Phew - It's been awhile! We haven't posted since we got back from our Costa Rica trip, since we've been so so busy. Mama was in charge of the entire St. John's Lutheran School auction, which took every spare second of her time (and a lot of our time too!) The event was super successful, and then it took a bit to get everything else organized again.
Mama & Dada at the Auction - Masquerade Ball
In lieu of a fancy video asking for donations, Mama had the idea to have Declan & I come to talk to the 200 people at the auction. She didn't tell us what to say or wear - but we decided to do our best to surprise her. Grandpa and I even conspired on our own to get me a fancy new dress for the occasion!
So, Declan and I settled into the second half of 7th and 3rd grades. We both really enjoy our teachers, and have really awesome friend groups. I'm involved in Show Choir this Spring, which is pretty fun - our performance is in just a few weeks. I've also continued horseback riding and TaeKwonDo. I'm cantering pretty easily at this point, and doing some jumps as well. I competed in a few TaeKwonDo tournaments at this point, and have gotten a few gold medals! My favorite is performing my forms, though I also do some sparring. In just 2 weeks, I have my exam for my junior black belt (Poom Belt) - I'm super excited and really not nervous at all! Oh - and I just finished my track season too! I'm running with Dada & Declan on weekends as well.
Getting my advanced red belt
At a Taekwondo tournament - I won GOLD for my forms competition by a unanimous vote
Gee, Grandpa, Gran, Mama, Dada & Declan came to support me!
One of the ways I practice at home!
I had to do a presentation at school as a famous historic figure, and I chose Amelia Earhart!
All dressed with other friends ready to do their presentations
I organized an Olympics with our animals. The dogs were moderately involved - the rabbits and chickens were less amused
The awards ceremony
It was also time to celebrate St. Patty's Day! Dada spent an entire day with me designing the nearly-perfect Leprechaun trap. Turns out that Leprechauns can chew through fabric!
Lost another tooth - and getting more clever about it!
My third grade track team
Ready for the baton hand-off
Long jump
standing broad jump
Me & my BFF Elizabeth
Practing the long jump - over my classmates!
Declan continues to enjoy fencing & is still running a lot with Dada. He's doing a Spring play and his performance is this coming weekend! He enjoyed a trip to Phoenix for Spring training - a really cool 13th birthday for one of his friends.
Haines, Declan, Sam & Connie in Phoenix
7th graders at Charlie's going away party
Declan snuggling with Spirit
Easter crept right up upon us, and we spent a quiet weekend at home just the four of us. The Easter Bunny came to visit and brought a bunch of eggs and some really fun Easter Baskets. Even though it was just us - we had a really lovely time, and still got all dressed up for obligatory Mama photos.
Jesus has HATCHED!
Forcing Declan to enjoy Easter festivities!
I organized a cookie decorating session
Found my basket!
On the hunt...
Took him forever, but Declan finally found his golden egg!
Some of the awesomeness from my Easter Basket
We enjoyed a long weekend in Monterey during our Spring Break, and had some fun recreating some old photos at the Aquarium. The aquarium is always a huge hit - such a cool space - and the new(ish) Deep Sea exhibit was a winner. We spent a morning our whale watching as well - and holy cow! We saw at least 75 Humpback Whales. Many huge pods, and super cute baby who could not contain his energy and kept breaching constantly! We also saw the sea lions hunting with the whales - a really really neat synergy of skills! We had some lovely dinners, including at the historic Sardine Factory; and we also enjoyed some time with laser & mirror mazes.
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Octopus on the move!
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hopping through the tidepools...
Look out for the Humpbacks!
The baby just kept showing off!
Recreating some fun photos at Dennis the Menace park
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Ziplining at this park is harder than it used to be...
Enjoying the beautiful flowers in Pacific Grove
Declan and his Oysters Rockefeller at Sardine Factory
At home, the deck around our new pool is finally DONE! We're loving swimming frequently and can't wait to swim constantly this summer. The three dogs love splashing on the Baha ledge, but Chaos has taken to the pool like a fish, and goes swimming whenever he's allowed (and sometimes even when he's not allowed). After 18 months, we're nearly done with all the back yard finishing touches - and Mama & Dada are thrilled!
And a few random photos & videos from the past few months!
With Gee at Chart House
Chair lift at Heavenly
With Gran at Morimoto - our tradition anytime she comes out to visit
Sunshine cake for Dada's birthday
We have eggs coming out our ears! So - off to sell some eggs!
