Cienna - 18 Years 4 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 11 Months Old!

As mom headed back from SR, dad was doing more prep for future parties, Cienna went to the flower fields with friends after a hair cutting party for beautiful pictures, and Kaylee was paddle boarding with friends. The next week was the last formal chorus concert for the girls. They honored all the seniors and put on a beautiful performance as always.

The next weekend we all went to the Acro and Tumbling National Championship competition in Azuza. Kaylee did amazing driving the way there. We met up with a few of Cienna's future teammates and coach who were also there watching. It really got her excited for what's to come! Afterward Cienna headed to join Evan for his School Athlete Dance which was Cowboy themed.

The next Day had fun going to a Galaxy Game with some of the Bakx's and Scott. Meanwhile Kaylee, with a fixed paddle board went back to the bay. Then we all celebrated Roaklee's Birthday before a huge next weekend.

Dad went to Michigan for Eric and Mary's wedding, Mom and Cienna went to Idaho for Western's and Kaylee stayed at home to hold down the fort, take care of Roaklee, and attend all the parties that the rest of us were missing.

Michigan: Dad took off Wed. morning to meet up with Poppa and the Marty's. Thurs. they headed to the Ford museum and did some more site seeing. The Kyle's soon joined. That night was the the rehearsal dinner at local Italian restaurant and had some amazing deserts. Mark and Mike got up early Friday morning to meet up with Erik, Greg and his groomsmen to play some golf. Let's just say Mark is happy they played "better ball" The wedding was that night and was super beautiful. The weather held out and you could tell that Erik and Mary knew not only that they loved each other but felt super loved from those around them. Mark loved being with family on such a special occasion and we were all happy for him to pass on our love as well. Saturday they headed to brunch with the wedding party and on to there next hotel in downtown Detroit. Did some more site-seeing downtown and had Detroit-style pizza at Buddy's. The next day was Mark's Birthday. He felt pretty lucky to be spoiled by those around him. They went to a Detroit Tigers Game where he learned that he was sharing his birthday with the mascot. Mary's brother ended up catching a foul ball and gave it to Mark as a gift right before catching another one!!!! WHAT? Then they all got props on the jumbotron for Erik and Mary's wedding as well as Mark's birthday! Not to mention the Tiger-tail corn dog, which looks absolutely delicious to pretty much nobody : ) But must taste alright?

Idaho: Mom and Cienna left that afternoon. We had a couple stops on the way to Boise, but it was a pretty smooth trip other than maybe a high speed walk to another gate. Got to Boise just after midnight but had a great nights sleep. Got up just in time for continental breakfast before Cienna's warmup practice at the Idaho Central Arena. Practice went great and she made new friends from our Region (1)! We headed back to the hotel to change before going back downtown for some Mediterranean food. That night was also the Welcome party for all the gymnasts. They did some line dancing and got to all socialize.

We had the next two days to spend in Boise together before competition on Sunday and heading home. We went big on Friday with a hike up Camel's Back Park in Boise. Then we wanted to go bigger and looked up the nearest waterfall hike. It was an hour away, through some private roads, and off the beaten path, but we got there and it was beautiful. Strangely we actually ran into another gymnast (and her coaches and dad) who is not only competing with Cienna the following day but will be her teammate in Manhattan next fall! We then went for another walk near the hotel after a bit of relaxing along the Greenbelt, which included a strip near Boise State. We noticed a cool restaurant along the way, which we went to later for dinner.

Saturday we woke up late and went to watch a fellow Y gymnast that is also on the gymnast board compete. Along the way we found a cool coffee shop, a farmers market, and a famous "Freak Alley". We then did a self tour of Boise State, then wound down after dinner getting ready for competition the next morning. The day was as beautiful as the whole trip and we headed off after packing knowing we were headed to the airport straight after. Cienna had such a great time through the whole experience. Camaraderie and sportsmanship was the entire theme of the competition. Not only did she compete well, but she had experiences with other gymnasts that she will never forget. She even got to enjoy the senior recognition and after pictures without having to jet off to the airport too soon since mom booked a flight that was a bit too early if everything wasn't run so efficient, but it was and we had an easy time getting back home as well!

