On the road again to an fantastic time with family! First stop was the Natal's. They are always so welcoming and we all had fun talking the night away. Then the girls came down shortly after going to bed exclaiming that the littlest lost a tooth. So Grace decided that bedtime with cousins was the best time to pull that tooth out. The next morning Uncle and Auntie went for a Trot and we spent more time with cousins before heading to The Marty's to unpack for a couple of days. Shortly after us, The Marty's, Poppa, and The Natal's met back up at a great performance of the Little Mermaid put on by the SRJC. Afterward we all treated ourselves for a late lunch at the new Bear Republic in Rohnert Park. We had a great evening at the Marty's then let them sleep in a bit and went for a walk around their neighborhood. After a wonderful breakfast we all went to play miniature gulf at Scandia to get out of the house and into the rain : ) We spent the rest of the day enjoying family and smoking a tri-tip before waking up a little earlier to our first ThanksChristmasMorning.
Later that afternoon we headed out to Kenwood to let the girls stake their claim of what was left of Poppa's property. They had heard so much about the fire and were so curious and awe struck once we let them see. They kept some cool memorabilia that we have set in our backyard. That evening we headed to the Payne's house to do some hiking out their backyard and spend time together before going to Grammy and Grandpa's house for the night.
We spent most of the next morning relaxing as Grammy taught the girls a Ukulele and hula performance to show the next day when family came for Thanksgiving Day. That evening Grammy and Grandpa spoiled the girls as Mommy and Daddy met up with Abbey and Shaun for some drinks and dinner in downtown SR. It was so great to see them even if we didn't get to see the kids this time.
Thanksgiving Day Poppa, The Marty's, Natal's, McFarland's, Chris and Ryli, and other family friends got to spend time together! It was our first time meeting a new cousin Ryli and the girls had a lot of fun together. The following morning we did another ThanksChristmasMorning enjoying everyone's company including the rest of the McFarland clan. After being spoiled with gifts, we all took a walk to help out the nearby neighborhood that had be ruined by fire by spreading wildflowers in burnt but thriving areas. The girls mentioned how much it meant to them to be able to help any way that they could.
Then came our road trip back home, but we had a little time and decided to stay at Harris Ranch for some Rydman time. The girls loved the adventure and getting to play in the pool and Hot Tub with Daddy while Mommy watched and held Porter. It was nice to only have to go the other half of the way home on Saturday to have some time to unpack and get ready for the next week of school.
Now it was time for Christmas decorating, but first Kaylee got to be in the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade with her Brownie Troop. All our outdoor lighting looks amazing thanks to the girls and Daddy! We even took a drive to make sure and do a Choose and Cut Christmas tree this year. The girls brought it in the house themselves after Mommy and Daddy made it secure and cleaned up in its stand. We took some time decorating it throughout the following week during the nights that we had a little time. It's always fun to take time checking out the past ornaments that we have all gotten or made.
The next week at school Kaylee had an amazing field trip to LBState to see their production of White Christmas, which we have watched, and loved as a family, on TV. Then Cienna said goodbye to her student teachers with a party that the class had planned and help with a gift planned by Mommy.
Then all the practicing at gymnastics for the Holiday Show was upon us. Started with rehearsals then came the big day. The girls were fantastic in two shows that they had to do that day. Both girls got to do a solo routine in the second show of the day. Cienna on floor, and Kaylee on beam.
Finally Daddy got us all to understand the amazement of a train and convinced us to buy a new one at a local train store to ride around our Christmas tree, replacing the childhood one that we could no longer buy replacement parts for. Once we completed the train set-up, Mommy had a great YMCA gymnastics staff dinner at Lucille's.
Highlights of the following week included a Holiday Performance by Cienna and her Chorus then, our Team Gymnastics Holiday party, and immediately followed by Mommy and Me Party for Kaylee's Brownie Troop. We spent most of last Sunday together, then Daddy planned an awesome day with Brandon, Larry, Jerry, and Roman which Larry was gracious to host. The girls went to Barnes and Nobles and Pizza Rev in the mean time. Then next day was fun caroling in the neighborhood with Cienna's Junior Troop.
Both of the girls highlights from the month after asking them were... "All of it!
More fun and time to appreciate the things we have is upon us. Enjoy the pictures.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/R3lRCDf3L4kwpyTy1
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Friday, November 17, 2017
Cienna - 9 Years, 10 Months... Kaylee - 7 Years, 5 Months!
We certainly made the most of Halloween this year. It got started right off the bat with the school Monster Mash celebration. There were games and treats all around. Luckily Mommy was on top of it and had just finished making the costumes that the girls had designed for the year. We got to make a Peacock and a Deer this year. And the girls made mommy and daddy as peanut butter and jelly. The Bakx re-instated their annual party with plenty of fun and music the next evening for the second chance to dress up. That Sunday the girls really wanted to finally show Daddy how well they have learned roller skating, so we went as a family and had a tremendous time! It took a little while for Daddy to remember, but it's just like riding a bike!
The following week leading up to Halloween weekend was Red Ribbon Week at school. And Mommy and Daddy took a very much anticipated trip to finally get to help Poppa visit his property as soon as we were allowed to assess the damage and help in any way we could. We are lucky to have such wonderful friends. The Marshall's kept the girls in Long Beach with very little interruption to their busy lives for two nights so they didn't miss anything at home and we could focus on helping family. Tom and Peggy Payne graciously came to help sift through the ashes and make it a better experience for all of us. We dropped the girls off at gym on Monday evening to start our drive up North, then came back Wed. evening to bring them back to the gym just in time : ) They missed us, but loved every moment of having a two day play date with their great buddies. The trip was very quick (got a lot done) and was great to get to be there with family.
After we came home more Halloween fun continued with a decked out gymnastics center full of characters and mazes. The next day, after soccer we joined the Chavez's for more food and friends. As we prepared for the actual Halloween, Mommy and Kaylee made Mummy wrapped wieners for daddy to take for his work party and we had a great time getting messy as we carved pumpkins to display on the front porch.
