1st Day = Pool, pool, lounging, water slides and then a game

We mastered the art of pool play and lounging. It was so much fun to soak in the sun and time with my kids and mom and then to watch Frances's first game in a glorious Phoenix sunrise. The level of play was FANTASTIC and so much fun to watch her and her team rise to the occasion.

Phoenix Here we Come!!

Frances's team had a soccer tournament in Phoenix. Her coach had been talking about it since May try outs as a great opportunity to play the best teams in the country and to test levels of play. He also thinks it is a great bonding experience and growth experience for girls to travel, get out of their element, and have to be responsible.

For Christmas my mom gave us a paper that said "#experiencesnotpresents". She was taking all of us to Phoenix for our XMas present...minus Mark who had a boys golf trip in Bandon.

We left a day early, which was a super great idea, as it was the only day that Frances got to stay with us and enjoy the EIGHT pools that were at the hotel grandma got us. We were that family that shut down the pool at 11pm. HOLLA! We also got to check out a super cool restaurant that was my kids dream - ping pong, corn hole, foos ball. Hello, college towns!

Reuland Weekend

We had a classic Reuland weekend. 8 Basketball games and cheer competition...in one day....all over Vancouver Washington. Thankfully my mom was in town and could help with logistics management, the kids had a blast, and we got to try out a new brewery.

Respect the Beard

One of our FAVORITE players on the Timbers was Nat Borchers. I was at the game where he blew out his Achilles tendon and I knew it was a career ender -- heart breaking. He has stayed in Portland and one of the things he does is training sessions with youth. Henry's amazing coaches lined up a session and it was a pure dream for Henry. Only bummer was that Henry had to leave...for a 9PM game basketball game...so he didn't get a one:on:one picture.

MLK Day Hike

We had a free afternoon on MLK day.....what is that....and listened to "I have a Dream" in route to the Arboretum and then had a long hike with Mac. It was bliss. The girls tried a new hiking technique.....seeing how long they can hike with their heads touching....hilarious.

Papa's Bday Before Bangladesh

We celebrated my dad's bday at a restaurant in Hillsboro we used to go to when he worked at Tuality. The family would meet there for dinner...and he would go back to the hospital. It was close to Frances's indoor soccer practice and it brought back a ton of memories..and then made me miss my brother.

It was also bit emotional as my dad was headed to Bangladesh to lead a month long mission there for Doctors without Borders. It is passion and it is calling....and it scary.

The gift of it for our family...we treasure the moments we have with him.

BRING IT.......Cheerleading that Is

Maggie is wonderful and perfectly fitting third child in that she throws us constantly, and her joy and exuberance while doing it makes even more interesting...and frankly fun.

After fun experience with high school cheerleading, she begged to do more......so......we did more.  We found a class and some friends...and I thought we were done. And then...the coach told us about the cheer competition. What ?!?!?!?!!?!? 

Needless to say, it has opened my eyes to the teamwork and athleticism required to do a set of cheer routines....and to the world of cheerleading. Wow. Wow. Wow.

Grammy Kris was in town for the competition and Frances was the diligent and earnest cheer sister on the planet.

Our team, in my opinion, brought the most cheer...meaning they actually were cheerful and having fun.

And then.................

The won.

No. Joke.

So, we have another competition in two weeks...

A whole new world.....

Community Service with LYS

There are MANY reasons why I am so thrilled Henry is with LYS this season, but today was a big one. As a team they volunteered at the Food Bank. I love that they are learning that giving back to the community is part of being in a community.

NYE CAKE

As my family and friends know, I am not a baker and not a dessert person. Last year Frances and I made a cake, so we decided to go for it again. While the ugliest cake I have ever seen and a lot of trial and tribulations, our double chocolate cake was FANTASTIC. We had a great time celebrating 2017 and getting super excited about 2018.

New Years Eve on Neahkanie

We did our 2nd annual hike up Neahkanie for New Years. The best. This year was particularly triumphant as Maggie walked the whole thing by herself....and did not complain once....PROGRESS!!!  Henry and I did our annual selfie with Mac...and cracked ourselves up.