Back at Home: Kaylee had it all under control. She planned everything out ahead of time. Would have been easier if it was a month later when she would already have her driver's license, but it wouldn't have been as much fun : ) She organized rides from school and back whether it was early for Chamber or normal time. She had a different ride for each way to and from gymnastics, she luckily also was taken in for the evenings by the Marshall's as one of their own. Even when some rides fell through she was able to make new plans and contact some backups. She was very appreciative of all that we're there for her and we are so lucky to have such a great support system. Meanwhile she studied for her AP World History Test which she got 5/5 on Saturday morning before she helped set up for Mac's 50th birthday party. Actually got confirmation that she was a big help (truly not surprising, she's good like that). She then got to attend and represent all of us at the PeeWee Herman themed party. Meanwhile she made sure to feed Roaklee, take him on walks and take care of herself and the house the entire time we were gone.

I guess Prom prep should be mentioned first. But backyard stuff is a close second since it involved getting the hot tub delivered and functional. Meanwhile, mom also somehow got all insulation done in the garage. Ok, back to prom prep. Kaylee did Cienna's nails, then the day before was a flower bouquet/boutonniere making party at the house. That afternoon Dad took Evan and Cienna to the beach for pictures. Next day was prom and Cienna went with friends to Ranch Los Cerritos for a boat load of amazing pictures before getting all together at a friends backyard for a catered dinner. They were all picked up by a luxury bus and headed to Hanger21 in Fullerton for to continue their fun time enjoying their last dance together as high schoolers.

The hot tub in, insulation done, it was time for drywall. First up was the ceiling in the garage of course. Took all Sunday but we got it done! We also managed to have fun in the meantime and went soaked in the hot tub after. 

Unfortunately we ended up in Urgent Care on Monday after an incident with Cienna at practice but she's good and she's amazingly strong. She's recovering and only getting stronger. Girls continue to work in ASB promoting end of school activities, we keep on keeping on with drywall in the garage every moment, with Roaklee's help.

Moving forward together, but enjoying each moment together is the theme of our lives right now!

Check out the photos:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/X8UbQUzVVAhKS8Nx9

Cienna - 18 Years 3 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 10 Months Old!

Gymnastics State competition in San Diego was first. We went Friday evening to be there for Alayah's competition and then Saturday morning to support the Level 6 and 7's before Cienna and Kaylee. That night we stayed together at an amazing hotel in the Gaslamp district just down the street from the Convention Center in which the competition was being held. We had a great dinner together on the patio, people watching. Had a great morning breakfast at the hotel, Kaylee and Cienna fortunately got to go at the same time. Dad drove down to join us to watch the girls compete and participated in the senior ceremony celebrating all the years of hard work and dedication. Cienna got her first set of diamond earrings of the month which is a Southern California tradition for USAG. They both did amazing as always and qualified for Regionals in Vegas.

Mom had her 49th Bday doing what she loves most, spending time with her family. We had some fun plumbing the backyard for some new cement for our hot tub on its way.

Girls had some beach days, a carnival at school which they had a big part of being in ASB, and the four of us got to go to the Savanah Bananas! We had a complete blast! Got some shirts ahead of time and really enjoyed the show and being together.

Kaylee went with Mom and Dad to Tyler and Becky's Baby Shower which even had real life looking dinosaurs :)  The Girl's first day of Spring Break was Good Friday, they got up at 5am to sing for the YMCA breakfast with their school choir. Mom was lucky to be able to attend being a YMCA employee. Their choir was the most amazing entertainment for such a great gathering. They even got standing ovations!

That Saturday was spent preparing plumbing and finishing electrical in the backyard for cement to be poured prior to the hot tub arrival. We also got a chance to dye some eggs and prepare for Easter morning.

Girls still had fun hunting for eggs in the morning, then we first went to the Ferrario's. We enjoyed hanging out with everyone and saw some brand new puppies, and bunnies, as well as more Easter festivities with the little Ferrario's as well. We then came back to the Snow's for some delicious food and well spent time together.