We once again joined the rowdy group of friends on Lanai to parade through the neighborhood and collect candy before leaving them and visiting neighbors on the way home to give away all the candy that the girls had just gotten to the later trick or treat-ers at our door. That week was also parent-teacher conferences at school. They were both very positive and we were re-assured that we have wonderful students as children.
After soccer the next weekend we had planned the Junior troop's very first camping trip... in our backyard! It was a complete success even though it was one of the only nights that it has rained pretty much the whole year. They stayed outside (since it is camping) and made their own pizza's, played lots of games, and just had a great time together. In the morning they had cocoa, and made crepes (finally getting to come in the house from the very wet backyard). At they're girls scout meeting the following week they got to learn about science from Ms. Delaney.
Mommy got an extra full day with the girls since they had the day off school for Veterans Day. They did a great job helping get all the errands done in the morning so they were spoiled, getting to get their nails done, then have frozen yogurt, and working together to build a shoe shelf for themselves to put in the front closet that afternoon before heading to gymnastics.
We had a very busy and fantastic following Saturday. Both girls had their last soccer game of the season and had so much fun before heading to their first (practice) gymnastics meet of the season at their gymnastics center. They both did a tremendous job along with all their teammates. They especially liked bringing home some buddies (Sadie and Shelby) for a play date after the meet that evening. We had Cienna's end of the year soccer party that Sunday, and Kaylee's this past Tuesday. We really enjoyed both teams this season! We are all looking forward to the upcoming holiday and trip up North today to have much desired family time for the upcoming week!
Cienna was very excited to win the most creative/homemade Halloween costume at the gym party, and she deserves it with how much she anticipates designing hers and her parents each year. She has also began some pretty awesome gift making for some of her family to see in the near future. She is continuing to excel at school and is growing like a weed.
Kaylee is keeping all of us in tune with our handball skills and has convinced daddy to let her play against the garage as long as she doesn't dent it. She spent a couple hours coming up with a cute short story that she wrote, edited, corrected, and is now proceeding to type into the computer just for fun.
Till next month.....
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zMkreJhZGzPnJUqa2
The following week leading up to Halloween weekend was Red Ribbon Week at school. And Mommy and Daddy took a very much anticipated trip to finally get to help Poppa visit his property as soon as we were allowed to assess the damage and help in any way we could. We are lucky to have such wonderful friends. The Marshall's kept the girls in Long Beach with very little interruption to their busy lives for two nights so they didn't miss anything at home and we could focus on helping family. Tom and Peggy Payne graciously came to help sift through the ashes and make it a better experience for all of us. We dropped the girls off at gym on Monday evening to start our drive up North, then came back Wed. evening to bring them back to the gym just in time : ) They missed us, but loved every moment of having a two day play date with their great buddies. The trip was very quick (got a lot done) and was great to get to be there with family.
After we came home more Halloween fun continued with a decked out gymnastics center full of characters and mazes. The next day, after soccer we joined the Chavez's for more food and friends. As we prepared for the actual Halloween, Mommy and Kaylee made Mummy wrapped wieners for daddy to take for his work party and we had a great time getting messy as we carved pumpkins to display on the front porch.
We once again joined the rowdy group of friends on Lanai to parade through the neighborhood and collect candy before leaving them and visiting neighbors on the way home to give away all the candy that the girls had just gotten to the later trick or treat-ers at our door. That week was also parent-teacher conferences at school. They were both very positive and we were re-assured that we have wonderful students as children.
After soccer the next weekend we had planned the Junior troop's very first camping trip... in our backyard! It was a complete success even though it was one of the only nights that it has rained pretty much the whole year. They stayed outside (since it is camping) and made their own pizza's, played lots of games, and just had a great time together. In the morning they had cocoa, and made crepes (finally getting to come in the house from the very wet backyard). At they're girls scout meeting the following week they got to learn about science from Ms. Delaney.
Mommy got an extra full day with the girls since they had the day off school for Veterans Day. They did a great job helping get all the errands done in the morning so they were spoiled, getting to get their nails done, then have frozen yogurt, and working together to build a shoe shelf for themselves to put in the front closet that afternoon before heading to gymnastics.
We had a very busy and fantastic following Saturday. Both girls had their last soccer game of the season and had so much fun before heading to their first (practice) gymnastics meet of the season at their gymnastics center. They both did a tremendous job along with all their teammates. They especially liked bringing home some buddies (Sadie and Shelby) for a play date after the meet that evening. We had Cienna's end of the year soccer party that Sunday, and Kaylee's this past Tuesday. We really enjoyed both teams this season! We are all looking forward to the upcoming holiday and trip up North today to have much desired family time for the upcoming week!
Cienna was very excited to win the most creative/homemade Halloween costume at the gym party, and she deserves it with how much she anticipates designing hers and her parents each year. She has also began some pretty awesome gift making for some of her family to see in the near future. She is continuing to excel at school and is growing like a weed.
Kaylee is keeping all of us in tune with our handball skills and has convinced daddy to let her play against the garage as long as she doesn't dent it. She spent a couple hours coming up with a cute short story that she wrote, edited, corrected, and is now proceeding to type into the computer just for fun.
Till next month.....
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zMkreJhZGzPnJUqa2
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Cienna - 9 Years, 9 Months... Kaylee - 7 Years, 4 Months!
The whole month was filled with soccer! At least for the girls which hasn't left Mommy and Daddy a chance to play their games on Saturday very often. They are having wonderful seasons this Fall!
For the beginning of the month, after a pool play date at Kamryn's, we started with Back to School night, getting to visit both of the girls teachers and hear what they have in store for the rest of the school year. Mommy got to join the girls for the book fair when their classes got a chance to go. Then the first weekend Mommy joined Erin and other friends for dinner to celebrate her Birthday. The following week came school picture day already. Then the girls were excited to pick out costumes and head to the fabric store before walking our way down to Ulysses's Birthday Party.
