12 Days - Day 3: Washington for 48 Hours

This is a phone post, or at least all the photos are uploaded from my phone. Better than nothing, right? 

In September, I took a quick trip up to Seattle to celebrate my mom and step-dad's 20th wedding anniversary. My sister, Ashley, recently moved back home to Washington and hosted a party for them. 

My step-brother and his family was there, as well as two of my sisters and their families. It was such a wonderful time. The only thing I wish is that my family could have flown up with me. Flights are just too expensive to fly somewhere for a weekend with a family of four.

I loved having some silly time with my nutty sisters. Living so far apart gets really old sometimes.

Ashley is renting a house on the water. It's more like an old cabin. I loved it. The fire pit on a wonderful night was perfect. 

Happy Anniversary to these two! 

Man, I love this city. I swear everyone complains about the Pacific Northwest rain but it's always sunny when I go visit. It's as if Mother Nature is trying to taunt me. 

School's Out For Summer!

Well. It's official. We no longer have an elementary student in our family. Both Josh and Carley attended all six years of elementary school (K-5th) at one single school. In other words, for the past nine years I have been taking a child or two to and from Coyle Avenue Elementary every single school day. Elementary school never felt quick when we were in the middle of it but now that it's over, those years feel like they went by in a flash.

Carley had her promotion ceremony a couple days before school ended. The principal put together a really great slideshow of photos, which culminated with a kindergarten photo of each child immediately followed by a current photo of the same child. She even added some of teachers' elementary school photos. The 5th graders were each called up to receive a certificate and the ceremony was followed by a buffet of breakfast pastries and fruit. 

Carley is front row, 4th from the right

Mrs. De La Torre was Carley's 4th and 5th grade teacher. She also taught Josh in 4th grade.

As Carley heads to middle school, Josh is moving up to high school. I'm still having a hard time grasping that concept. 

Josh's 8th grade recognition ceremony was on the last day of school. They also were called up for awards and provided a continental breakfast buffet. 

Josh is 14, which means sometimes he does not like me to take photos or "embarrass" him when others are around. He also didn't want to stay at school any longer than necessary. Because school was out at 11:00 am, 8th graders were allowed to leave with parents as soon as the ceremony was concluded and he didn't waste much time saying good-bye to anyone, including teachers, before we headed to the car. Just like that, he's a high schooler.

There you have it; school is out for summer. In two months, I'll be taking one to his first day of high school and the other to her first day of middle school. I tear up if I think too much about it. 

Rounding Out April

Obviously I'm still having the love-hate relationship with this blog. I am still slowly posting but it is so sporadic and for that I apologize. 

I already posted about two events that happened in April: a Taekwondo tournament and our trip to Carpinteria. Believe it or not, other things happened too! 


First of all, I cannot believe I have not yet posted the April Fool's Day food that I made for the kids. Originally I didn't think I would continue the tradition, mainly because I was so busy with work and life, but I could not quit this fun holiday just yet. 

The kids knew it was coming this year. I offered them juice when they got home from school and  right then they figured I was up to something. 

"Juice" was actually Jell-o that was cooled with a straw inside.

"Fried Egg" Sundae is pudding, marshmallow cream and ice cream.

I also checked another item off my Life List: #89 Bet on a Live Horse Race. My youngest sister, Ashley, was in the Bay Area for work. My schedule was crazy busy that week so we decided to meet up Sunday afternoon at Golden Gate Fields to watch some horse races. I had so much fun! 

It was Dollar Day that day so parking, admission, beer, hot dogs, etc. were all just $1. I decided I was willing to lose $20 on bets but ultimately ended up winning most of the bets I placed. I think I walked away $4 ahead. 

My first bet!

It's a winner!

Me and Ashley

The last post-worthy event was a 5K race that the kids and I ran to support the local school district: Race for the Stars. It was a cold, cloudy, drizzly morning and we were feeling lazy but we braved the run anyway. 

Josh ran the full 3.1 miles without stopping to walk and finished at about 29 minutes. Carley's leg was bothering her and it was painful to run so she and I walked the majority of the race and finshed at 50 minutes. 

As usual, we hung out at the post-race expo for a little while before heading home. There was a bike raffle, which we knew nothing of, and in the background I hear Carley's name being called. Apparently all of the children racers were entered into the raffle. Sure enough, Carley won a bike! It is a little big for her but she is outgrowing her small one so the timing couldn't have been better. 

Pre-race

Josh at the finish line.

Sweaty hugs

Feeling proud

Carley's new bike

Wait. There is one more thing to post about, Easter! Our Easter was pretty simple. We dyed a dozen eggs, the kids got simple and small baskets, and the family went to Sarah's house for an Easter potluck meal. 

And that wraps up April. 

November Can't Be Over Already!

November went by as a whirlwind. Other than the first weekend, November 2nd and 3rd, we had something pretty important going each weekend.

November 9th and 10th was Carley's birthday sleepover party. She had seven friends stay the night. The main theme of the party was a spa party. Thankfully two of my cousins and one friend came over to help paint the girls nails. I also set up at "photo booth" for the girls to get fun pictures. The party turned out great with very limited girl drama. After little sleep and a hearty breakfast, we all went to the playground to burn off the last bit of energy before sending the girls home with pretty nails and cool photo booth prints.












November 16th and 17th we were in southern California for my brother's wedding and to visit Walt's mom. We drove down to Carpinteria on Thursday evening. Friday afternoon we continued to Thousand Oaks for a family dinner with my brother, family and new in-laws. The wedding, which was absolutely beautiful, was Saturday. After the wedding and reception we drove back to Carpinteria for two nights before heading home to reality.






Me and my brothers, Barry and Corey.






November 23rd my mom and my Dave flew in for Thanksgiving week. November 24th Walt and I left to the coast for a two-night getaway without the kids. Josh and Carley were out of school for the entire week of Thanksgiving so they got to have several days alone with Grammy and Grampy. Thanksgiving dinner and small family gathering was hosted at our house. Other than my mom and Dave, we had four more family members join us.





The views from the cabin we stayed in were breathtaking.




My mom's cousin, Jan, and sister, Janeice. Walt is obviously out of wine.




I guess that leaves Saturday, November 30th, as a half weekend but we didn't do anything exciting. We are recovering from our busy, busy November and are gearing up for Christmas season. That's a whole other story.

Carley's First Band Concert

Carley started playing the flute back in September. Her first concert was the week before school let out for Christmas break. I think she was pretty proud, and she should be. She loved that it was her brother's turn to come watch her at her school event.











Not bad for their first time.

Taekwondo Photos