The girls planned some fun adventures with each other and friends all week including a trip to the beach with Roaklee, paddle boarding in the bay, and taking pictures at Sunken City. We all also went to our first Acro & Tumbling competition at Asuza after Cienna took Evan on a Scavenger hunt asking Evan to Prom.

We all looked forward to more family time in Vegas for the girls Regional competition. We rented a car for the road trip to Vegas. Left the car after stopping at the world famous thermometer (was super exciting), then headed to the Rio for a delicious brunch. The event was being held at the Rio. We had a great view and settled in the room before heading to the pool. There may have been some inappropriate storm troopers walking around the pool (Empire Strips Back) as well. Mild compared to what we saw later in the evening.

We booked Ziplining along the downtown strip from the top of the largest slot machine (SlotZilla). All four of us got to go together checking out all the crazy that was below. Was a pretty cool experience, especially to do together. Then walking back down  the downtown area was a whole other experience with all the street performers and the downtown Vegas experience. We even had dinner (which had great food btw) that had a claw machine that for $2 you could grab a live lobster to eat if you won.

Kaylee was first to compete on Sunday. She had some great moments, ending with Regional medals on floor, beam, and all around. Cienna was next. Had another senior ceremony which she got more diamond earrings, also did great and made it to Western's her senior year in Idaho for her age division coming up next week.

Mom then headed to Regionals for the level 6 and 7's in Santa Rosa! After flying in to SR she met up at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds to coach a few sessions before visiting SRGC and surprising Darcie, then visited Poppa and Heather in Kenwood. Grammy and Greg joined the last competition session of the evening and then we all enjoyed the rest of the evening together. There was more sessions on Saturday and we spent more time together going to Home Depot, having dinner, and enjoying the company.

Meanwhile, Dad and the girls were doing multiple jobs around the house, continuing to upgrade the backyard and garage, and getting ready for the upcoming festivities. Kaylee and Nicki went paddle boarding while Cienna got the opportunity to go to a suite at the Grand Prix downtown with free food and all the luxuries that are accommodated special guests :)

I know we've said it before, but we think about it everyday that we're so lucky for all that we have, the people that surround and support us, and each other!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/KXFYHiDVGvL8TA4KA

Cienna - 18 Years 2 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 8 Months Old!

Cienna had a after party Galentines, we got the washer and dryer, started on some amazing under laundry system storage box unit including color matched paint! Meanwhile Kaylee organized a surprise birthday beach day for Amiaya and friends. Kaylee got her retainers, then we all headed for a long weekend in Palm Springs for a fun gymnastics competition. First time in forever, like ever, it landed on a Friday.

Cienna got Man U swag in the mail, we did our first load of laundry without failures, girls went to get $2 Pizzookies to eat in the garage attic, we finished laundry pedestals, Dad continues to impress co-workers, visited Erik for yearly financial check-in and the girls had their first babysitting job Friday after gym with Vienna and Max, Kristens' new baby and her Mom's German Shepard! They thoroughly had such a great time and look forward to the next.

Mom headed back to Camarillo on Friday and Sunday evening, to coach the 6's, 7's, and Platinums this time instead of skydiving. Meanwhile we kept moving and grooving with the garage any time we got. Busting hard into finishing electrical including figuring out hot tub situation and lighting. Getting closer and closer to putting up sheetrock. We're all having fun in the meantime. We really enjoyed going together watching a bunch of long time friends in the high school musical "Foot Loose"! Then gave some time to Roaklee enjoying a beautiful day at dog beach and getting smoothies at our local beach True Nature go to.

Kaylee headed to an overnight field trip with about 100+ of her Quest group to tour three San Diego colleges. They also hung out at the zoo, downtown, and had some beach-time. It's always beach weather around here. The last weekend Mom and Kaylee had hair appointments, Cienna represented for Sierra's baby sprinkle before heading to Knott's with Evan. Kaylee then had a driving lesson which she was way too over prepared for and mom a coaches meeting.  All while dad prepared everything to have friends over for a BBQ that evening.