We finally got back to doing a little work on the house, or at least the backyard. Filling in some trees that got blown over and some plants that were trampled by a puppy Porter many years ago. We then went as a family with some friends to watch the Women's LBUSD soccer team beat Hawaii in such a fun game. The girls even got to give hi fives to the players on the field and score a goal during half time! Kaylee then had a fun Brownie meeting the next week before we said goodbye to Daddy as he headed for a long awaited 40th Birthday with AMAZING friends to Colorado for the Great American Beer Festival.
While Daddy was getting to enjoy all of his planning efforts for the festival, the girls had their gymnastics team banquet at the main YMCA which was followed by a night swim party. The girls got awards for such a great previous year and moving up to the competitive team. Even Mommy got fun notes from the gymnasts and a pretty awesome Under Armor backpack as a gift of appreciation. We got a chance to take Lula for a walk and play date with Porter as the Marshall's spent the day in SD. And after much desire from Cienna, Mommy got to begin making her Halloween costume, and she began on Mommy and Daddy's.
Daddy then came back home to us. It looked and sounded like they all had a great time from the pictures and stories we've heard! We had help from a neighbor friend Sara to bring the girls to school so Daddy could get to the airport early with the Netters on the way there. Then the Netter girls came to watch them when Mommy went to pick them up.
Unfortunately the next morning a tragedy happened. We are all happy to be safe and loved! We did suffer some loss and tough times with the major wild fire hitting our home town and devastating our good friends and families lives. We are so sorry what has happened and what they have gone through and want to do all we can to help. It has been tough to continue daily routines helping how we can from here, but I imagine that nothing compares to having gone through it first hand. We are still waiting for the evacuation to be lifted from Poppa's house to be able to come and help move onward from here.
The girls did have a class picture day followed by a run around Soccer picture and game day for both of the girls. Kaylee then enjoyed a roller skating Birthday party for Alyssa. She has been wanting to go for a long time. Meanwhile Mommy has been scrambling to get both of the girls costumes done in time for their School Halloween Bash in just a couple days!
Cienna has yet lost another tooth. Pulled it out first thing one morning. She is excited for her Peacock costume for the Halloween fun. Soccer has been awesome and she still gets so many comments on how she just doesn't stop smiling while she is playing! Pears are her favorite snack and she has enjoyed learning more things in the fourth grade.
Second grade has been great for Kaylee! She has been a model student for her teacher and is often one of the few to move up in her behavior clip to the highest spot. She has been loving soccer as well and even practices with Cienna's U10 team sometimes. The parents ask if she can join their team too! She had wanted to go roller skating for a long time and it was tough at first but she kept at it and by the end of the party was doing great. Mommy however was still very nervous about all the girls falling. She had to get skates and go on the rink with them : )
"The love in the air is thicker than the smoke"
https://photos.app.goo.gl/hhm5oc84ugv4cYQh1
For the beginning of the month, after a pool play date at Kamryn's, we started with Back to School night, getting to visit both of the girls teachers and hear what they have in store for the rest of the school year. Mommy got to join the girls for the book fair when their classes got a chance to go. Then the first weekend Mommy joined Erin and other friends for dinner to celebrate her Birthday. The following week came school picture day already. Then the girls were excited to pick out costumes and head to the fabric store before walking our way down to Ulysses's Birthday Party.
We finally got back to doing a little work on the house, or at least the backyard. Filling in some trees that got blown over and some plants that were trampled by a puppy Porter many years ago. We then went as a family with some friends to watch the Women's LBUSD soccer team beat Hawaii in such a fun game. The girls even got to give hi fives to the players on the field and score a goal during half time! Kaylee then had a fun Brownie meeting the next week before we said goodbye to Daddy as he headed for a long awaited 40th Birthday with AMAZING friends to Colorado for the Great American Beer Festival.
While Daddy was getting to enjoy all of his planning efforts for the festival, the girls had their gymnastics team banquet at the main YMCA which was followed by a night swim party. The girls got awards for such a great previous year and moving up to the competitive team. Even Mommy got fun notes from the gymnasts and a pretty awesome Under Armor backpack as a gift of appreciation. We got a chance to take Lula for a walk and play date with Porter as the Marshall's spent the day in SD. And after much desire from Cienna, Mommy got to begin making her Halloween costume, and she began on Mommy and Daddy's.
Daddy then came back home to us. It looked and sounded like they all had a great time from the pictures and stories we've heard! We had help from a neighbor friend Sara to bring the girls to school so Daddy could get to the airport early with the Netters on the way there. Then the Netter girls came to watch them when Mommy went to pick them up.
Unfortunately the next morning a tragedy happened. We are all happy to be safe and loved! We did suffer some loss and tough times with the major wild fire hitting our home town and devastating our good friends and families lives. We are so sorry what has happened and what they have gone through and want to do all we can to help. It has been tough to continue daily routines helping how we can from here, but I imagine that nothing compares to having gone through it first hand. We are still waiting for the evacuation to be lifted from Poppa's house to be able to come and help move onward from here.
The girls did have a class picture day followed by a run around Soccer picture and game day for both of the girls. Kaylee then enjoyed a roller skating Birthday party for Alyssa. She has been wanting to go for a long time. Meanwhile Mommy has been scrambling to get both of the girls costumes done in time for their School Halloween Bash in just a couple days!
Cienna has yet lost another tooth. Pulled it out first thing one morning. She is excited for her Peacock costume for the Halloween fun. Soccer has been awesome and she still gets so many comments on how she just doesn't stop smiling while she is playing! Pears are her favorite snack and she has enjoyed learning more things in the fourth grade.
Second grade has been great for Kaylee! She has been a model student for her teacher and is often one of the few to move up in her behavior clip to the highest spot. She has been loving soccer as well and even practices with Cienna's U10 team sometimes. The parents ask if she can join their team too! She had wanted to go roller skating for a long time and it was tough at first but she kept at it and by the end of the party was doing great. Mommy however was still very nervous about all the girls falling. She had to get skates and go on the rink with them : )
"The love in the air is thicker than the smoke"
https://photos.app.goo.gl/hhm5oc84ugv4cYQh1
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Cienna - 9 Years, 8 Months... Kaylee - 7 Years, 3 Months!
