Such a wonderful past month as to begin the winter season! Well, first we completed the Fall soccer season with our final Team Party. Then Thanks giving break was here. We packed up our truck and headed up North excited for a full week of family time.
We drove into Poppa's for a wonderful post road trip evening, minus a slight melting pizza in the oven mishap. The next day was our first Thanksgiving dinner at Sean and Jamie's beautiful home. The Natal's and Grammy and Grandpa all came and we had a blast enjoying each others company, playing games in the great outdoor weather, preparing for a delicious dinner, and laughing through the evening as all the cousins slept in the same room (Jacob was there in spirit but he was in the next room sleeping).
Off to Grammy and Grandpa's we all then went for Christmas morning. More great food followed by the kids getting spoiled with presents before the Natal's had to head home. We played some more, went on a walk around the neighborhood, and had some relaxing with the McFarlands. Grammy of course took some time that day to take the girls on a fun shopping spree.
We joined up with the Marty's and Poppa the following day at the Epicenter for lunch, bowling, and bounce house fun since it was raining that day. Afterward the girls got some gymnastics time in and even Mommy got to help coach with Darcie.
We headed back to Poppa's Wednesday afternoon to help prepare for the following days festivities and to set up some electronics around the house. Thanksgiving morning was actually our next Christmas celebration at Poppa's when the Marty's arrived. We all took our time opening gifts, catching up on life in general, and slowly preparing for the afternoon arrivals of more family, food and fun. Auntie Sheryl and Jerry came with Jonna and her girls Alex and Emma, also Kathy a friend of Poppa's joined the party. The house worked out great for hosting its first full blown Thanksgiving dinner and deserts galore!
We are lucky to have such great family all around and cherish the time we get to spend together!
Friday we headed for the long journey home. On the way we made a quick stop to see the Natal's play some flag football with their friends. Other than that the trip was un-eventful, but long. We did however get to see some snow on the mountains and on the side of the road over the Grapevine.
It was good to have a couple of days to prepare for the week ahead with Daddy heading to a work trip in Atlanta. We also squeezed in some family time to go out to breakfast and to a movie to watch Frozen 2.
Cienna had her first wonderful Middle school band performance that week. And the girls gymnastics Holiday performance that they have been working on for months now was finally here. They had a dress rehearsal on Friday before we all spent the entire Saturday starting with set-up, followed by two very successful performances, and then tear down and clean up went far into the evening. It was a long but rewarding day.
Sunday was our first go at getting some Christmas decorations started. We got up the lights and some indoor nick nacks were set up, we even got the tree set up (the tree lights and ornaments would have to wait). Mommy and Kaylee spent many hours that day also learning all about the Cahuilla tribe for a up coming school project. The next holiday activities included Whoville Family Night at Carver and the girls had their gymnastics holiday potluck and secret Santa gift exchange for the whole team.
That weekend we even had time to finish decorating the tree and set-up the train! Saturday evening we joined the Bakx's, and Schafer's on a lit up walk along The Naples Canals. We even got to see the boat show along the way. Then Sunday we all made a ton of Peppermint Bark and dipped pretzel sticks to share with friends and family. It was our first time attempting either one, but think it was successful.
Finishing up the month, Kaylee had her first school Chorus performance, and a class field trip to the Getty Center, and Mommy had her coaches holiday party at the gymnastics center.
Going through life together, is what makes it great! The girls just keep figuring out life each day (we haven't told them that you'll never really figure it out) and growing into kind, adventurous, silly, stubborn, smart, and wonderful people with personalities all their own. We look forward to what each day will bring.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/B66WrLeGoDU3hdi36
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Friday, November 22, 2019
Cienna - 11 Years 10 Months... Kaylee - 9 Years 5 Months!
We are getting in the groove of Middle School. It was great to have a lunch on the lawn for all sixth graders with Cienna. It's been fun leaning the ropes on how to volunteer and help out! That weekend both girls had a fun minute to win it type birthday with Clara and many gym friends. And then we were all doing our best to finish up Halloween costumes for the upcoming events. They all turned out amazing. The girls worked hard on Daddy's "Grocery Mark-et" and Mommy's California Blue Bat" costumes. The girls really liked their Gumball and Ringmaster costumes!
It all started with the Adams party. The next day was Carver Trunk or Treat with the gymnastics Halloween party immediately after where Cienna, again won an award for her costume. We then had a great impromptu dinner with the Marshall's and Kaspar's. That Sunday we got to join so many great friend for an annual Halloween party at the park full of games, food and planned trick or treating at a nearby park. After heading home we joined a neighborhood pumpkin carving party.
Cienna got to have her very first time ever wearing her Halloween costume to school! Afterward we headed to the Marshall's to meet up with a great group of friends for some dinner before heading out to Trick or Treat in the neighborhood. There was even a pretty amazingly spooky haunted house just a block away!
As if there weren't enough parties, Kaylee then got to celebrate Aurelia's 9th birthday with a sleepover including a trip to Sky Zone and plenty of fun! Soccer season pool play came to an end and both Cienna and Kaylee's team got third place in their division as they headed to the end of season tournament. Both teams were so much fun to coach and be a part of! It's great to see so many of the same faces through the season that we've either played with or against.
Red ribbon week at Carver was a success, including the always anticipated assembly that includes a landing of a LBPD helicopter on the blacktop and a visit with the local LBPD. Mommy and Daddy had a parent/teacher conference with Kaylee's teacher. All is great as expected. The end of soccer season tournament began (Belmont Cup), both teams played some amazing games and all showed extreme improvement against teams that the had previously played! Cienna's team barely missed out to continue to the next weekend but had a blast anyway. Then we spontaneously decided that we needed to make our last chance to see Circus Vargas at our local Mall parking lot before they left town. It was truly inspirational and amazing!
That Sunday we headed to San Diego to be sure and celebrate Rigg's 1st Birthday. It was great as always to have and make the opportunity to spend time with the Sklenicka's! Kaylee's team then had their end of season parties hosted by the twins before finishing out the the season making it to all three games of the Belmont Cup finals despite playing short one player for the first two. They all had a great time playing together.
