Spring Break Continued.....

Besides our trip to Forks, WA for Spring Break we spent a couple of days in the Seattle area. I pricelined a hotel and got a beautiful Doubletree Inn right next to our favorite mall. We were lucky enough to get a beautiful view room on the PENTHOUSE level and for a little extra Valet parking. Because we were feeling so special we went ahead and ordered room service as well. It wasn't the best creme brulee' we have ever had, but it was the most expensive.



We had a wonderful lunch at Rainforest Cafe. Yes, most of the crowd was much younger....and the kids tease me, but I just love that place. It makes me feel like I'm at Disneyland and I'm going to walk out of it, turn to the left and get in line for the Matterhorn.

We spent quite a bit of time at the mall, but here we had to split up. Kenzie LOVE's Forever 21. Easton heads to the nearest Gamestop and you can find me in any store that sell's clothes Emree's size....(because she REALLY NEEDS some more clothes). Reid always likes to always say, "Look at all the money you saved....".

WE watched 'How to Train a Dragon' in Imax. It's cute, but not really worth $16. But we each had our own little bag of candy from the Sweet Factory, which makes almost any movie completely worth watching. I do have to say the picture and sound were incredible.





WE rode a ferry on our way to Forks which was exactly like the movie, 'Deja Vue', and we went to Mount Vernon to the Tulip Festival. I have heard about the Tulip Festival for 20 years, ever since I moved to Washington and this year I told the kids, "I'm going no matter what!"....They just didn't know they were going with me, but they were good sports. The problem was the weather. It was freezing. It was windy, and rainy and windy.....did I mention the wind? We weren't really prepared and all we could do was barely get out of the car, walk as fast as we could possibly walk to the fields, quickly snap a picture of the beautiful tulips and run right back to the warm car. I can only imagine on a very warm, sunny day with no wind how beautiful it might really be.







It's been a tradition of ours to do something for spring break. Reid is always busy planting and unable to get away so the kids and I have gone somewhere almost every year. When the kids were little it was much harder of course. This year I realized my time with Kenzie is very short. She's a senior and soon will be leaving our house to an apartment of her own and her next big adventure. I love every minute I get to spend with my kids. They are strong, valiant spirits and they make me so proud. I love to see them interact with each other and the friends they are to each other.

Spring Break next year, how 'bout it Easton?

Forks is a FARCE....

It's spring break this week. We didn't have any big plans so I thought it would be fun for Easton, Kenzie and I to drive to Forks, WA....the home of 'Twilight'. We thought we would head over to Seattle and do a little shopping and eating out, and then make the 3 hour drive to Forks. The drive takes you through the Olympic National Forest so it should be beautiful. Forks is in the middle of nowhere and as Kenzie described it best, 'Let Down Village'. The town has a population of about 3,100 and it's dark and gloomy. It's the rainiest city in the United States and has 119" inches of rain a year and yes, it was raining when we were there. But all of these facts did not even discourage us. It was when we started on the Twilight tour and we realized, "Wait a minute, that doesn't look like the Swan home in the movie?" that we began to get mad.



The Cullen house in Forks, WA



The Cullen house used in the movie, 'Twilight'



The real Forks High School



Kalama High School actually used for the filming of the movie 'Twilight'



The Swan's Home in Forks, WA


The actual Swan home in 'Twilight' in St. Helens





Ironically, not ONE single scene was filmed in Forks, Wa. After Stephenie Meyer chose the location, they realized that Oregon would be a much better location for a low budget movie because of tax concessions and lack of sales tax, and the fear that Forks could not accommodate the housing and culinary needs of the actors and production crew. Yeah, true....THERE is nothing there. So like everyone else, we went on the FAKE 'Twilight' tour and ate some really average pizza and headed back home. WE just wanted to save you the trip.

It's hard to say Goodbye.....

Friday finished my career as coach of the Moses Lake Molahiettes. It's very bittersweet! What an unbelievable journey it has been and what a season to end on. This year's season began the day we lost last season. I'm not really a poor sport and it isn't all about winning, but when you feel wronged and that something you deserved was taken away, all I could think about was how I could get it for my girls. It was also the last year for my seniors, a very special group of girls I have been coaching since most of them were 3 and 4. I knew this day was coming, but it doesn't make it any easier.