After we reminded the girls that we had an attic, of course they wanted to explore. So of course we let them during a play date with family friends to spread the fun. The next day a gym buddy had a swim party at their home to end the summer and get the team together outside of the gym.
Then we got a opportunity that we couldn't pass up with four free tickets through the gymnastics center to watch the women's gymnastics national team compete at the Anaheim Convention Center. We decided to make the most of the weekend and included a stay-cation at the Hilton that we've enjoyed before. It has a little water park and a great environment, full of awkward Pokemon chasers, but otherwise a very inviting area. Amazingly Mommy's old gymnastics coach Darcie was staying at the same hotel for a gym coach convention and we got to hang out in the lobby to catch up for a little while! Cienna lost another tooth during the stay, which was still not the one that is supposed to be being pushed out. After going to a cool pizza take out place for dinner, Kaylee carried all 3 pizzas back the hotel room.
Two weeks before school, soccer started! They both had their first practice and met their coaches and teammates. One of the coaches for Cienna is Mommy since we needed to get practice adjusted to fit into our schedule! Mommy and the girls also had eye doctor appointments that week. Kaylee got some prescribed glasses for reading and Mommy got a slight upgrade. Kaylee loved trying on a few different frames and picking the ones she liked the best. That weekend we had a tremendous last camping trip of the summer to Lake Casitas. Such great friends, a water park, Kan Jam, Corn Hole, scooting around, day and night adventure bike rides, and board games completed a fantastic time. On the way home we hit up a great place called The Dudes Brewing Co. with the Bakx family.
Once home we headed straight to another end of summer swim party at Cienna's buddy Jaiden's house. Then Mommy took the Monday and Tuesday off before the First day of school. We got school supplies, played around, finally got around to baking the apple pie from apples we picked at Poppa's, and enjoyed every moment.
Then came the beginning of Second and Fourth grade. It was very exciting and confusing. How did this happen? Can anyone tell us? The girls were excited to see all their friends and to be in class with their new teachers. The school year is off to a pretty perfect start. Both girls are very into it and are always ready to go the next day.
After only a couple of days at school we all got a three day weekend for Labor Day. We had more family play time, a swim Birthday party for Cienna's classmate Bella and a fun-filled swim and game time BBQ at the Bakx house. During the next short week at school, Kaylee had her first meeting as a Brownie.
Then soccer was on. First games of the season, they got their jersey's, team names, and banners! We had a play date with Shawna, did a ponytail extravaganza on Daddy's hair, a couple family rides around the neighborhood and to school. Then getting ready for the first full week of school, Cienna finally looses the tooth that we have been waiting for. She was relieved to not have to think about getting it pulled by the dentist. After gymnastics that evening we headed next door for ice cream and cake to celebrate Haiden turning 7!
The month did not slow down for the last weekend. Both girls had soccer games, between the two games Mommy earned points for Cienna's team by referring her very first game ever, Kaylee went to a fun fly away camp at gymnastics, then we all had a great time at Nicki's "un-slumber" party that evening before heading home for bed to be up early to be ready for our trip to San Diego. We got to enjoy Jackson's 1st Birthday party during a quick trip and afterward headed back home to enjoy watching Cienna's Girl Scout troop bridge from Brownie's to Juniors! Cienna surprised everybody as the first one to go by doing a back handspring as she went across the bridge.
As mentioned Cienna has lost the long awaited loose tooth. She did get a pretty good bump on her head during one of the many pool parties, but nobody would have known by the smiling way she handled it. She has enjoyed cooking her own and others scrambled eggs exclusively by herself. She's excited to have homework again and is very happy every time she is on the soccer field.
Kaylee was very excited to see how the new school year was going to go and who was in her class. She has really had an amazing attitude toward school and has been one in a few of her class to "mover her clip" to the highest level and get a prize from the box. She has still been the one to initiate many family game time as always, which we all love. Her new experience with glasses has been extremely positive! She was excited about it ever since the doctor mentioned it was the right thing to do for when she is reading or writing for a longer period of time. She is very responsible with them, and they are quite adorable.
I loved all the experiences of summer, but now on to new ones! Time Flies!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ejMeoCpG5Ovyp6223
Then we got a opportunity that we couldn't pass up with four free tickets through the gymnastics center to watch the women's gymnastics national team compete at the Anaheim Convention Center. We decided to make the most of the weekend and included a stay-cation at the Hilton that we've enjoyed before. It has a little water park and a great environment, full of awkward Pokemon chasers, but otherwise a very inviting area. Amazingly Mommy's old gymnastics coach Darcie was staying at the same hotel for a gym coach convention and we got to hang out in the lobby to catch up for a little while! Cienna lost another tooth during the stay, which was still not the one that is supposed to be being pushed out. After going to a cool pizza take out place for dinner, Kaylee carried all 3 pizzas back the hotel room.
Two weeks before school, soccer started! They both had their first practice and met their coaches and teammates. One of the coaches for Cienna is Mommy since we needed to get practice adjusted to fit into our schedule! Mommy and the girls also had eye doctor appointments that week. Kaylee got some prescribed glasses for reading and Mommy got a slight upgrade. Kaylee loved trying on a few different frames and picking the ones she liked the best. That weekend we had a tremendous last camping trip of the summer to Lake Casitas. Such great friends, a water park, Kan Jam, Corn Hole, scooting around, day and night adventure bike rides, and board games completed a fantastic time. On the way home we hit up a great place called The Dudes Brewing Co. with the Bakx family.
Once home we headed straight to another end of summer swim party at Cienna's buddy Jaiden's house. Then Mommy took the Monday and Tuesday off before the First day of school. We got school supplies, played around, finally got around to baking the apple pie from apples we picked at Poppa's, and enjoyed every moment.
