They had a great time and both qualified in all four events the following day.  We spent the time before the event finals in downtown with Water's and Donlon's. Rocky Steps, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, then Reading Terminal for food. Full of history and good food. The Event finals went great, the Champion level that the girls competed got first place team award, both girls got titled All American for being in the top 8 All around of their division. We celebrated with an ice cream party with all teammates in the hotel lobby! Off to NY! 

We definitely made the most out of our time on the East Coast with help from others that have been there since it was our first time. We got there Mon. evening and walked to Central Park, met up with gym friends, got halfway through and came back to hotel in Manhattan with view of Time Square, then all went to Juniors for dinner for the best Cheesecake. Ventured Time Square for a Messi birthday parade and some break dancing. Ended at the M&M factory before bed and a big next day.

Subway to Stanton Island Ferry for view of Statue of Liberty, walk to World Trade Center via Wall Street with Water's and had lunch at Stage Door Pizza, World Trade Center guided Tour! Highly recommended. Subway back up to Empire States Building all the way up to the 102nd floor. Saw Maddison Square Garden, cruised through Rockefeller Center, and Radio City, then happen to catch a Broadway show "Wicked" a hop skip and a jump from our hotel! It was beautifully done and so much fun. Ended the evening with Time Square and ice cream at Carvels before heading back to Philadelphia to catch a plane ride home. Was fun to have the Water's with us on the first half of the flight.

Home for a day, love on the puppies, and lots of laundry. Kaylee also somehow got her nails redone. While Cienna was embarking on a full year of Spanish in one month of summer school during all that was to come. Back to LGB heading to Texas this time. We were all super excited to see Auntie Bridget who brought us to a delicious dinner, then to her Houston home, and the NASA Space Center the next day getting to witness and explore exciting space history before heading out to her other property/home in San Leon. There, we were greeted by Cousin Lexi and Rene. Luckily they were vacationing as well and we all got to hang out together for the evening which we cruised the cute little town in Bridget's' golf cart and tour via Troy.

Next morning we were off to Port of Galveston for our departure on The Harmony of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruise with Poppa and the Marty's for another 8 days of incredible adventure! We got a little sidetracked from the plan, so no Honduras due to hurricane Beryl. Headed straight to Cozumel. After meeting up with the fam, an incredible Ice performance, and late night welcome party. We had an unexpected party at an upstairs restaurant overlooking the ocean, before the excursion, but there were margaritas for Poppa and we got to walk down and see iguanas. The Glass Bottom boat excursion was incredible! Star fish, fun, and snorkeling! Finishing with the boys at Senior Frogs.

Can't explain how many things happened. Volley Ball, Pickle Ball, Zip Lining, Rock Climbing, 8 story dry slide, water slides, more incredible shows such as Greece musical, slack line aquatics show with tight rope. Family time at dinner was a big highlight as well! It was great being all together. The servers were super personal and even did magic tricks.

Continuing through the adventure, we then went to Costa Maya and learned a lot about the Mayan Ruins. Great tour guide and experience. More on the boat was Flow Rider Wake boarding, dancing, parades, celebrating, a silent dance party was a first for most of us, astonishing performances every night, chilling by the pool, belly flop contests, and exercise classes. We entered in a scavenger pool hunt as a family and won! We'll keep that trophy for sure. We earned it and had the other passengers on board to help.

Back in Galveston we docked in the morning and got picked up by Auntie Bridget. It was a beautiful day we cruise around San Leon again and had delicious Tex Mex while deciding whether to stay there or head back to Houston since our flight the next morning was delayed due to Hurricane Beryl. It was the calm before the storm for sure. Apparently we didn't have enough excitement over the month. We all had a first experience of a full blown hurricane! Thanks to Bridget, we were all safe and headed back to the airport in the evening.

After all the unforgettable experiences we were ready for a little time at home. Due to the weather, there were a few more complications before getting back home such as boarding and de-boarding and re-boarding because of one thing or another, but then we got back to LBG, walked home and got a little sleep.