We took three numbers to state this year. Kick (which I promised I would never do again) but it just had to be done, Dance-the category that has been my goal since I took over as coach and Military (the category which the girls LOVE). We had been to three competitions already this year and Districts. Each time, each one of our numbers had taken first place. WE were undefeated. We talked alot about our strengths and weaknesses and what the judges wanted to see from us. I promised the girls if they would give EVERYTHING they had, they would not be disappointed. And I reminded them, there were no second chances.

Friday came and we headed to the Sundome on a charter bus. Floor time went well and the formations looked good. It was now about waiting. Four of our seniors sang the National Anthem. It was beautiful and a good beginning. Just before the competition started the DJ played, "Tonight's the Night", a song we had been using for the last several weeks to pump us up. I think it was a good omen.

Dance was first and we were 5th in the category of 17 numbers. We knew we had to really impress the judges to get that high score of the day. The girls performed well and I couldn't of asked for more. Danielle choreographed the number a couple of years ago for our elite dancers. I loved the number and so with a few changes we decided to do again for our first time in the dance category. It was completely different than any other number of the day.








Kick was second, but we had a long time to wait. I have loved this number all year long. It is a roller coaster ride. I started to panic and got the girls ready a little earlier than needed but it gave us time to sit and watch for awhile. We were the first kick number on the floor of 6. I thought kick was our best chance. No one has the flexibility of our girls and we had worked so hard on our stamina all year. It paid off and they hit kick beautifully. (Even the last poses....).






Military was our last number and happened to be the LAST number of the day. The anticipation..... It is a very difficult number and I knew we would have to hit all the stunts and tricks to score well. THEY DID!!!







The girls brought home Three State Championships. The first time in Moses Lake History. The first time in the history of the WIAA Dance/Drill State Championships. I was so excited for them and so relieved. I couldn't of asked for more. Thank you for the amazing ride this year. Thank you for the hard work from each member of the team. Thank you for the support of all the parents, and most importantly thanks for the understanding from my family.

Life with Emree

WE have had Emree living with us the last three months. It changes things around the house but ALL of the changes are wonderful. Sure you can't leave the dishwasher open or any cupboard and don't leave a drink or food low because she can smell it and will run straight to it. The kitchen floor always has crumbs and slightly sticky and there always a little trail of stuff she has carried around....but seriously she is just the cutest and you can't help but be happy when she's around. She walks everywhere and we have loved watching her master the skill. She's generous with smiles and hugs but stingy with her kisses, unless your a large plastic baby doll almost her size. She claps when she's happy and laughs out loud. She loves oranges but will eat almost anything. She loves music and wrestling and being read to. She likes her horsey and the doggy and Yo Gabba Gabba. She'll go to almost anyone but loves her mom most. She's not so thrilled at sitting in her high chair or her car seat and doesn't like to slow down to get dressed, her diaper changed, or her face wiped. She's been a JOY to have in our house every minute of every day and we feel so blessed to be spending this time with her. (Slow down time.....you go too fast!)

My Baby's FIFTEEN!!!

Today is Easton's 15th Birthday!!! Any of you who are the baby of the family know how much you don't like being called that, but you know you just can't help it. Easton is our baby....and he always will be. He is a freshman this year and 6'4" but he is still my baby. Where did the years go?

Easton has always been the kindest, mildest, happiest kid I know. He was born with a irresistible smile and still has it. He's easy going and funny and pleasant to be around. He's a good student, friend, brother, and grandson. He's considerate and thinks of others and wants to please....and despite raising himself most of his life because all the hours I've spent at his sister's dance practice and performances or his brothers sporting events, he's very accomplished in all that he tries. He gets good grades. He is a good athlete and is well liked. He does what he knows is right. He also plays a mean set of drums on rock band....(and he keeps a VERY messy room). A kids got to have one flaw right. I look forward to retiring this year and spending lots of time at all his practices and sporting events and maybe even cleaning his room for him. Happy Birthday Easton. I love you!!