After the last game of soccer for the season, both girls had an exciting "In house/practice" gymnastics meet. All of our gymnastics team got to perform each event. It was Cienna and Kaylee's first time competing Level 5. It was the first time for most others in a new level, or first time ever competing. Although it was only our team, they all did so great and were so supportive of each other!
They are growing as kids, and friends, and people. They are amazing. We love growing along with them! We welcome the holidays with each other and friends and FAMILY!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qKjY8UJt1kub54jv8
It all started with the Adams party. The next day was Carver Trunk or Treat with the gymnastics Halloween party immediately after where Cienna, again won an award for her costume. We then had a great impromptu dinner with the Marshall's and Kaspar's. That Sunday we got to join so many great friend for an annual Halloween party at the park full of games, food and planned trick or treating at a nearby park. After heading home we joined a neighborhood pumpkin carving party.
Cienna got to have her very first time ever wearing her Halloween costume to school! Afterward we headed to the Marshall's to meet up with a great group of friends for some dinner before heading out to Trick or Treat in the neighborhood. There was even a pretty amazingly spooky haunted house just a block away!
As if there weren't enough parties, Kaylee then got to celebrate Aurelia's 9th birthday with a sleepover including a trip to Sky Zone and plenty of fun! Soccer season pool play came to an end and both Cienna and Kaylee's team got third place in their division as they headed to the end of season tournament. Both teams were so much fun to coach and be a part of! It's great to see so many of the same faces through the season that we've either played with or against.
Red ribbon week at Carver was a success, including the always anticipated assembly that includes a landing of a LBPD helicopter on the blacktop and a visit with the local LBPD. Mommy and Daddy had a parent/teacher conference with Kaylee's teacher. All is great as expected. The end of soccer season tournament began (Belmont Cup), both teams played some amazing games and all showed extreme improvement against teams that the had previously played! Cienna's team barely missed out to continue to the next weekend but had a blast anyway. Then we spontaneously decided that we needed to make our last chance to see Circus Vargas at our local Mall parking lot before they left town. It was truly inspirational and amazing!
That Sunday we headed to San Diego to be sure and celebrate Rigg's 1st Birthday. It was great as always to have and make the opportunity to spend time with the Sklenicka's! Kaylee's team then had their end of season parties hosted by the twins before finishing out the the season making it to all three games of the Belmont Cup finals despite playing short one player for the first two. They all had a great time playing together.
After the last game of soccer for the season, both girls had an exciting "In house/practice" gymnastics meet. All of our gymnastics team got to perform each event. It was Cienna and Kaylee's first time competing Level 5. It was the first time for most others in a new level, or first time ever competing. Although it was only our team, they all did so great and were so supportive of each other!
They are growing as kids, and friends, and people. They are amazing. We love growing along with them! We welcome the holidays with each other and friends and FAMILY!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qKjY8UJt1kub54jv8
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Cienna - 11 Years 9 Months... Kaylee - 9 Years 4 Months!
We were lucky to come across a couple of tickets to watch a Galaxy game the first weekend of this last month thanks to Kristen and so we decided to buy the two seats next to those so that we could all go as a family. It was fan appreciation and there was some fun exhibits to join before watching a great game. Fall soccer is in full swing for us and also going quickly as it will be coming to an end next month. Both teams have done awesome and the girls truly are standing out with how much fun they have and how well they are playing. They just continue to improve!
Kaylee got her expander and is anticipating her braces soon. Mommy and Daddy got to go to Back to School night at Marshall which we made are way to each of her 7 periods in a much shortened time frame than she does each day to listen to her teachers and get a sense of her new every day schedule at Middle School. Later in the month Mommy got to join Cienna for a lunch on the lawn for all sixth graders only.
We learned Middle School doesn't have quite the picture day as elementary, they only take photos for their ID's, but Kaylee had her school picture day, and they both had Picture Day for AYSO. Of course all of the photos turned out great.
Mommy got to help celebrate Erin's Birthday Fiesta, then the girls joined the Pit cleaning party at gymnastics before we all headed to another Galaxy game with the Marshall's and Kaspar's.
We had a silent Saturday soccer game for all of our AYSO region that was very successful. Only the players were allowed to talk during the game. Coaches and parents were only allowed to clap. We liked it!!
Fall is a busy time with little left over, but we've had fun. We take every extra moment we have to be together and enjoy each other.. We make up games to play and things to do. We've worked on the Bronco.. a little. Costumes are almost complete. The girls have been working on Mommy's and Daddy's as well as helping make their own for the upcoming festivities. Family Halloween decorating is complete and Daddy even took the girls to Lowe's to add to our collection of decorations!
All of us shared our memories of Nana Nelson/GG with each other and how we will remember all she has done and been for the family and throughout her 99 very eventful and active years. Daddy got to go to the memorial and see her rest next to both Dexter and Ernie. She would want all of us to keep on dancing.
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Cienna - 11 Years 8 Months... Kaylee - 9 Years 3 Months!
So, the last full week of summer happened. Kaylee was very excited to have her orthodontist consultation. We had a few choices and decided to get the ball rolling. Cienna had her first day at Marshall without parents. The orientation was great and she had fun on her tour with her WEB leader. Daddy got her PE clothes with her that morning and Mommy and her got some Marshall Uniform wear after the parent presentation. Both girls had fun activities at Y camp for and they also went for the morning hours on Friday. That evening we finally got to go back to Islands after they had a big fire which they closed down for.
The girls had their routine doctors appointments, followed by lunchtime with the Marshall girls. That Saturday we had a blast at the Ferrario's for Jeff's 50th birthday party! And Sunday we had the Bakx and Dani over to bottle the beer that Daddy and Roman made for Dani and Tim's wedding. We even got the Bakx kids to stay and play for the night after a bike ride dinner at Baja Sanora.