We were all happy to get to have Lula the next week, and of course the girls scheduled a sleepover with the Water's that weekend. Week following Cienna got her cartilage pierced, and Kaylee got her second phase of braces. Dad went to a Galaxy game with the Bakx, mom looked at stars with a huge telescope at work and the last week the girls got to go to Acting Out camp for the 8th year in a row!

Exhausted....

Lots of great pictures and thanks to all for helping with such an incredible month!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/4DYTEvv7vFKAjD4E7

Cienna - 16 Years 5 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 14 Years Old!

Knock down crazy month. "Blast from the past" gymnastics meet first. San Diego, Girls had a late Sunday night. With School the next morning. Highlights included bringing Clara and having lunch together as well as both Cienna and Kaylee doing their big bar releases for the first time in competition!

Music in the air was beautiful. It was great to have Cienna next to Lexi and listen to them sing. We then had a sleepover with Ash and the Water's. They made some great videos together as always that are worth watching. Then a beach day with more gym buddies!

Memorial Day was spent at the Bakx. Swimming and BBQ to start and then end the month. Dad and Roman and dad a fun time together at a LA Galaxy game. Then came Y State. We may have had to bring some of our equipment which included a bar rail. Adding to the fun is that we got to see the Sklenickas again.  Cienna even found time to finish her designing and fixing her guitar.

Cienna got to go to Liv's 16 at the beach. Then Kaylee melted all our emotions with all honors in music vocal assemble, jazz band and advanced chorus and band! 8th graders got to go to CSULB for a party with music, dance and, bowling. Cienna also got awards for high school gymnastics as one of the Moore League Champion team members.

Mom and Kaylee for both of their first time got Gel X nails what ever that is. Then Kaylee happened to have an 8th grade banquet which only some of the class was invited. Kaylee got All A's and E's continuing since Kinder getting a special gold cord for promotion, pink cord for music, and a trophy for student of the year for P.E.

Then the last lunch on the lawn, and the bigger event was Porter's Birthday : )

**** 8th Grade Promotion**** Just can't again. We are so proud!

It couldn't be because it was the beginning of summer or Porter's birthday, but the we know the Woodside's TP'd our house that night. Next night Keira and Kaylee made their own party after gym on Friday. Then Saturday came...Kaylee's 14th!

2nd and PCH Photo Scavenger Hunt! 5 groups of 3 and they all had to find some pretty extravagant pictures to bring back after the hunt. They all played games, had food, saw each others pictures, rocked out to their own music, then ate ice cream cake. Oh and in the meantime got a surprise visit from Grammy!

Best Dad Ever! Father's Day was fun starting at home with cutting watermelon which we forgot to bring to the Ferrario party.  Didn't matter, we got to drive the Bronco, and there was too much fun and such great food. Grammy led the band and Daddy had the best Rydman Swan Dive. Such a great atmosphere with all the amazing people that we appreciate letting us all being a part of their family. We later then got more BBQ for dinner!

Shopping Spree for the girls with Grammy was first.... the first one. We all got a new living room rug and the girls both got spoiled. While we went to gym for the girls Nationals Good Luck practice/party,  Dad and Grammy went to to the Altar Society brewing company which used to be a Masonic Temple and it's the oldest standing building in LB since 1903. Then a second shopping adventure including a table cloth and so much else including memories that will last! All followed by a long dog walk. The dogs had fun too!

We're off to Nationals and vacations...more about that next month.  Enjoy the pictures!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/AXoBrjWotXbtmYck6 

Cienna - 16 Years 4 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years 11 Months Old!

Like college is around the corner, Cienna went on a tour of all of the San Diego schools with her Quest buddies. It was a whirlwind trip leaving at 5am and coming back the next day by 4pm. Not only did they get tours of all campuses but also fit in a trip to the zoo. Then got back in time to compete for Millikan gymnastics. Yes, she hadn't planned on it, but both Cienna and Francesca were asked by the Coach to please compete. It was an interesting dilemma, but they competed and had a great time. Next up was first mock test/review for AP World History exam.