Then came the beginning of Second and Fourth grade. It was very exciting and confusing. How did this happen? Can anyone tell us? The girls were excited to see all their friends and to be in class with their new teachers. The school year is off to a pretty perfect start. Both girls are very into it and are always ready to go the next day.
After only a couple of days at school we all got a three day weekend for Labor Day. We had more family play time, a swim Birthday party for Cienna's classmate Bella and a fun-filled swim and game time BBQ at the Bakx house. During the next short week at school, Kaylee had her first meeting as a Brownie.
Then soccer was on. First games of the season, they got their jersey's, team names, and banners! We had a play date with Shawna, did a ponytail extravaganza on Daddy's hair, a couple family rides around the neighborhood and to school. Then getting ready for the first full week of school, Cienna finally looses the tooth that we have been waiting for. She was relieved to not have to think about getting it pulled by the dentist. After gymnastics that evening we headed next door for ice cream and cake to celebrate Haiden turning 7!
The month did not slow down for the last weekend. Both girls had soccer games, between the two games Mommy earned points for Cienna's team by referring her very first game ever, Kaylee went to a fun fly away camp at gymnastics, then we all had a great time at Nicki's "un-slumber" party that evening before heading home for bed to be up early to be ready for our trip to San Diego. We got to enjoy Jackson's 1st Birthday party during a quick trip and afterward headed back home to enjoy watching Cienna's Girl Scout troop bridge from Brownie's to Juniors! Cienna surprised everybody as the first one to go by doing a back handspring as she went across the bridge.
As mentioned Cienna has lost the long awaited loose tooth. She did get a pretty good bump on her head during one of the many pool parties, but nobody would have known by the smiling way she handled it. She has enjoyed cooking her own and others scrambled eggs exclusively by herself. She's excited to have homework again and is very happy every time she is on the soccer field.
Kaylee was very excited to see how the new school year was going to go and who was in her class. She has really had an amazing attitude toward school and has been one in a few of her class to "mover her clip" to the highest level and get a prize from the box. She has still been the one to initiate many family game time as always, which we all love. Her new experience with glasses has been extremely positive! She was excited about it ever since the doctor mentioned it was the right thing to do for when she is reading or writing for a longer period of time. She is very responsible with them, and they are quite adorable.
I loved all the experiences of summer, but now on to new ones! Time Flies!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ejMeoCpG5Ovyp6223
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Cienna - 9 Years, 7 Months... Kaylee - 7 Years, 2 Months!
All the cookie selling this spring led to a trip for the new
Brownie Troop 2283 heading for some fun at Adventure City. They had a bigger new roller coaster which
was the hit of the evening until we came back home to celebrate Corey turning
30 next door with a full on Luau. Pig,
dancers, and the works.
We somehow managed to get one more thing glued on a model
car that was last seen over a year ago, and the girls got to sew on Mommy’s
machine when they came up with the great idea of using stuff we already had to
make gifts for Grammy. We also pulled
out a couple of forgotten crafts from the
storage and did some cooking and baking!
We also got into the garden to harvest our fruit, veggies and hops.
There were gym theme days during this summer and Friday
practices were in the morning, one of which we cleaned out the entire pit which
took an hour past the end of practice and would have been longer if some of the
amazing team parents didn’t stay to help put the pit blocks back in… what a
crazy mess but the girls found treasures at the bottom including some guys
wallet who lives in Canada. There was
one night after practice (late) that the team all stayed to have pizza and
watch the movie Nadia projected on one of the gym walls. Then the big sleepover at the gym that Mommy
had to volunteer to stay with about 30ish+ gymnasts overnight so that the girls
could also take part in the fun. Awesome
part is that Cienna and Kaylee were the first ones asleep even though it was
still quite late for them. However, since
pretty much all others weren’t participating in the sleeping thing, Mommy got
to stay up and make sure all were safe…almost ALL night.
We had a couple more Birthday’s that we got to
celebrate. Kaylee met a friend at the
YMCA camp who invited us to their home for a party, and we headed over to the
Bakx for fun, food, swimming, singing, and musical instruments to celebrate
Danny who came to visit for the weekend.
The girls got a special camp week at “Act It Out” camp. They went every day of the week and loved
every second. They each got to learn a
monologue, a small group skit, and an ensemble with the whole cast of 10 great
kids from ages of 7 to 13! They got to
perform for the family and friends on Friday, the last day of camp. It was amazing to watch! They even handed out specialty awards to each
of the kids.
We finally remembered to check the off season for snowboard
equipment that we need. We got a great
find in a used board for Cienna. We made
pizookies that evening to celebrate : )
Road Trip. We left on
Thursday to spend a weekend up north with family! Auntie Bridget and Vickie flew to SR and we
had to go hang out! Trip there was great
and we started with dinner at Poppa’s.
We woke up in the morning and the girls immediately wanted to jump in
the pool. The Marty’s came soon after to
join. After we helped Poppa move his
office to a new room, Grammy, Bridget, and Vickie came to enjoy the pool and
company as well. That evening we all
headed to Lucas Wharf to meet up with the Natal’s during their camping trip in
Bodega and be treated to dinner by Grandpa.
It was delicious. The following
morning we all got treated to a great brunch at Grammy and Grandpa’s. We were joined by Auntie Carrie and other
friends. We had a great time catching
up, watching the kids, celebrating Uncle RJ, Betty’s birthday, and Grammy and
Grandpa’s Anniversary. The girls even
got a Ukulele lesson from Grammy, and we got to enjoy the performance. Then we crashed Cousin Jacob’s birthday party
at Sean and Jamie’s. We played crazy
outdoor games and enjoyed jumpy time with good people. We headed back to Poppa’s before leaving for
some fruit tree picking and packing up for the LONG trip back home.
The following week the girls had gym camp. Seriously can’t believe how much gymnastics
they did in that one week. It was only
Monday through Wednesday, but 6 hours of camp then 3 more of practice is a BIG
day. They were troupers and enjoyed all
of it. They played plenty of games and
even set up a slip and slide on mats in the gym. At the end of the week, Sam (one of the
gymnasts) held a pool party after Friday practice at her house to celebrate the
end of this month.