Since school started on Wed. Mommy took the last two days of Summer off. We had a great day with lots of friends at the bay, then the girls got to pick the Souplantation for lunch before bowling with the Marshall girls.
Inevitably the first day of school arrived. We all walked Kaylee to class first thing. It was great to see familiar faces, she was excited and nervous at the same time. After saying goodbye to Kaylee the three of us walked on over to Marshall Middle School for our first time. Daddy joined the D.O.G.S for the first time in an amazing welcome back to school line for all the kids. Let's just say, it was easier for Cienna than Mommy and Daddy.
Both girls had a great summer and were also happy to be back in school. It is a fun transition, but there has been a little denial that they are getting older. We are getting into the groove with the new schedule with new school activities, along with soccer and gymnastics.
That weekend Mommy got to carve out at least a little time to catch up Darcie in passing at the LB airport as she was in San Diego for a gymnastics convention and spending time with family in Catalina. A three day weekend followed due to Labor Day. Michele and Linda threw a great party down the street on Sunday and Monday we spent the time together as a family with a long bike ride on the beach with lunch in the middle at Yard House. Kaylee was cruising her new bike and teaching herself to ride with no hands. We even made a stop at Mommy and Daddy's first apartment they shared together and the girls did a handstand photo shoot. Unfortunately Daddy ruptured his hamstring the next week, but is working through it like a champ.
Following the school week we had the start of soccer games on Saturday then got to head straight to Carlsbad for Dani and Tim's wedding. Auntie Kimmie also had a wedding to go to, so we finally found a good time to get our annual mani/pedi that we give for each others birthday. Kaylee was lucky enough to get to join us. Both girls had wonderful games. Kaylee scored a hat trick in the first quarter and Cienna's team tied it up 1-1 in the last minutes of the game. After a decent road trip to Carlsbad we all showered and got ready in a wonderful hotel and met up with friends to celebrate Dani and Tim. After the ceremony there was a fun dinner and dancing reception nearby. We all stayed up too late but had a great time. The girls got up the next morning and had fun at the beach before enjoying a great breakfast and exploring the area. We met back up with the happy couple for lunch before heading home to get ready for the next/first full week of school.
The week was spent getting into the routine of the weeks to come. We are all excited for new adventures and activities. Our last weekend we had a couple more fantastic soccer games, four more goals by Kaylee and a fantastic save as center back by Cienna. Mommy also finally got to play her first Fall soccer game. We ended the weekend with the gymnastics team banquet. There was a ton of great food, all of us got to dress up a little fancy, and there was even a ball room dancing lesson. Cienna earned a medal hanger for the most improved and they both got fun awards.
All of us joined Nicki for her birthday celebration on a Duffy Boat Tour around the bay. Daddy got to help co-captain and Mommy joined the girls in some fun games. It was the first time for all of us.
Since her first consultation, Kaylee got spacers, and molds, etc. all leading up to her expander. She continues to be excited through all of it.
It's certainly a busy time, but we enjoy all of it together!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/jekur4vvxkjWYpiP8
The girls had their routine doctors appointments, followed by lunchtime with the Marshall girls. That Saturday we had a blast at the Ferrario's for Jeff's 50th birthday party! And Sunday we had the Bakx and Dani over to bottle the beer that Daddy and Roman made for Dani and Tim's wedding. We even got the Bakx kids to stay and play for the night after a bike ride dinner at Baja Sanora.
Since school started on Wed. Mommy took the last two days of Summer off. We had a great day with lots of friends at the bay, then the girls got to pick the Souplantation for lunch before bowling with the Marshall girls.
Inevitably the first day of school arrived. We all walked Kaylee to class first thing. It was great to see familiar faces, she was excited and nervous at the same time. After saying goodbye to Kaylee the three of us walked on over to Marshall Middle School for our first time. Daddy joined the D.O.G.S for the first time in an amazing welcome back to school line for all the kids. Let's just say, it was easier for Cienna than Mommy and Daddy.
Both girls had a great summer and were also happy to be back in school. It is a fun transition, but there has been a little denial that they are getting older. We are getting into the groove with the new schedule with new school activities, along with soccer and gymnastics.
That weekend Mommy got to carve out at least a little time to catch up Darcie in passing at the LB airport as she was in San Diego for a gymnastics convention and spending time with family in Catalina. A three day weekend followed due to Labor Day. Michele and Linda threw a great party down the street on Sunday and Monday we spent the time together as a family with a long bike ride on the beach with lunch in the middle at Yard House. Kaylee was cruising her new bike and teaching herself to ride with no hands. We even made a stop at Mommy and Daddy's first apartment they shared together and the girls did a handstand photo shoot. Unfortunately Daddy ruptured his hamstring the next week, but is working through it like a champ.
Following the school week we had the start of soccer games on Saturday then got to head straight to Carlsbad for Dani and Tim's wedding. Auntie Kimmie also had a wedding to go to, so we finally found a good time to get our annual mani/pedi that we give for each others birthday. Kaylee was lucky enough to get to join us. Both girls had wonderful games. Kaylee scored a hat trick in the first quarter and Cienna's team tied it up 1-1 in the last minutes of the game. After a decent road trip to Carlsbad we all showered and got ready in a wonderful hotel and met up with friends to celebrate Dani and Tim. After the ceremony there was a fun dinner and dancing reception nearby. We all stayed up too late but had a great time. The girls got up the next morning and had fun at the beach before enjoying a great breakfast and exploring the area. We met back up with the happy couple for lunch before heading home to get ready for the next/first full week of school.
The week was spent getting into the routine of the weeks to come. We are all excited for new adventures and activities. Our last weekend we had a couple more fantastic soccer games, four more goals by Kaylee and a fantastic save as center back by Cienna. Mommy also finally got to play her first Fall soccer game. We ended the weekend with the gymnastics team banquet. There was a ton of great food, all of us got to dress up a little fancy, and there was even a ball room dancing lesson. Cienna earned a medal hanger for the most improved and they both got fun awards.