It was such a great BBQ with friends even celebrating Mom and Minda with a birthday cake. Girls went paddle boarding the next day with Nicki. Mom and Dad went to scout out some hot tubs, got some more stuff done on the garage. We took Kaylee for a successful clothes shopping trip for jeans at TJ Max and prepared for the week.

We were happy to swing a St Patrick's Day dinner our style together with all our busy schedules and Dad did an amazing job for Uncle Joe capturing a leprechaun trap get away picture!

Couldn’t be more proud! We cherish the moments we get to spend together and even the moments when we come back together after being apart during the day.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/PyLMFLbTiVgTFXXS8

Cienna - 18 Years 1 Month Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 7 Months Old!

Nothing makes the job of starting the story each month easier and harder than the amount of love that is in our family. It happened to be finals week at school, but that might not be more important than Cienna turning 18. An age is an age that doesn't change how amazing she is and has always been. 

Girls were ready for finals, but after a morning birthday celebration and a couple of tests we took them out early on for Cienna's birthday adventure to Camarillo near the Oxnard airport.  We started the road trip with some breakfast, and road trip antics on our way to skydiving. Cienna and mom had a planned 3 o'clock dive, but the cooler experienced divers and pilot recommended coming early for better weather. We did a 2 o'clock dive and couldn't have had a better experience with staff, weather, company including dad and Kaylee supporting us the entire time! Pretty sure it is neither Cienna or mom's last time, but we'll see. The best part of the day was all being together. We checked out the beach towns nearby and had dinner in Santa Monica and walked along the Promenade before heading home.

Girls finished rocking finals and we had another party weekend. Cienna and Evan went/took Kaylee and Nicki to Laguna for a hike. When the girls got home Auntie Kimmie brought over a delicious strawberry lemon cake to celebrate. Through the day mom and dad continued to make progress on the garage before inviting friends over to make our way to a local bar and watch "Retrobution." Happens to be long time friends and a fantastic band. Was great to see and support them, as well as celebrate Selena and Jana's birthday. We started the end of the weekend putting up drywall with plenty of help from Kaylee in anticipation of our garage door installation which little did we know was the beginning of many parties to come! 

Afterward mom and Cienna headed to Laguna Nigel to meet up with Mckenna for her senior photos. The entire session, experience, and photos turned out perfect. Cienna brings the sunsets with her. Cliffs, beach, sunsets, such an amazing vibe and personality to go with that smile of hers. 

Keeping up the pace we continue with Cienna participating in multiple honor choir practices and performances as well as both girls preparing for their first gymnastics competition of the season at Soka U. May have been some prep for the upcoming week as well.

In coming,,,,, February. Backstage Bistro is kinda one of the coolest choir performances. This year included a first performance of both Cienna and Kaylee ever singing a duet singing "Fly". Cienna also finished out with two more duets singing "Little Talks" with Lexie (heart full) and then another with Shawna "Never Grow Up" even changing some words to accentuate the upcoming future college adventure.

If that wasn't enough after Friday practice we had Cienna's signing Day! Our Gymnastics Center helped out with the party with decorations, cake and pizza. Cienna had so many people come support and make such a memorable night. She knows how much everyone in her life contributes to how amazing she has become and appreciate those who made it and those who couldn't as well.

Wait, what? Cienna will be going to Manhattan University next Fall! Go Jaspers. She'll be a part of an amazing community, school, learning environment, and an Acro & Tumbling team! She also got an invitation to join the James Patterson Honors Program. We're all excited for what this commitment brings not only to her athletic but also her academic and social opportunities as a gosh darn college student.  

Next day was Winter Formal. The first of the two garage parties! It was  a corsage/boutonniere brunch/snack party, but it was quite successful! Made great use of the flowers from the previous week! Meanwhile Kaylee had a nail salon for a couple friends before everyone headed out for pictures. Mom went with Kaylee to Naples Fountain. They had dinner here and there. Dad went with Cienna to Ranchos Palos Verdes for beautiful sunset pictures before they had dinner at an Italian restaurant closer to the dance at Alta Sea in San Pedro.

Superbowl next. Yes we had plenty to do on the garage and maybe an emotional weekend, but come on it was the Superbowl and we had friends to hang out with : ) We did run a bunch of wire under the house first, and a visit from the Sklenicka's! Still smoked some delicious ribs and prepared for a great Sunday with friends. 