Cienna can’t wait till next month just to do acting camp
again! She has learned again that
playing with her retainer WILL break it.
Luckily this time it could just be soldered, but it made a point and
she’s doing better. However she has
another tooth coming in which is great, but there is a baby tooth in the way. The orthodontist told her it may have to be
pulled so she’s been working on it.
During the trip up north her tooth fell out… however it was the wrong
one. Still waiting for the right
one. She has much improved in her
swimming skills this summer and continues to read pretty much anytime she is
not busy doing something else.
Kaylee for the first month since November got not only one
but two front teeth peeking in. After
being skeptical she also wanted to go every day the rest of the summer to
acting camp. She has been choosing to
read on her own anticipating school coming soon. She’s learned some songs on the Clavinova,
been self-motivated to help out around the house, and been the lead in starting
family game time.
We look forward to the crazy fall with introducing soccer
into our crazy schedule!
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Cienna - 9 Years, 6 Months... Kaylee - 7 Years, 1 Month!
What to do with school out of session... We thought of a couple of things. After Kaylee bridged from Daisies to Brownies, the family took a road trip up to Bass Lake to meet up with more family. We stopped at a hotel in Bakersfield on the way to make a more laid back trip. After a BJ's dinner, Kaylee loosing a tooth at the hotel (which the girls were prepared for and brought the tooth fairy pillow), and a laid back awesome continental Father's Day buffet breakfast we only had a couple more hours before our big camping adventure at Bass Lake with Poppa, Marty's, and Kyle's. We were the first to arrive and scoped out the best spot for all of us!
A great place to camp, and it wasn't long before the rest of the family arrived! We spent the day setting up and scoping out the place and celebrating the amazing dad's that were there with us, along with a couple extra gifts for Kaylee's birthday.
After a small incident involving a brush and Mommy's head in the morning (not self inflicted), we planned a day on the lake with a magnificent rental boat that could accommodate all of us, a BBQ for dinner burgers and dogs as well as being able to pull a tube at a decent speed behind! So much fun, and great weather for hanging out in the lake. We headed back to camp and played a little LRC with the whole clan before a good night sleep anticipating our trip to Yosemite the next day.
After a little bit of a road trip, we saw so many beautiful sites, and such amazing water displays in between some great hiking trails! Of course along the way enjoying each others company! We had a bit more of a relax day at the campsite the following day with some bike riding and a lot of pool time as well as teaching many of the fellow campers how to play Kan Jam and glow in the dark Bocce Ball! A very memorable trip indeed.
We then headed home to not really unpack, but re-pack to head right back to camping after one night in our own beds to Doheny with many great friends. We even convinced the Marshalls to come join our crazy group! While in Doheny for that short weekend we got to celebrate Rylee's Birthday which sparked and impromptu soccer game in the street, a surf competition and festival a short walk away, many of corn hole games, and ending with another birthday celebration for Michele before we left.
Finally getting home, it was back to work and the girls first week at YMCA camp. They enjoyed camp from the first day. Still during the week they already missed friends from school, so we had some play-dates. It was quiet at gymnastics since most girls were in Georgia for competition. We had fun on bike and scooter rides to the school playground and around the neighborhood.
Then the weekend began the 4th of July celebrations. Cara/Keira/Misha's block had a wonderful party with water slides and super band. Then we had extra days off work and spent time on the 4th at the Ferrario's enjoying pool time, always great friends, and games. We ended the 4th at the neighbors with more pool time, great food, and views of the nearby fireworks.
Mommy spoiled the girls the next day since she had it off with a breakfast followed by... yes a shopping spree at Toys R Us. They had so many gift cards building up that hadn't been used since Mommy is not a fan of shopping. They pretty much got to pick out anything they wanted in the store. It was actually amazing how responsible they were with checking prices and being conscious about the cost.
Porter got his best buddy, Lula, to come stay for a week starting that Saturday. Mommy finally got to build a bench out of her very first snow board. The girls got another play-date with London before we helped celebrate Uncle Keith's 60th birthday next door with a fun and delicious party.
The Natal's came on Monday as a stop on there way to a family vacation in San Diego. They had a fun idea to leave their pups and take our girls for the day to spend some quality time on Tuesday. Then Mommy brought the pups to pick up the girls and spend a couple more hours of quality time (Mommy even went almost all the way into that freezing cold ocean : )) the next morning before bringing the girls back home on Wednesday.
We then had a very rare weekend of not doing much accept the necessary up keep and just spending time together. The girls brought out the entire broken up all combined Lego Friends pieces and we proceed to put each together booklet by booklet. It was great family time. The girls also each learned to roll and count all there piggy bank money that they have been collecting since birth. They sorted, counted, and hand rolled all coins to be put in their bank accounts! We of course had to get stuff done, so we washed cars etc. and went to breakfast once again before the girls enjoyed their next week of camp!
We managed to order a few chapter books that Cienna has been looking for and they came in, so she has done quite a bit of reading. She just doesn't stop until they are done. She was proud of herself making new friends at camp by asking.... What's your name?. She says her favorite part of the month was tubing on Bass Lake!
We are happy that at least one of Kaylee's front teeth is making a strong appearance since it has been gone over 6 months and she has lost 4 since that one. There is still one more about to come out. She misses school friends but is easily made many more at camp. More time in the water has made her a pretty good swimmer, and even went way into the ocean with Uncle RJ to boogie board in SD. She loves building things, wouldn't stop till all Lego Friends pieces were built and accounted for : )
Can't even believe that we are this far into the summer and we will have started fall soccer by the next time!
This is all till next time.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/sIVhO80ulKuMuh2G2
A great place to camp, and it wasn't long before the rest of the family arrived! We spent the day setting up and scoping out the place and celebrating the amazing dad's that were there with us, along with a couple extra gifts for Kaylee's birthday.