All of us joined Nicki for her birthday celebration on a Duffy Boat Tour around the bay. Daddy got to help co-captain and Mommy joined the girls in some fun games. It was the first time for all of us.
Since her first consultation, Kaylee got spacers, and molds, etc. all leading up to her expander. She continues to be excited through all of it.
It's certainly a busy time, but we enjoy all of it together!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/jekur4vvxkjWYpiP8
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Cienna - 11 Years 7 Months... Kaylee - 9 Years 2 Month!
The girls had their last favorite week of the summer at acting out camp. The finale was an Aladdin theme. The weekend following started with the rehearsal dinner for Cobi and Bri's wedding. The girls were super excited to be the flower girls. Not only did we leave that evening with a couple of kittens, we also took notice of a Ford Bronco that had a for sale sign on it just down the street from the Ferrario's. We jotted down the phone number, and we were only taking Sierra and Robbi's cats to our house for the weekend to make room for wedding guests and keep them safe during the ceremony.
The wedding was amazing. It had a game theme and everyone had a wonderful time as always at the Ferrario's! The happy couple headed to Catalina for their Honeymoon and we got to take care of the little puppies!
The following week the girls had even more gymnastics with camp during the day followed by their normal gymnastics practices. They got new skills and although they were quite tired, they were very excited to talk about how much fun they had!
As if we didn't have enough going on, soccer then started. Mommy is coaching both teams again since we only have so much time in our schedule that we needed to pick practice times and locations. She is lucky to have one of Cienna's friends, Madelynn's dad volunteer to assistant coach, and Daddy is the official assistant coach for Kaylee's team this year. We got/picked our teams and started practice. It seems like a lot to do, but both girls are very excited and are excelling like crazy each practice! It's going to be a fun season. Both Daddy and Chris got to go to coaches training together.
Then there was a phone call and test drive for the 1983 Ford Bronco, which we are now the proud owners. The joys of a 36 year old title transfer and a membership to Triple A to avoid the DMV, we are now all excited to have a fun car to work/learn on together!!!
We had the annual beach fun day with the gymnastics team. It's so much fun to watch the girls get to have fun and play outside of the gym environment! That weekend we had an outdoor movie showing at Wardlow park, took the top of the Bronco and cruised the neighborhood, all actually went to Super Cuts for a hair trim, and had friends over to make a fort.
Y Camp the following week for the girls and then Kaylee was excited for her dentist appointment in anticipation to being referred to see the orthodontist. That is actually not sarcasm, she does enjoy going to the dentist, and we do have her first ortho appointment scheduled for this week.
Then we headed North after work on Thursday for a long drive to see family and friends and celebrate Poppa's newly built home. Aunt Bridget flew in for the occasion. We rolled in and got to catch up with her and Grammy that evening before getting some rest for a big weekend ahead.
Mommy made some plans to meet up with some good friends and their kids from her gymnastics days at the gym on Friday morning. The girls are spoiled there and get to do whatever they want. It will always feel like home when going to the gymnastic center, and was made even more so seeing familiar faces from when Mommy was a gymnast.
Afterward we headed to Poppa's to play in the pool.... oh, and yes meet up with the Marty's to set up for a party the next day! It was like having a party before the party as we all set up together! Before heading to bed we had fun making and playing wicked miniature golf course in Grammy and Grandpa's yard.
There was amazing support at the party, we saw friends that have kids going to high school that we had yet to meet, and friends of Daddy's family that drove from far away to celebrate Poppa moving back to the property! All of whom got to enjoy listening to Grammy's band (Still Kick'n) doing amazing despite the heat. The Marty's, Kyle's, and Rydman's, closed the party and then us and Poppa actually were the first to stay in his new home for the night!
Decent enough drive home on Sunday. Then we got ready for the next week which included a Gymnastics video shoot to promote next Summer's Nationals in Long Beach, First soccer practice for both girls, and finalizing our Bronco title transfer. Not a shabby week which ended with a fun dinner BBQ at the Marshall's after Open Gym and a swim time at Addison's.
That Sunday, Daddy and Roman started their batch of beer for Dani and Tim's wedding early next month. It's a good one! The week followed with crazy sock day at gymnastics, and some Color Me Mine ceramics. Neither of the girls had to get a shot at their doctors appointments, although they..Kaylee wasn't too worried about it.
Kaylee then got her much anticipated bike that she got using Birthday money from Poppa. We all had fun putting it together and taking a short bike ride after even though it was past bedtime. Daddy had a blast with the Bakx boys on a bike ride through Huntington Beach to complete another great month!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/4z2JoTDmoGtPHr3b9
The wedding was amazing. It had a game theme and everyone had a wonderful time as always at the Ferrario's! The happy couple headed to Catalina for their Honeymoon and we got to take care of the little puppies!
The following week the girls had even more gymnastics with camp during the day followed by their normal gymnastics practices. They got new skills and although they were quite tired, they were very excited to talk about how much fun they had!
As if we didn't have enough going on, soccer then started. Mommy is coaching both teams again since we only have so much time in our schedule that we needed to pick practice times and locations. She is lucky to have one of Cienna's friends, Madelynn's dad volunteer to assistant coach, and Daddy is the official assistant coach for Kaylee's team this year. We got/picked our teams and started practice. It seems like a lot to do, but both girls are very excited and are excelling like crazy each practice! It's going to be a fun season. Both Daddy and Chris got to go to coaches training together.
Then there was a phone call and test drive for the 1983 Ford Bronco, which we are now the proud owners. The joys of a 36 year old title transfer and a membership to Triple A to avoid the DMV, we are now all excited to have a fun car to work/learn on together!!!
We had the annual beach fun day with the gymnastics team. It's so much fun to watch the girls get to have fun and play outside of the gym environment! That weekend we had an outdoor movie showing at Wardlow park, took the top of the Bronco and cruised the neighborhood, all actually went to Super Cuts for a hair trim, and had friends over to make a fort.