We used a somewhat free weekend to do some gardening, yardwork, remembering how to play catch, and painting our address numbers on the sidewalk. We also took the dogs to the dog park in the Bronco for Roaklee's Birthday.

Cienna then had her Spring Concert Performance before dad's Birthday weekend at Brewfest. Mom got to meet up with Darcie at a local City College to watch Erik/Bubby compete for SRJC in diving! Was great to watch and hang out with Darcie as always. Dad had a great birthday weekend hanging with Uncle Joe and Jeff, missed Roman who was off on a European adventure.

Cienna then had the Moore league finals for Millikan gymnastics. They came out as champions and had fun with all the other teams. Then after Cienna came back from Ava's Birthday party Kaylee and Mommy were fixing a sprinkler which ended up in a mud throwing event which Cienna got the brunt of. We also had our first big crop of blueberries. So good! We have two plants which are both different but delicious in their own ways.

Kaylee's last music event of her middle school years (Arts in the Air) was so fun to watch. We can't believe middle school is coming to an end.

The last weekend we enjoyed celebrating Archer's 1st Birthday party at Sierra and Robbie's home. Amazing to think back when Sierra was 3 at our wedding. Time goes by way too fast.

Luckily we got more time with the Ferrario's since they still invite us over for Mother's day. We took the Bronco again and had a great brunch. Cienna had been working hard to re-make a guitar that we got from a thrift store and made it her own with custom decorations.

Kaylee then went on her 8th grade field trip to experience the band music workshop with the Disneyland conductor who is super great with the kids and loves jokes and his job! Mom was lucky enough to chaperone and enjoy the fun learning experience!

Cienna got invited to Shawna's Confirmation and it also happen to be combined with many other friends. Dad also went on a beach bike ride with Roman, JB, Sean, Franklin, and Brett along the beach.

This next month is crazy already without even happening, so..... 

Not worth a mention, but we did buy Cookies and Cream Ice Cream which turned out to actually be French Vanilla.

Check out all the pics and videos:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/KDAgu2m6AvJFHMMe7

Cienna - 16 Years 3 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years 10 Months Old!

Mom's Bday started early at 6:30 heading to San Diego with the family for the girls USAG State meet. The meet was supposed to be in Long Beach, unfortunately changed to San Diego. Made for a long but fun day, four gymnastics sessions. We got an open session during lunch where we met up with the Sklenicka's at Coronado Brewery. We even got some cool rain before heading back to the gym. We got home about midnight. Both girls qualified for Regionals. Mom got made some ice cream to celebrate before everyone hit the sack!

The next week Dad got to meet up with the Payne's at Downtown Disney for dinner and then go with Larry, Roman, and Mike for an Angel/Dodger game celebrating Larry's Birthday! Mom Got to chaperone Kaylee's Music field trip to Knott's that week also. Was a very fun day for all. That evening the gym celebrated Coach George's Birthday.

Then it was Peta's Sweet 16 that Cienna went to at her house before we all dyed some eggs getting ready for Easter morning. And what a great Easter it was getting to share with so many friends! We started at home with a morning egg hunt and baskets. We didn't need a breakfast knowing all the delicious food ahead. Next went to the Ferrario's for our first feast of the day. Also we got to meet all the new animals at Cobi and Bri's home, as well of a tour from Sierra and Robbie's new home! It's amazing to be invited into such an amazing family!

For an early dinner we headed back home since Auntie Kimmie went back to dinner foods this year and she never ceases to amaze with all the yummy dishes. There was another egg hunt with all the kids. They all came to play on the trampoline while the eggs were hidden. Cienna found the Big Bunny Egg this year! Many games were played and we got to go home with leftovers for the week.

Spring Break! We had a little time to get stuff done around the house before all the friend hang out planning began. After gym on Monday the girls headed to the Water's house for a sleepover and while Mom and Dad worked they got to go to the snow for some Spring Sledding thanks to Rocky making it happen. They ended up coming back just in time for gym that day!