After a small incident involving a brush and Mommy's head in the morning (not self inflicted), we planned a day on the lake with a magnificent rental boat that could accommodate all of us, a BBQ for dinner burgers and dogs as well as being able to pull a tube at a decent speed behind! So much fun, and great weather for hanging out in the lake. We headed back to camp and played a little LRC with the whole clan before a good night sleep anticipating our trip to Yosemite the next day.
After a little bit of a road trip, we saw so many beautiful sites, and such amazing water displays in between some great hiking trails! Of course along the way enjoying each others company! We had a bit more of a relax day at the campsite the following day with some bike riding and a lot of pool time as well as teaching many of the fellow campers how to play Kan Jam and glow in the dark Bocce Ball! A very memorable trip indeed.
We then headed home to not really unpack, but re-pack to head right back to camping after one night in our own beds to Doheny with many great friends. We even convinced the Marshalls to come join our crazy group! While in Doheny for that short weekend we got to celebrate Rylee's Birthday which sparked and impromptu soccer game in the street, a surf competition and festival a short walk away, many of corn hole games, and ending with another birthday celebration for Michele before we left.
Finally getting home, it was back to work and the girls first week at YMCA camp. They enjoyed camp from the first day. Still during the week they already missed friends from school, so we had some play-dates. It was quiet at gymnastics since most girls were in Georgia for competition. We had fun on bike and scooter rides to the school playground and around the neighborhood.
Then the weekend began the 4th of July celebrations. Cara/Keira/Misha's block had a wonderful party with water slides and super band. Then we had extra days off work and spent time on the 4th at the Ferrario's enjoying pool time, always great friends, and games. We ended the 4th at the neighbors with more pool time, great food, and views of the nearby fireworks.
Mommy spoiled the girls the next day since she had it off with a breakfast followed by... yes a shopping spree at Toys R Us. They had so many gift cards building up that hadn't been used since Mommy is not a fan of shopping. They pretty much got to pick out anything they wanted in the store. It was actually amazing how responsible they were with checking prices and being conscious about the cost.
Porter got his best buddy, Lula, to come stay for a week starting that Saturday. Mommy finally got to build a bench out of her very first snow board. The girls got another play-date with London before we helped celebrate Uncle Keith's 60th birthday next door with a fun and delicious party.
The Natal's came on Monday as a stop on there way to a family vacation in San Diego. They had a fun idea to leave their pups and take our girls for the day to spend some quality time on Tuesday. Then Mommy brought the pups to pick up the girls and spend a couple more hours of quality time (Mommy even went almost all the way into that freezing cold ocean : )) the next morning before bringing the girls back home on Wednesday.
We then had a very rare weekend of not doing much accept the necessary up keep and just spending time together. The girls brought out the entire broken up all combined Lego Friends pieces and we proceed to put each together booklet by booklet. It was great family time. The girls also each learned to roll and count all there piggy bank money that they have been collecting since birth. They sorted, counted, and hand rolled all coins to be put in their bank accounts! We of course had to get stuff done, so we washed cars etc. and went to breakfast once again before the girls enjoyed their next week of camp!
We managed to order a few chapter books that Cienna has been looking for and they came in, so she has done quite a bit of reading. She just doesn't stop until they are done. She was proud of herself making new friends at camp by asking.... What's your name?. She says her favorite part of the month was tubing on Bass Lake!
We are happy that at least one of Kaylee's front teeth is making a strong appearance since it has been gone over 6 months and she has lost 4 since that one. There is still one more about to come out. She misses school friends but is easily made many more at camp. More time in the water has made her a pretty good swimmer, and even went way into the ocean with Uncle RJ to boogie board in SD. She loves building things, wouldn't stop till all Lego Friends pieces were built and accounted for : )
Can't even believe that we are this far into the summer and we will have started fall soccer by the next time!
This is all till next time.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/sIVhO80ulKuMuh2G2
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Cienna - 9 Years, 5 Months... Kaylee - 7 Years Old!
Not a bad start with date night at Ballast Point. Then the beginning of Kaylee's turn to be scholar of the week at school which she gets to take Sammy the Seal class pet home then post the pictures of his adventures during the week on the class site.
That Saturday was non-stop. Soccer first, help building the playground at school next, then a daisy tea party, followed by Hailey's Birthday party, finishing down the street with a Birthday/College Graduation party for Taylor. On Sunday, we just prepared for the upcoming week. We built a bottle buddy of Walt Disney, and gathered items for Kaylee's scholar week.
Daddy took lunch time on Wednesday to have lunch at school with the girls and Mommy then read a book to Kaylee's class. The book fair was also that week along with Open House where the girls showed us all the amazing things that they along with their teachers have worked hard to put together. Everyone put in so much time and effort! We also went around and introduced ourselves to the 2nd and 4th grade teachers for next year... yikes. Cienna put on her first full production of Sleeping Beauty as Merryweather to the 2nd and 3rd grade classes.
As a start to Memorial Day weekend, the girls made and omelet and toast breakfast for Daddy before we picked up his truck after getting a new paint job on the roof. Sunday we had breakfast at Crooked Duck fueling up for a big hike to the Hollywood sign, then having the Marshall's over to play that evening. Memorial Day was great at home, the girls got some things from neighbors that were cleaning out there old toys and we made delicious ribs with broccoli.
The following week was Cienna's big and final Merryweather roll in Sleeping Beauty for all who wanted to come, Kaylee had her first of many date night deserts and there was field day at school.
That weekend we did a little more prep for Kaylee's party the next weekend before heading to Chula Vista for the girl's State gymnastics meet. They both competed level 3 and did an outstanding job! We were all SO proud of them. We were lucky enough to get to stay with the Sklenicka's and spend some quality time with Jackson along with Joe and Dana. During the week we had a Daisy meeting and Kaylee got a fun as always birthday gift from Auntie Bridget and Vicki.