Y Camp the following week for the girls and then Kaylee was excited for her dentist appointment in anticipation to being referred to see the orthodontist. That is actually not sarcasm, she does enjoy going to the dentist, and we do have her first ortho appointment scheduled for this week.
Then we headed North after work on Thursday for a long drive to see family and friends and celebrate Poppa's newly built home. Aunt Bridget flew in for the occasion. We rolled in and got to catch up with her and Grammy that evening before getting some rest for a big weekend ahead.
Mommy made some plans to meet up with some good friends and their kids from her gymnastics days at the gym on Friday morning. The girls are spoiled there and get to do whatever they want. It will always feel like home when going to the gymnastic center, and was made even more so seeing familiar faces from when Mommy was a gymnast.
Afterward we headed to Poppa's to play in the pool.... oh, and yes meet up with the Marty's to set up for a party the next day! It was like having a party before the party as we all set up together! Before heading to bed we had fun making and playing wicked miniature golf course in Grammy and Grandpa's yard.
There was amazing support at the party, we saw friends that have kids going to high school that we had yet to meet, and friends of Daddy's family that drove from far away to celebrate Poppa moving back to the property! All of whom got to enjoy listening to Grammy's band (Still Kick'n) doing amazing despite the heat. The Marty's, Kyle's, and Rydman's, closed the party and then us and Poppa actually were the first to stay in his new home for the night!
Decent enough drive home on Sunday. Then we got ready for the next week which included a Gymnastics video shoot to promote next Summer's Nationals in Long Beach, First soccer practice for both girls, and finalizing our Bronco title transfer. Not a shabby week which ended with a fun dinner BBQ at the Marshall's after Open Gym and a swim time at Addison's.
That Sunday, Daddy and Roman started their batch of beer for Dani and Tim's wedding early next month. It's a good one! The week followed with crazy sock day at gymnastics, and some Color Me Mine ceramics. Neither of the girls had to get a shot at their doctors appointments, although they..Kaylee wasn't too worried about it.
Kaylee then got her much anticipated bike that she got using Birthday money from Poppa. We all had fun putting it together and taking a short bike ride after even though it was past bedtime. Daddy had a blast with the Bakx boys on a bike ride through Huntington Beach to complete another great month!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/4z2JoTDmoGtPHr3b9
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Cienna - 11 Years 6 Months... Kaylee - 9 Years 1 Month!
The girls started their summer with their very favorite summer camp. Even with lots of anticipation Acting Out camp didn't disappoint! The following weekend we spent time bike riding and joining in some neighborhood party redneck game Shenanigans. After the girls spent a day at AJ's we were all ready to go on our big Oregon vacation.
After an easy plane flight to Portland we got ourselves a Subaru and headed to the hotel for a good night sleep. We raided the continental breakfast before starting our road trip to Bend. First stop was the Vista House, then our first small hike at Bridal Falls. We stopped for a photo op at a rundown train tunnel before learning all about trout at the Boneville Fish Hatchery. Being so close to Washington, we decided we'd better visit two other states while of vacation. It was a long (nope) journey across the Columbia River on the Bridge of Gods where we stayed a whole 5 minutes in Washington. Just past the River we stopped for a bite and a beer at Full Sail Brewery. Next stop was a scenic view at Trillium Lake where we would have had a great view of Mt. Hood if it wasn't pouring at that time. We had fun locating it anyway. Then our final leg of the trip before arriving at the Payne's home who had a delicious Tri-Tip dinner ready for us. We got a tour of their beautiful home and spent the evening catching up.
Our first day in Bend, Matt showed us around the town. We walked through parks, hit up a coffee shop, bookstore, toy store, Bend Brewery, we stopped by Deschutes to visit Stacey at work before going to a Hobby Lobby and treating the kids to some crafts to have fun with before going to dinner at the Deschutes restaurant and work party. Stacey took the next day off of work and the 8 of us prepared for an over 8 mile, magnificently beautiful hike at Tumalo Falls. A plethora of waterfalls in all shapes and sizes, beautiful scenery, foliage, trees, terrain, amazing stories by Jasper, and even snow close to our final destination for lunch at Happy Valley. We'll forget about the mosquito's near the valley. The hike back was just as wonderful. After the big day the Nachos for dinner was a perfect plan while watching the USWNT play hard in the semi-finals.
We started off strong once again the next morning with Panperdu (prepared the night before) for breakfast. The Payne's started the trek back to Portland with us. We went to the Dee Wright Observatory first. It was pretty crazy to see the lava fields on the drive and from the Observatory itself. Then we headed toward an our last incredible waterfall hike that is mostly closed down during any other month of the year. All the kids, and adults got to get their feet wet and have fun climbing around.
We then said farewell to the Payne's and headed to dinner at our destination hotel by the Portland airport since we had to wake at 3:30am for our 6:00am flight. We took the food to the room and enjoyed our last evening together in Oregon. Not much sleep but we were all in good spirits on the flight home and enjoyed getting back home.
The girls got to enjoy a couple of more days at AJ's before the 4th of July celebrations began. We closed down our block. But so many others also did in the neighborhood. So we visited them all on a collaborative bike ride before coming back to enjoy our block including our neighbors and other friends stopping by to play with a jumpy, slip n' slide, the Douglas's pool, water balloon fights, great food, and fireworks to end the evening.
That Saturday was another big bash celebrating Dani and Tim's Engagement at the Bakx. We made a big night out of it with fun, music, and pool time. We even got to have a sleepover so we were all together to watch the USWNT Finals against the Netherlands early the next morning. USA...USA!!!
Following the game, the girls enjoyed some fun celebrating Jessica and Kate's 11th birthday play date. Perfect company, food, and fun for the day! The girls had their first week at YMCA camp which included lots of field trips and meeting new friends. Even though they weren't necessarily looking forward to it, they did enjoy themselves. The first Wednesday Mommy got to spend with the girls we got all the work around the house done together so we could then enjoy some roller skating. Then after Thursday camp we enjoyed slurpies for 7-11 day!