Straight after Practice Cienna went for another sleepover with Julia. They went to Marshall to watch the sunset, do some baking, and enjoyed the time they had together. We then finally got around to getting some plants for the garden. We succeeded in spending time together planting all the fruits and vegetables. We ventured out with the berries this year!

Spring Break ended with a 6 girl sleepover consisting of the 3 Musketeers, Cienna, Lexie, and Julia. Was just the 3 then they enlisted Lexie and Julia! Lot's of food, fun, and laundry!

Last weekend this month was the Regional's gymnastics meet. It was in Ontario (Southern Ca. hosted this year) Both girls did Amazing. We spent a lot of time in Ontario. Kaylee was the first of her team to compete. She nailed it. Placed in everything and got Second All Around in the Region that includes 4 States. Cienna had her best bar routine of the season and also medaled! They had a great time competing and supporting all their other teammates in their individual age group sessions In between Mom and the girls had some time together for an amazing lunch and adventuring at the Ontario Mills Outlets. Meanwhile, after dad supported both Kaylee and Cienna for their competitions, he represented for all of us at Roman's 55th Decades party at their home with music, fun, and crazy!

Cienna then left at 5:45am with her sophomore Quest pathway group on an adventure to tour San Diego Colleges, be with friends, and make memories that last forever.

Love all the times! Look forward to every day having each other, and seeing what comes next!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/3juateEfBVyQvuWv5

Cienna - 16 Years 2 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years 9 Months Old!

Great friends organized a late "Galentines" for Cienna the weekend before Presidents Day. That night after gym the girls made dream boards as the first fun event leading up to Nationals come the end of June. Dad and Mom got to bring Kaylee Togo's for 8th grade lunch on the lawn to end the week before another fun weekend.

Planned a visit with Scott after way to long and all went to the PotHolder for breakfast. We all loved hanging out and catching up. The next day the girls got up early with Mom to come assistant coach the Level 4/5 girls at a gym meet in Lake Elsinore. It was a quick drive with great company. Selena drove and Kaylee did her first French braid on Emery for her competition. It turned out pretty awesome.

The gym got a visit from Nanette Barragán (U.S. House California District 44) and took plenty of pictures and even talked with the optionals. Had a well needed 3 Musketeers visit, followed by a family game night. Cienna and Dad went to a Lakewood Hall of Fame event which featured the Lakewood gymnastics team for their Nationals win where Cienna got to be their spokesperson! She was praised by everyone and deserved it! 

Cienna took her last driving lesson, Kaylee did 8th grade panorama pics. Next up was Heart of The Champions. It was both of their first Level 9 USAG gymnastics competition. They did amazing and had many first accomplishments. Getting to not hold back on tumbling passes and other skills that are above the Level 8 requirements. 

Just before Cienna's driver's test she had fun celebrating her friend Steph's 16 at El Dorado park with a great variety of food!

Then on March 4th, Mom and Cienna had a great time full of anticipation at the DMV. We found our way through pretty easy and had fun sitting and waiting in the Test line wondering which Tester she was going to end up with. She didn't need anyone in particular because she's a pretty great "beginner" driver. Needless to say, she passed! 

Mom and Dad are still nervous about the others on the road. But, Cienna is rightfully so, a licensed driver. It's scary and weird, but she knows to make sure and get experience on roads she is comfortable with to look out for others. Although she took extra hour long practices on the freeway!

Cienna's buddy down the street, Addy's 16th was next which was at the same time as Erin hosted a party for Mom's friend Minda also just a block away. After gym that Friday, we walked together, had fun with friends, then walked back.

Kaylee's Musical performances came the next week as well as the first time Cienna drove alone. She even drove her sister home after dad dropped her off at gym practice after the musical run through. Mom and Dad watched the Thursday performance, and Cienna joined for the Friday.