More parties came as we went to celebrate Dylan's 5th before hosting a very successful vacation destination party for Kaylee's 7th. Before each destination they got to watch an amazing slideshow made by Daddy of the place they would be going. They stood in ice water and played fun games in Antarctica, then flew to Hawaii to make lei's and play limbo before heading to Italy for pizza and pasta. The final destination was to Kaylee's house for cake and celebrating.
The last week of school was then here. There was not much learning going on, but it sure was fun-filled. Cara's birthday party was that Wednesday, then the last day of school which happened to also be a special young lady by the name of Kaylee's 7th birthday. It started off with Strawberry Shortcake for breakfast, pizza party at school, then all of a sudden school was out for summer. Here we come 2nd and 4th grade.... WOW. Kaylee made her choice to go bowling with the family since Mommy and Daddy both took off work early to hang out. After bowling at the arcade the girls actually hit the jackpot in the ticket spin of 1000 tickets! They decided on a used real bowling pin as their prize. After the arcade we went to Claim Jumper for dinner and her last date night desert!
To complete the month Kaylee bridged to Brownies and Cienna's troop had a cookie reward party.
Cienna finally used Daddy's old Polaroid camera and her film to take her first picture. It was of the Hollywood sign. Her class went to the Planetarium for a field trip. She was in the toughest division for the State meet but her 9.2 score on the bars got her on the podium in 4th place which she was extremely proud. Being Merryweather was also very rewarding and fun for her. She had many lines to learn and nailed them all. In school she really enjoyed being able to do all her school work in cursive.
Kaylee really enjoyed bringing Sammy the Seal to take pictures with for her Scholar week. She lost her 3rd tooth in the top middle but still no sign of any growing in. It's been since November since the first on the top. Her class trip was to the Discovery Science Center. After tripping up on her first vault which was her first event she got right back up and got a 9.05 on her second one. For her Birthday Party she had the best idea of changing outfits with each destination! Then she turned 7. There are no words to explain how proud we are of how she's grown in what seemed to be such a short amount of time. My eyes are now too blurry to write more about that.
Welcome summer and next month we'll get to start by writing about our first week which we get to spend together on a camping vacation!!
https://goo.gl/photos/YajVQX5n5QWQ8YFk9
That Saturday was non-stop. Soccer first, help building the playground at school next, then a daisy tea party, followed by Hailey's Birthday party, finishing down the street with a Birthday/College Graduation party for Taylor. On Sunday, we just prepared for the upcoming week. We built a bottle buddy of Walt Disney, and gathered items for Kaylee's scholar week.
Daddy took lunch time on Wednesday to have lunch at school with the girls and Mommy then read a book to Kaylee's class. The book fair was also that week along with Open House where the girls showed us all the amazing things that they along with their teachers have worked hard to put together. Everyone put in so much time and effort! We also went around and introduced ourselves to the 2nd and 4th grade teachers for next year... yikes. Cienna put on her first full production of Sleeping Beauty as Merryweather to the 2nd and 3rd grade classes.
As a start to Memorial Day weekend, the girls made and omelet and toast breakfast for Daddy before we picked up his truck after getting a new paint job on the roof. Sunday we had breakfast at Crooked Duck fueling up for a big hike to the Hollywood sign, then having the Marshall's over to play that evening. Memorial Day was great at home, the girls got some things from neighbors that were cleaning out there old toys and we made delicious ribs with broccoli.
The following week was Cienna's big and final Merryweather roll in Sleeping Beauty for all who wanted to come, Kaylee had her first of many date night deserts and there was field day at school.
That weekend we did a little more prep for Kaylee's party the next weekend before heading to Chula Vista for the girl's State gymnastics meet. They both competed level 3 and did an outstanding job! We were all SO proud of them. We were lucky enough to get to stay with the Sklenicka's and spend some quality time with Jackson along with Joe and Dana. During the week we had a Daisy meeting and Kaylee got a fun as always birthday gift from Auntie Bridget and Vicki.
More parties came as we went to celebrate Dylan's 5th before hosting a very successful vacation destination party for Kaylee's 7th. Before each destination they got to watch an amazing slideshow made by Daddy of the place they would be going. They stood in ice water and played fun games in Antarctica, then flew to Hawaii to make lei's and play limbo before heading to Italy for pizza and pasta. The final destination was to Kaylee's house for cake and celebrating.
The last week of school was then here. There was not much learning going on, but it sure was fun-filled. Cara's birthday party was that Wednesday, then the last day of school which happened to also be a special young lady by the name of Kaylee's 7th birthday. It started off with Strawberry Shortcake for breakfast, pizza party at school, then all of a sudden school was out for summer. Here we come 2nd and 4th grade.... WOW. Kaylee made her choice to go bowling with the family since Mommy and Daddy both took off work early to hang out. After bowling at the arcade the girls actually hit the jackpot in the ticket spin of 1000 tickets! They decided on a used real bowling pin as their prize. After the arcade we went to Claim Jumper for dinner and her last date night desert!
To complete the month Kaylee bridged to Brownies and Cienna's troop had a cookie reward party.
Cienna finally used Daddy's old Polaroid camera and her film to take her first picture. It was of the Hollywood sign. Her class went to the Planetarium for a field trip. She was in the toughest division for the State meet but her 9.2 score on the bars got her on the podium in 4th place which she was extremely proud. Being Merryweather was also very rewarding and fun for her. She had many lines to learn and nailed them all. In school she really enjoyed being able to do all her school work in cursive.
Kaylee really enjoyed bringing Sammy the Seal to take pictures with for her Scholar week. She lost her 3rd tooth in the top middle but still no sign of any growing in. It's been since November since the first on the top. Her class trip was to the Discovery Science Center. After tripping up on her first vault which was her first event she got right back up and got a 9.05 on her second one. For her Birthday Party she had the best idea of changing outfits with each destination! Then she turned 7. There are no words to explain how proud we are of how she's grown in what seemed to be such a short amount of time. My eyes are now too blurry to write more about that.
Welcome summer and next month we'll get to start by writing about our first week which we get to spend together on a camping vacation!!
https://goo.gl/photos/YajVQX5n5QWQ8YFk9
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