Kaylee was up for her final ortho appointments. This one wasn't her favorite since they made her wear rubber bands all across her mouth to keep it closed. Not her favorite, but she made it through the week even including another competition in Pasadena for "The Heart of A Champion" An amazing fundraiser that they have been competing in since they started gymnastics. They had their first ever Friday meet and were not happy about missing one period of school, but they had fun competing together and did fantastic.

We all helped Kaylee prepare for the next garage party. She hosted a Galentines with a bunch of friends. They all brought tasty treats and took pictures in front of a homemade photo collage. Cienna and Evan caught a cool launch while in San Pedro celebrating their 15/15.

Kaylee got her mouth closed rubber bands off as well as her braces. Pretty sure they're gone for good. Meanwhile, dad finished patching up the sheetrock in the bathroom and we look forward to all working together to complete the garage!

The TV went out, the washing machine to say the least is... finicky, but who needs clean clothes and TV when we're too busy having fun! If only we had a hot tub, said no one ever...except Mark!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qsraCHA9hL6Mz3JT6

Cienna - 18 Years Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 7 Months Old!

This is a few... or more days late. We have an adult child, but that will be addressed more next month however may be the reason this is later than the 18th. This blog has a lot of content to go over but life is crazy and may be briefly touched upon. Nuff said.

Gym had a holiday party. Girls did a grab a gift between the three of them. We all went to the Belmont Boat Parade Christmas Eve. There was a SoCal "storm" which our biggest tree in the backyard fell.

Christmas morning was magical as ever being together. Then a Sawzall to the backyard tree before heading to the Ferrarios to enjoy more of the loving vibe. Finished the evening with a visit from Evan and than all together prepping for the amazing week ahead of us.

Road trip to the Natals! Show'd up to welcoming arms and got to enjoy a fun evening with catching up, games, and delicious tacos! After a nights sleep and a relaxing morning and full bellies we hit the road again to Grammy's. Walked the neighborhood, after time at the park and a sunset made our way to Santa Rosa Gymnastics Center 50th reunion party! So many memories shared and a feeling of home when we are there as well as lifelong friends/family made for a memorable time.

Mom and Dad got up earlier to make the absolute most of the next morning by hanging out with Abbey and Shaun. We headed to a delicious downtown breakfast at Grossman's Noshery & Bar and couldn't have had better company than the four of us together that morning! The girls and Roaklee made their own adventure and walked down to Mendo to Joe's neighborhood cafe for breakfast. Little did they realize that it was a couple miles out, but they had fun and were glad that we were able to come pick them up.

We packed up again and all headed to the Marty's for Christmas. Beautiful day enjoying each other, making a wonderful meal, watching football, gift giving, and eating dinner all together at one love filled table. Roaklee and Duke were happy to be part of it all.

After a tasty breakfast and another walk together around the neighborhood we were off to Poppa's house, but on the way we stopped at the McFarlands to see Cole and Jacob and meet the horses. Mark got to see the barn for the first time. We unloaded again at Poppa's, Dad stayed to hang out and Mom and the girls went back to SRGC to get a practice in. They are so welcoming at that gym and the girls had such a great time being able to get a workout in with Darcie. We were also so thankful that Auntie Carrie came by to say hello and give wonderful hugs!

Off to San Francisco for Grammy's 80th! We said goodbye to Heather, Poppa, and Roaklee. We were so grateful to Heather for being there to take amazing care of Roaklee while we were in San Francisco. The entire trip to SF was way more relaxing knowing Roaklee was in such great care with Heather!

We started with the 4 of us going to Marin Headlands where Cienna had previously gone with choir to hike and sing in the tunnels. Also had an amazing view of the Golden Gate for a photo session. We cruised across the bridge and met back up with the Natal's to walk back across the bridge. Was the first time for Mom and the girls. Might have been a little windy but we had fun being together.