It was again time for more summer fun at Lake Casitas. Our first camping trip of the summer. We were happy to be joined by Cory, Autumn, Carver, and Miles for their first camping trip ever with their cool tent trailer. This spot has a water park that includes water slides and a lazy river. We played plenty of KanJam and Corn Hole, had Smores, went for our ritual group night bike ride, played LCR and Kaylee went home with the jackpot!
The girls headed back for their second week of Acting Out camp and continued summer fun days at gymnastics with Twin day and Movie night where they all stayed after practice to watch the Simone Biles movie projected on the gym wall.
Been a great first half of summer, but can't believe it has flown by with all the fun we've had!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/jJJKB1tsmwJRiwHB6
After an easy plane flight to Portland we got ourselves a Subaru and headed to the hotel for a good night sleep. We raided the continental breakfast before starting our road trip to Bend. First stop was the Vista House, then our first small hike at Bridal Falls. We stopped for a photo op at a rundown train tunnel before learning all about trout at the Boneville Fish Hatchery. Being so close to Washington, we decided we'd better visit two other states while of vacation. It was a long (nope) journey across the Columbia River on the Bridge of Gods where we stayed a whole 5 minutes in Washington. Just past the River we stopped for a bite and a beer at Full Sail Brewery. Next stop was a scenic view at Trillium Lake where we would have had a great view of Mt. Hood if it wasn't pouring at that time. We had fun locating it anyway. Then our final leg of the trip before arriving at the Payne's home who had a delicious Tri-Tip dinner ready for us. We got a tour of their beautiful home and spent the evening catching up.
Our first day in Bend, Matt showed us around the town. We walked through parks, hit up a coffee shop, bookstore, toy store, Bend Brewery, we stopped by Deschutes to visit Stacey at work before going to a Hobby Lobby and treating the kids to some crafts to have fun with before going to dinner at the Deschutes restaurant and work party. Stacey took the next day off of work and the 8 of us prepared for an over 8 mile, magnificently beautiful hike at Tumalo Falls. A plethora of waterfalls in all shapes and sizes, beautiful scenery, foliage, trees, terrain, amazing stories by Jasper, and even snow close to our final destination for lunch at Happy Valley. We'll forget about the mosquito's near the valley. The hike back was just as wonderful. After the big day the Nachos for dinner was a perfect plan while watching the USWNT play hard in the semi-finals.
We started off strong once again the next morning with Panperdu (prepared the night before) for breakfast. The Payne's started the trek back to Portland with us. We went to the Dee Wright Observatory first. It was pretty crazy to see the lava fields on the drive and from the Observatory itself. Then we headed toward an our last incredible waterfall hike that is mostly closed down during any other month of the year. All the kids, and adults got to get their feet wet and have fun climbing around.
We then said farewell to the Payne's and headed to dinner at our destination hotel by the Portland airport since we had to wake at 3:30am for our 6:00am flight. We took the food to the room and enjoyed our last evening together in Oregon. Not much sleep but we were all in good spirits on the flight home and enjoyed getting back home.
The girls got to enjoy a couple of more days at AJ's before the 4th of July celebrations began. We closed down our block. But so many others also did in the neighborhood. So we visited them all on a collaborative bike ride before coming back to enjoy our block including our neighbors and other friends stopping by to play with a jumpy, slip n' slide, the Douglas's pool, water balloon fights, great food, and fireworks to end the evening.
That Saturday was another big bash celebrating Dani and Tim's Engagement at the Bakx. We made a big night out of it with fun, music, and pool time. We even got to have a sleepover so we were all together to watch the USWNT Finals against the Netherlands early the next morning. USA...USA!!!
Following the game, the girls enjoyed some fun celebrating Jessica and Kate's 11th birthday play date. Perfect company, food, and fun for the day! The girls had their first week at YMCA camp which included lots of field trips and meeting new friends. Even though they weren't necessarily looking forward to it, they did enjoy themselves. The first Wednesday Mommy got to spend with the girls we got all the work around the house done together so we could then enjoy some roller skating. Then after Thursday camp we enjoyed slurpies for 7-11 day!
It was again time for more summer fun at Lake Casitas. Our first camping trip of the summer. We were happy to be joined by Cory, Autumn, Carver, and Miles for their first camping trip ever with their cool tent trailer. This spot has a water park that includes water slides and a lazy river. We played plenty of KanJam and Corn Hole, had Smores, went for our ritual group night bike ride, played LCR and Kaylee went home with the jackpot!
The girls headed back for their second week of Acting Out camp and continued summer fun days at gymnastics with Twin day and Movie night where they all stayed after practice to watch the Simone Biles movie projected on the gym wall.
Been a great first half of summer, but can't believe it has flown by with all the fun we've had!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/jJJKB1tsmwJRiwHB6
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Cienna - 11 Years 5 Months... Kaylee - 9 Years Old!
I will start out by saying... given the amount of things that happened this month, the blog really doesn't have time to be written. However it is happening. Another side note... there are only so many tears to be shed in one month for how fast the time is going, so this is going to be as straight and to the point as possible.
After a wonderful time with Grammy, we took our last possible chance to use our free tickets to Disneyland before they expired. As usual Cienna got her chance to be scholar of the week as one of the last students. That same week was the Carver open house. The 5th graders were on Thurs. night so one of their teachers could see her son graduate, and the rest were the Wed. before. Mommy got to help with many of the teachers prepare ahead of time and her and Daddy enjoyed the girls showing off some of the things they had created for display. That led to one of many date nights with Kaylee taking advantage of free deserts for her birthday.
This last month of school was also filled with many parties, especially for Cienna and her fifth grade graduating class. First, there were the last meetings for both of Kaylee's troop 2283, and Cienna's very last for troop 1063 in which they had an awesome paint party.
This led to a three day weekend to include Memorial Day. We took advantage of one of few Saturdays to be only together starting with going out to Breakfast (including Porter), followed by yard work, which sent Kaylee up a tree with clippers. That Sunday, Cienna enjoyed hanging with friends at Sydney's birthday party while Mommy, Daddy, and Kaylee which just so happened that the only lanes left were the neon experience! We then also got to have more family time enjoying smoked ribs and cool fort building utilizing the back of Daddy's truck.
