Tyler is 12!

It's a neat thing to feel like your kid is really ready for the next step, and that's how it feels with Tyler. This kid is so ready to be 12.

 He got a lot of money from friends and family. He's looking forward to shopping this week. We also got him some books, and a brand new set of scriptures now that he graduates to the youth program at church. Thank you to everyone who thought of this awesome kid on his birthday.

I always pick up their favorite sugar cereal on their birthday. Best and easiest idea ever - I guess it's become tradition at this point.

Such a neat day. Tyler got his Faith in God award and was recognized at church. He got the priesthood from Adam which was the best and so special on his birthday. He loved his first Sunday in Young Mens, and is so ready to be with those boys. He scrimmaged baseball, hit a double and stole home. We had one of his favorite dinners (veggie burger mac 'n cheese) and he requested brownies for dessert. We talked about awesome Tyler memories around the table, and I sure hope he felt loved. We are his biggest fans, and feel like we hit the jack pot that we get to watch him grow up. So many adventures ahead. Happy Birthday to our awesome first born. 12 is looking bright for sure. We love you, Tyler!

Bakersfield Weekend

First off it was Tyler's last "bring a treat to school for your birthday" day. I don't think you do that once you're in jr. high ;). I think he's picked glazed donuts the last three years.

Second, Rey got super sick. It was so sad. We thought she needed surgery. Long story short she ate seeds from our palm tree and a couple wouldn't come out. Eventually (and thankfully) they came out on their own. She is back to herself, though pretty skinny, but we couldn't leave her at the kennel for Audrey's tournament weekend so the boys stayed with her, and just met us Saturday afternoon.

Audrey and I drove to Bakersfield for the All-Star weekend - just the two of us. It was really nice actually. We grabbed subway and ate in our two bedroom hotel suite. Since the boys weren't there we each got our own bedroom. She loooved it. We ate, watched a movie, showered, and got ready for our early wake-up. Love this girl and our time together.

Bright and early on the fields. She was pumped for an "away" game. It was freezing - 32 degrees.

Love this fun, bundled up team:

The girls lost their first game, tied the second, then lost the third. First time playing three games in a day, and first losses of the season. They did well but the competition was stiff. Proud of Audrey - she played every position, and she never gives up. The girls had so much fun between games. We all brought food to share, and they watched other games and played around. Such a great group.

Love this team. Audrey will miss playing with them, and she's grown so much. Farewell 10U All-Stars!!

Tyler's Early Birthday

Tyler turns 12 in a week!! He wanted to celebrate a little early by taking a bunch of friends to opening weekend of Black Panther. Easy birthday request on this four day weekend, and I don't think Adam minded taking them one bit. Love this group of boys. They've known each other for quite a few years and hope they grow up as teenagers together, too - they're a great group. And apparently the movie was awesome!

Came back to our house for lunch, and hanging out - giant nerf gun war, exploding sodas, trampoline, basketball game out front, and only a little bit of video games at the very end.

 Cake and Happy Birthday! Can't believe he's almost 12, but he's in a great place for it. Love this kid.

Love little Cole with the big kids. I think he basically worships them, and takes notes.

Aftermath of a 12 year old birthday party:

Farewell Disney Day

Becky is moving. Super sad to lose one our closest friends to Canada!! Lucky us we spent a fabulous day at Disneyland together before her passes expire. Thank you to these wonderful friends for this day, and to Adam for handling everything at home so I could spend it with great girlfriends. Always, always love a Disney day. We closed the place down.

Valentine's Day

Just in time for Valentine's Day, this guy is selling chocolate for the 6th grade class trip. $1/bar. I think he's almost sold out. Good job, Tyler. Lots of chocolate in our house these days.

Valentine's loot. Decided this is the last year filling mailboxes. They've lasted forever, but on their last legs, and time to change it up (like maybe just a box of chocolate for everyone because I'm over it, hahaha.)

Valentine's Day at the spa for Rey:

Valentine's aftermath. Love the school ones.

We had a great end to Valentine's Day, actually. Adam made steak, veggies, potatoes, and spinach salad, with fruit for dessert (bc we'd all eaten lots of chocolate) and sparkling lemonade. We ate in front of the TV and watched The Olympics - it was PERFECT. Loved every second and delish! Happy Love Day.

Some Sports, and Valentines Prep

Hello bright and early track season! Audrey was so excited for the first practice. Recruited a few soccer friends this year.

Cookie sales at the stores:

The face of a kid who just won his first basketball game of the season! Go Spartans!

Pitching clinic. The A's are back together and practicing already. Love baseball season.

A boy and his dog selfie:

The Olympics! They're on every night. Cole loooves snowboarding, and not a fan of ice-dancing so far. Love, love the Olympics.

Prepped Valentines in pjs. Cole with his Marvel Valentines:

Tyler! His last year doing these sorts of Valentines parties at school. Scratch n' Sniff Valentines plus candy of course:

Audrey's Nerds Valentines. I told her I hope I get as much chocolate as she did last year. Valentine's Day in elementary school is pretty cute.

Open House and More

Best part of the week was seeing this guy. Man I love Miles so, so much. Can always make me laugh, and we had lots of catching up to do. A good reminder it's important to keep up these old friendships - people who knew you in different parts of life. We talked about singing and New York and old friends, college, new life, what's next. Made my day completely.

We still have some cookies and this girl is heading to the stores with them tomorrow! Shout out if you need any.

Acting class with Activity Days was a hit, I think we could've gone two hours. Good thing I know the teacher - I'll have him back again.

Open House! Love our school and teachers. We are so lucky. Love all three at the same school this year. 

Cole - Kindergarten with Mrs. Rangel. She's been wonderful - very sweet and loving.

Audrey - 4th grade with Mrs. Eaton, we lucked out getting her two years in a row. Audrey loves being in class with Ava again:

Buddies!

4th grade lately has been all about the explorers and missions:

Tyler! My 6th grader. Ms. Teasdale has been a fantastic long-term sub for his teacher, Mrs. Jones, who is out on maternity. The kids really like her. Can't believe he's about to be done with elementary school. Bittersweet.

Art fair. Tyler's is the very top:

Great night celebrating how hard these three work in school. Proud of them.