Got word Grammy, Greg, Bridget, and Veronica had made it to the hotel so we headed their way. There was a little mishap with parking but it all ended up for the best. After getting all settled we met up with everyone there and the McFarlands joined shortly after. Lot's of hugs and some fun gift giving from Bridget then the 6 cousins went galavanting around Pier 39. The rest of us chilled out before heading to Boudins for Dinner where we were the kids met back up with us after a fun ferris wheel ride.

Soup bowls did not disappoint. We all continued to enjoy Pier 39. Ghirardelli chocolate for ice cream, cable cars with Auntie Megan, street shows, arcades, then all of us ended having fun together in the hotel lobby.

New Years Eve started with a Greg, Grammy, and a blow dryer for breakfast! The croissant sandwiches were super fun and perfect beginning to the morning before the trip to Alcatraz. We all made it in time for the boat ride. There was a little rain but we all made the most of it. Most of us headed to the top to start the self guided tour. Super interesting walking through the experiences of the inmates and hearing about escape stories and life on the island. Kaylee and Mom went back early and the rest soon followed. We had to say goodbye to the McFarlands after that adventure.

We met back up at the hotel to relax in order to make the midnight celebration. We needed a snack before a big dinner and headed to an Applebees with June, Grace, and Uncle RJ which overlooked the Pier. Afterward the girls all went to Build a Bear together to make one to give to Grammy during the dinner that evening at Cioppino's that evening. The Marty's and Poppa joined us all for a big Italian feast and more celebrating.

We said goodbye to Marty's and Poppa but continued the party at the famous Irish coffee bar, Buena Vista. There were rounds of Irish coffee, Car bombs, and hot cocoa. Some hotel downtime was necessary before making the midnight fireworks on the Pier. We got a good spot and the weather held out just for us.

All were slowly awaking in the morning. Everyone did something on their own for breakfast, we toured the city finding some cool locations open on New Years Day and a little catering for Kaylee and Grace's specific requests. As we were packing up we ended up in the Birthday girls room to reminisce of the vacation and say our goodbyes.

Onward to pick up Roaklee and the rest of our travel belongings from Poppa's. A quick visit with Heather and Poppa to pack back up and head home. We considered a stop halfway and decided to continue to home! We all appreciated the decision. 

We took down decorations, had some downtime as a family, got ready to go back to school and work, and chillaxed for a minute. Cienna had some birthday dinners for Savannah and Alanna, Kaylee had some 3 musketeer hang out time and we got further along with the garage.

Every school that Cienna has heard back from she has been accepted to. She also had a fun senior gym photo shoot with Emma at the gymnastics center when it was closed. Kaylee went to help with posing, lighting, etc. The month ended before Cienna's birthday with a big weekend planned by Evan. He picked her up, she secretly decorated his car, we secretly packed her snowboarding gear as well. They went to move him back in for next semester. They went to the Griffith Observatory, then to Mountain High snowboarding the following day. Went on a hike and dinner in Diamond Bar. Came back in time to tell us all about it.

Meanwhile, the rest of us worked around the house and on the garage, then did some decoration prep for the 18th birthday coming up. Someone is going to go skydiving on her 18th.

What a great month, busy as they all are but got to hang with amazing friends and family! Love is all around.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/cggGqKrs2cynYDUV6

Cienna - 17 Years 11 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 6 Months Old!

After 15 years of putting it off, we began the garage remodel. We now have a garage in our bedroom : ). However we did decide on a pretty cool awning style window for the side. This was the beginning of all the holiday activities to come.

Lots of Friendsgivings before Thanksgiving. Both girls had some special time with friends, and we all went to Circus Vargas with Shawna and Evan. They never cease to amaze. Cienna even got a contact for her Senior Quest Project promoting young athletes around the world. The Morisky's invited us for another fun-filled evening at their place with a ton of food and fun.

We all got up early for a 5K Turkey Trot on the beach to start off Thanksgiving. It was such a cool event. We trotted along with the Morisky's and Shawna. There was a follow up activity with the girls doing muscle ups along side of the local calisthenics gurus that have a regular spot. Afterward we all had Pumpkin Smoothies as tradition by Stephanie.