The next day at school Kaylee's class got to show off what they had learned on the recorder this year in a morning performance that Daddy got to see. That evening reality struck that Cienna will be in middle school next year as we went to an event to explain the elective choices that they get to choose in sixth grade. Cienna wants to continue clarinet in the band and do chorus which does a couple play productions throughout the school year. Next came the Carver Carnival which many parents came together to make possible for all kids to have a great time. We all had plenty of fun setting up even if we didn't have too much time to spend there since it was the last gymnastics practice before the girls State meet in San Diego. Mommy even went after practice to help tear down.
Then first thing the next morning after doing hair we got in the car and went south. First stop to drop off Mommy to help coach the level 3's and the rest of the family went to say hello and have lunch with the Sklenicka's before it was the girls turn to compete. As always they both had a great time competing and did so well as they just continue to excel in both skill and the love of the sport. They were happy that all four Sklenicka's came to watch as well.
Afterward we went back to their home for a delicious BBQ and a lot of fun. The next morning after some breakfast and fun at a cool nearby restaurant including a vintage bus for the kids to play on, Mommy went back to the competition to help the optional team while more fun was had with the rest with Joe, Dana, Jackson, and Riggs.
We had to leave just in time to make it to Cienna's very last girls scout event. Troop 1063 is coming to an end, but they did it with a great party at their troop leaders home. And it certainly isn't the end to any of their friendships.
Kaylee's third grade class had a big field trip to Knott's to have fun learning about California history, then that evening we made a trip to David's Bridal to size and order their flower girl dresses for Cobi and Bri's wedding toward the end of July. They are super excited to be part of their big day. Cienna then had her end of the year band concert to show off how far she has come since her previous one earlier this year. This was again followed by yet another date night and desert for Kaylee's birthday month.
During the weekend we all got to spend time with Roman, Larry, and the guests of honor, Cobi and Bri as Daddy and Roman began their brews for the wedding day celebration. The next day was full of more parties starting with Alexa's in the morning at Wardlow Park, followed by Dylan's pool party at the Chavez house, and we all then finally took Cara and Minda to the movies as promised from a Secret Santa gift last winter.
Then there was the last week of school. Both Kaylee and Cienna's classes pretty much partied and had plenty of free dress days. Then came the 5th grade walk through the hallways from 5th to the Kinder grades cheering them on with confetti before the big promotion ceremony. Mommy got to join Cienna at a party with many of Cienna's friends followed at the Adams family as they all were let out before lunch. Then we picked up Kaylee at the end of the day to prepare for the next day, the last day of the school year.
Mommy surprised the girls and took the day off to spend helping with the 5th grade party at the park. The sidewalk to the park was lined with inspirational sayings as always and the kids had so much fun enjoying what they have seen many 5th grade classes do before them. They had a big field day full of activities and a great taco truck for lunch before heading back for their last few minutes as elementary school kids.
Mommy was happy to help and see them enjoy the day. Also was able to present Kaylee's teacher and our friend, Ms. Richey with an end of the school gift as well as surprise Kaylee with donuts (something she never thought would ever happen) to give to celebrate her birthday (and the rest of the kids that have summer birthdays) during their last little bit as 3rd graders. And then again of course we had another desert at date night for Kaylee's birthday month : )
The next day Mommy, the girls, with Shawna went to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new addition of the gymnastics center. It was cool to see, we then all headed to get our nails done for the first day of summer. Afterward we went last minute shopping for Kaylee's first sleepover birthday party with two of her good buddies. And then Kaylee had her girl scout cookie sales party with her troop at the movie theater.
After Nicki and Addison arrived at our house with all their sleepover gear for Kaylee's party, we headed to the Lakewood Equestrian Center for a fun Sunset Pony trot. After the petting zoo, they all had fun riding on the ponies in shiny gold cowgirl hats. They had plenty of fun just goofing around the house, playing on the VR headset (both Nicki and Adi's first time), designing aprons, making their own spaghetti and meatball dinner with fruit salad, creating really cool ceramic "grill plates" for their dad's father's day gift, then all got matching slippers to watch The Greatest Showman while relaxing on the couch before setting up a living room full of air mattress and sleeping gear to sleep on for the night.
Of course our faulty fire alarm picked that night to go off in the 3 O'clock hour, but after being re-assured they all went back to sleep for at least a couple hours. Mommy then took the girls to the park to let Daddy get a little rest for fathers Day morning. We came back and made Blueberry muffins and bacon for breakfast before it was ready to go from Kaylee's Day to Daddy's day.
The girls were ready to show and give all that they had made for Daddy! T-Shirts weren't forgotten. We had a wonderful morning and then headed to the Bakx house to celebrate many more Father's. They had recorded the USA Women's World Cup game so we all watched it together, did some swimming, played games and of course music, and had dinner before heading home for a relaxing family movie night.
The first week of camp for the girls started with their favorite! They look forward to it all year long. Acting Out Camp! It is their 3rd year and so far wish it was offered all summer instead of just one or two weeks each summer. Their performance will be at the end of the week and I'm sure will be in next months blog.
This was really as straight and to the point as it could've been. Thanks for whomever made it through the whole thing. Sorry, too many emotions to come up with something to finish with.
As you could guess there are plenty of pictures to see.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/W2wxyktCRibMwfiY9
After a wonderful time with Grammy, we took our last possible chance to use our free tickets to Disneyland before they expired. As usual Cienna got her chance to be scholar of the week as one of the last students. That same week was the Carver open house. The 5th graders were on Thurs. night so one of their teachers could see her son graduate, and the rest were the Wed. before. Mommy got to help with many of the teachers prepare ahead of time and her and Daddy enjoyed the girls showing off some of the things they had created for display. That led to one of many date nights with Kaylee taking advantage of free deserts for her birthday.