Next Gym competition was in San Diego.  It was the "State Games" at Toby Wells. We were very happy to get to spend time with the Sklenicka's! We met for lunch after we supported/coached the level 4/5's and before Cienna and Kaylee competed. Great food and company. In case anyone was wondering Kaylee got a soft pretzel! Just after the girls had a great competition. Funny that the meet did not have a high bar tall enough for Clara originally, but we worked it out. There were overall some great accomplishments physically and emotionally from the last meet at the same location!

Then St. Patrick's weekend.  Mark had Roman over for a full day of brewing for upcoming Birthday and homebrew festival events. Was great to have Roman's cousin Misha and Courtney join. Cienna went to volunteer for a Car Show fundraiser for her Child Cancer Club with a few of her friends. Meanwhile mom took the Bronco for some errands before picking her up, then the Waters came over for more entertainment. St. Patrick's day we made plans with The Marshalls. Made Corned Beef, Buffalo New potatoes, and the Marshalls brought delicious salad mixings and some mint Oreo cookie ice cream! The girls also wet around the neighborhood to find lemons to make Leprechaun Pee. (Delicious Lemonade)

Enjoy the photos and videos

https://photos.app.goo.gl/7Jg3mZZU2qoBRa6SA

Cienna - 16 Years 1 Month Old! ... Kaylee - 13 Years 8 Months Old!

Both girls had a great time at the Great Destinations competition. First one of the season and both walked away with 1st place all-around! The next day, we have a 16 year old. But the coolest part is that we couldn't be more proud of Cienna. We had a great day together riding bikes along the beach, getting smoothies, dinner at CPK followed by ice cream!

Mom got to hang with friends for an evening to celebrate Selena, then most of that week was spent preparing for Cienna's birthday party. She has always had such fun party ideas and lucky enough to have parents that help make them happen. Ended up with a 15 passenger van after plenty of trips to LBX to make sure that happened since one friend awesomely was able to come which made the 12 passenger with too few seats : ) After some window painting on the van we all headed off to Mt. Baldy for some incredible views, super cool waterfall hiking and climbing, Togo's picnic, and just a lot of laughing and rocking out to good music. It wasn't quiet in the van, but we wouldn't want it any other way.

Cienna got a lot of support including Clara, Julia, and others for her duet with Francesca at schools Backstage Bistro. They did an incredible mash up of Rumor Has It and Someone Like You. Totally volunteer school event putting themselves out there and nailed it.

Dad then got a chance to visit the main Menlo Park campus of Meta. He got spoiled with all the amenities, but we were a bit disappointed that he didn't take advantage of the free mani/pedi.

Mom then drove up north to Vera's home in Berkeley. It's pretty great to know that even if you don't see your high school buddies everyday, they're always there for you. Just saying, the food was great. The company was the best! We had a super muddy but beautiful hike and a lot of catching up.

Meanwhile back in Long Beach Dad took Cienna for pictures in Seal Beach and dinner at an Irish restaurant with buddies before her Winter Formal. Cienna even let Kaylee put mascara on for the occasion. The dance was in San Pedro at "Crafted". 

We got the pleasure of doggy sitting Lula, Kaylee went to Zach's Movie night Birthday party and the girls finally got their new leotards that their team designed before the 2nd meet of the season. We headed to Ontario. It happened to be Super Bowl Sunday. And the 49ers were in it. At the exact time that the girls were competing. What to do...... We actually recorded it and managed to keep our ears and eyes away from all broadcasting. OK, so most importantly the girls had another successful competition. And then we got home and made delicious super bowl snacks and watched it 3 hours later than everyone else. Still completely enjoyed the game (although the outcome) and our time together!

We completely finalized the Bronco for road ready! A couple of trips to AAA and one to the DMV besides the time spent at ACA (local mechanics). Smogged and ready to go. Kaylee even enjoyed driving it without stalling once. On that note Cienna has her drivers test scheduled and has been practicing every time she gets the chance. 

Honorable mention, Cienna did a beach clean up to end the month.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DYT4wrzQVYuWNFzv7