In anticipation for a delicious Thanksgiving we headed home to heat up the ham for Thanksgiving at the Snow's. All the kids enjoyed being together. Such a range in age but all get along so well. Nobody went home hungry or without love in their hearts after such a wonderful day. We even made the cleanup a bonding experience : )

Kaylee then supported ( : ) ) Adi getting her first piercing, by getting her second with her. The experience was perfect and we all went to lunch after. We don't get to see the Viglioti's enough but enjoyed the time we had!

We took the minimal time we had that weekend to do some decorating for the Christmas Holiday. We got a great deal on a tree, used garage bins to put under the train this year and the inside was ready to go. We bought outside lights for cyber Monday and even though they weren't what we expected having a plug in the middle they ended up perfect with our setup and plug in the eve's!

Girls had a night with Noah and an Open House Parkour. Then so many concerts and parades were next. Both girls got to sing for the amazing and heartfelt Lights of Remembrance at the Forest Lawn memorial in Cypress. Their beautiful songs along with the thought provoking speeches were a very warming experience. Cienna joined the Brief family in the traditional Kazoo parade in Seal Beach. The Belmont Parade was a big one. The girls got to ride on a truck and sing along all the way along the parade. with the Millikan Choir. Just so happen that mom and dad were "security" behind and the next group was the YMCA Gymnastics Center. Out of about 100, we were right behind/in front of each other. Way cool. 

With all the stuff happening... the girls took it upon themselves to start the outdoor decor. New lights on the roof, snowboarding Santa, etc. Ready for more concerts and the rest of school before break.

SURPRISE Visit from Grammy and Greg. They were in as soon as we mentioned the Chorus Winter Concert that the girls were singing in together! It was a beautiful church ceremony! Auntie Kimmie and Patty as well as the Morisky's also came to support. 

Beforehand the girls came home from gym and were not only greated by Grammy and Greg but covid old Christmas bags that they found in the attic! Most gifts were still relevant and was so much fun to open and be with them. We also got to enjoy Maxwell's presence as Mom and Greg spent the night at the Queen Mary. They soon forged on to their next destination and we moved along with the garage.

Mom took off to Rochester NY for work Thursday for a work day on Friday. Dad and kids held down the fort with more garage, studying, holiday school activities, etc. Mom flew to JFK and dad brought Cienna to LAX for her first flight alone to meet mom at JFK.

Dad and Kaylee get a lot of work done at the house/garage electrical and enjoy plenty of time together fixing things and making the most out of their time. Kaylee may or may not have been a little spoiled over the weekend : )

Stasher was super helpful! They stored our luggage in Manhattan as we did all the things all day and night long instead of going way to far to put our luggage at the WAY less expensive hotel and then coming back all on the subway, which Cienna and I are pretty much experts at now. All Saturday was spent downtown, from Times Square, Radio City, Rockettes, Grand Central Station, dinner at Park Ave Tavern, then the Rockefeller where it first snowed as soon as we saw the tree, including tickets to the Top of the Rock and special tree pictures. After no sleep the previous night we ended at our hotel at midnight which was after a mile walk from the 4 train to our hotel in the Bronx. 

We slept through breakfast which wasn't like either of us but once we opened the curtains to white snow capped everything and snow falling we were excited to head back to NYC. Went to Wall Street, World Trade Center, United Nations, and found the best local hole in the wall brunch location ever. On a whim we took the 2 mile walk and it was the best choice ever. Freeman's is such a great restaurant, highly recommended if you look it up. We hit up Hershey store and Central Park before going back for the night getting dinner at a Bronx grocery store!

Monday was the official visit to Manhattan University for Cienna to meet and tour for the Acro and Tumbling Team. We had breakfast at the hotel before checking out. It was first day of Winter Break, so not many students were on campus but the coach took us all around and we also got to meet with the department head for Political Science. She was adorable and super informative. The snow was beautiful and so was the campus. Turned out that for the first time ever, Millikan shut down the school due to an electrical problem so Cienna didn't miss any school during the trip.

Cienna got a verbal commitment to join the team and we are all encompassing what this college thing is all about. So many things to consider and feelings to go through!

We headed to the airport and got home at midnight to sleep for the Tuesday to follow.