This last month of school was also filled with many parties, especially for Cienna and her fifth grade graduating class. First, there were the last meetings for both of Kaylee's troop 2283, and Cienna's very last for troop 1063 in which they had an awesome paint party.
This led to a three day weekend to include Memorial Day. We took advantage of one of few Saturdays to be only together starting with going out to Breakfast (including Porter), followed by yard work, which sent Kaylee up a tree with clippers. That Sunday, Cienna enjoyed hanging with friends at Sydney's birthday party while Mommy, Daddy, and Kaylee which just so happened that the only lanes left were the neon experience! We then also got to have more family time enjoying smoked ribs and cool fort building utilizing the back of Daddy's truck.
The next day at school Kaylee's class got to show off what they had learned on the recorder this year in a morning performance that Daddy got to see. That evening reality struck that Cienna will be in middle school next year as we went to an event to explain the elective choices that they get to choose in sixth grade. Cienna wants to continue clarinet in the band and do chorus which does a couple play productions throughout the school year. Next came the Carver Carnival which many parents came together to make possible for all kids to have a great time. We all had plenty of fun setting up even if we didn't have too much time to spend there since it was the last gymnastics practice before the girls State meet in San Diego. Mommy even went after practice to help tear down.
Then first thing the next morning after doing hair we got in the car and went south. First stop to drop off Mommy to help coach the level 3's and the rest of the family went to say hello and have lunch with the Sklenicka's before it was the girls turn to compete. As always they both had a great time competing and did so well as they just continue to excel in both skill and the love of the sport. They were happy that all four Sklenicka's came to watch as well.
Afterward we went back to their home for a delicious BBQ and a lot of fun. The next morning after some breakfast and fun at a cool nearby restaurant including a vintage bus for the kids to play on, Mommy went back to the competition to help the optional team while more fun was had with the rest with Joe, Dana, Jackson, and Riggs.
We had to leave just in time to make it to Cienna's very last girls scout event. Troop 1063 is coming to an end, but they did it with a great party at their troop leaders home. And it certainly isn't the end to any of their friendships.
Kaylee's third grade class had a big field trip to Knott's to have fun learning about California history, then that evening we made a trip to David's Bridal to size and order their flower girl dresses for Cobi and Bri's wedding toward the end of July. They are super excited to be part of their big day. Cienna then had her end of the year band concert to show off how far she has come since her previous one earlier this year. This was again followed by yet another date night and desert for Kaylee's birthday month.
During the weekend we all got to spend time with Roman, Larry, and the guests of honor, Cobi and Bri as Daddy and Roman began their brews for the wedding day celebration. The next day was full of more parties starting with Alexa's in the morning at Wardlow Park, followed by Dylan's pool party at the Chavez house, and we all then finally took Cara and Minda to the movies as promised from a Secret Santa gift last winter.
Then there was the last week of school. Both Kaylee and Cienna's classes pretty much partied and had plenty of free dress days. Then came the 5th grade walk through the hallways from 5th to the Kinder grades cheering them on with confetti before the big promotion ceremony. Mommy got to join Cienna at a party with many of Cienna's friends followed at the Adams family as they all were let out before lunch. Then we picked up Kaylee at the end of the day to prepare for the next day, the last day of the school year.
Mommy surprised the girls and took the day off to spend helping with the 5th grade party at the park. The sidewalk to the park was lined with inspirational sayings as always and the kids had so much fun enjoying what they have seen many 5th grade classes do before them. They had a big field day full of activities and a great taco truck for lunch before heading back for their last few minutes as elementary school kids.
Mommy was happy to help and see them enjoy the day. Also was able to present Kaylee's teacher and our friend, Ms. Richey with an end of the school gift as well as surprise Kaylee with donuts (something she never thought would ever happen) to give to celebrate her birthday (and the rest of the kids that have summer birthdays) during their last little bit as 3rd graders. And then again of course we had another desert at date night for Kaylee's birthday month : )
The next day Mommy, the girls, with Shawna went to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new addition of the gymnastics center. It was cool to see, we then all headed to get our nails done for the first day of summer. Afterward we went last minute shopping for Kaylee's first sleepover birthday party with two of her good buddies. And then Kaylee had her girl scout cookie sales party with her troop at the movie theater.
After Nicki and Addison arrived at our house with all their sleepover gear for Kaylee's party, we headed to the Lakewood Equestrian Center for a fun Sunset Pony trot. After the petting zoo, they all had fun riding on the ponies in shiny gold cowgirl hats. They had plenty of fun just goofing around the house, playing on the VR headset (both Nicki and Adi's first time), designing aprons, making their own spaghetti and meatball dinner with fruit salad, creating really cool ceramic "grill plates" for their dad's father's day gift, then all got matching slippers to watch The Greatest Showman while relaxing on the couch before setting up a living room full of air mattress and sleeping gear to sleep on for the night.
Of course our faulty fire alarm picked that night to go off in the 3 O'clock hour, but after being re-assured they all went back to sleep for at least a couple hours. Mommy then took the girls to the park to let Daddy get a little rest for fathers Day morning. We came back and made Blueberry muffins and bacon for breakfast before it was ready to go from Kaylee's Day to Daddy's day.
The girls were ready to show and give all that they had made for Daddy! T-Shirts weren't forgotten. We had a wonderful morning and then headed to the Bakx house to celebrate many more Father's. They had recorded the USA Women's World Cup game so we all watched it together, did some swimming, played games and of course music, and had dinner before heading home for a relaxing family movie night.
The first week of camp for the girls started with their favorite! They look forward to it all year long. Acting Out Camp! It is their 3rd year and so far wish it was offered all summer instead of just one or two weeks each summer. Their performance will be at the end of the week and I'm sure will be in next months blog.
This was really as straight and to the point as it could've been. Thanks for whomever made it through the whole thing. Sorry, too many emotions to come up with something to finish with.
As you could guess there are plenty of pictures to see.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/W2wxyktCRibMwfiY9
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