Kaylee's 15 and a half birthday which means eligible to take Drivers permit test. So, of course the first day she could she had it scheduled. Dad and Mom of course both went and were more confident than she was, but when she came out with a big smile we knew it was time to schedule behind the wheel lessons! She passed! Of course she wanted to drive home, we would've let her, but rules are rules.

Secret Santa's for Choir and gymnastics and one last Winter Concert assembly at school before break is upon us! Christmas up next followed by family time and celebrating Grammy's 80th Birthday!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/rmoKvUT3DKwRFu5G7

Cienna - 17 Years 10 Months Old! ... Kaylee - 15 Years 5 Months Old!

The beginning of the end of October w/Mom and Dad going to Rasselbock with the Marshall's and Knobbe's for an Octoberfest celebration feast. This was a month of parties. Cienna did an outdoor movie night with crafts for Lilly's Birthday, then a night celebrating Maiela. The girls had their first choir concert of the year. Their concert groups were the hit of the show.

The next morning mom dropped them off early at school for them to head to Camp Oaks in Big Bear for the chamber retreat. They had so much fun with all the team bonding, Halloween skits, singing, food, and even being together. Meanwhile Mom and Dad were still looking for garage quotes in hopes to get started as soon as possible.

As soon as they got back Kaylee went to Mady's pool party, Dad left for an onsite work trip to Menlo Park and Cienna was off to her first official visit for college Acro and Tumbling to Azusa Pacific. Kaylee mostly held down the fort during the beginning of the week with rides from friends. Dad's visit was a success even though he was transferred to a whole new team just days prior to the trip. He enjoyed meeting new people and sharing thoughts and ideas of the best ways to work together to create a successful environment incorporating AI and improving the company as an efficient community. Mom took Cienna for the majority of the next couple days back and forth to Azusa, coming home for the evening while Cienna stayed in the dorms with the current team. Cienna started the first morning with a hike with the team then we got to take a campus tour and meet a lot of the staff. The next morning she got to practice with the team and then had a meeting with the coach who immediately accepted her to join the team for next year. We don't know that this is the school for her, but it was an amazing experience and opened other opportunities.

Girls got to enjoy Halloween at school first, then actually made a little time to carve pumpkins before the evening festivities. Somewhere along the way we decorated as well and got costumes pieced together. Mom and Dad went to the Marshall's to hang with the fire pit and enjoy trick-o-treater's, Kaylee cruised the neighborhood as well with friends and even went with Mom to the neighbors haunted house before heading with friends to a party. Cienna got ready and hung at a friends house before her party at a nearby house. They both ended up at the same party at the end just as it was "ending." Then had a sleepover at our house to end the night.

The next day Cienna went with Evan to the Sunken City and Mom and Kaylee went to see Rene. That evening the Water's girls came over to join us and Evan for dinner, then the five of them made fun videos as always and had a lot of laughs and memorable moments.

Then we decided to try and make the garage remodel a real possibility. We took out a main bush that will soon be a counter passthrough area to the garage. Meanwhile also did major weeding in the garden and saved the blueberry and blackberry bushes. Throughout the week we discussed how to get the plan in action and made one last visit with the chosen contractor. That being done we were moving everything out of the garage. Where to put it you ask? Well, seems as if our bedroom and the office had "plenty" of space for everything that needed to be covered by the elements. So that's what we did the following weekend.

Veteran's day apparently gave the girls a Tuesday off, so Monday was treated like a weekend. More sleepovers all around. Kaylee with 7 awesome ladies at home walking to In N Out and Cienna at Alana's making homemade pasta!

Kaylee went with many of her friends to support Amiah in Frozen as she took a leading role of Elsa. Then went to Val's Quinceanera the following day. Rain was welcomed throughout the weekend! Kaylee scheduled a DMV permit appointment for her 15.5 birthday and Cienna competed her UC applications.

We enjoyed the last Sunday very late breakfast after morning work together and then having committed to the garage remodel and contractor we proceeded with removing everything left in the garage to outdoor locations with tarp coverings.

Then the demo began!

More Adventures to come.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/br36Y4pj3LAY69Kr8