State Champ

Today Sydney competed in the State Gymnastics Meet for Recreational Leagues.  She has been doing really well this season but we knew the competition would be increased at state.  She started at beam and got an 8.6 which is her lowest score this season.  We pretty much were wrote off her getting 1st all around but then she got second in vault, first in floor and first in bars.  Suprising, she pulled it off and once again got 1st all around for her age division.  We were all thrilled.  Way to go Syd!  She is now transitioning to a new gym and will be in a competitive league this fall.  The game is changing but we wish her the best.  It is fun to see her doing something she loves.

20th Anniversary

Kailei-ism's

Kailei: "Hey Keara how much did your braces cost?"

Keara: "About $5000 dollars"
Kailei: " Wow, we must be thousandaires."

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Kailei: "Mom, you are a terrible singer!"
Me: "What? That's not very nice. I hope you don't say that to any of your friends."
Kailei: "I don't. They aren't terrible."

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"My stomach doesn't have the guts to walk. 

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"Don't touch my hair please. It's burning with flames of hotness." 

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"Watch out...there is an unshirted man coming our way."  

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"Your eye shadow doesn't look so good Mom. Sorry. It's the truth. It comes from the heart."  

Casa Bonita

Decided it was time that Tracie provide a little culture for her kids so we ventured to Casa Bonita today.  Of course, it really isn't the place for "culture" but it is a landmark in Denver that everyone has to experience.  The food is less than desirable but the atmosphere and entertainment is great for kids.  Sydney thought she was in a very fancy restaurant and Kailei thought the entertainment was the best.

Mom came with us and we reminisced of the times she and Dad brought us there.  We had a great time and then decided to come home and finish off the day at the pool.  Couldn't ask for a more enjoyable day.

Khiem's Birthday

We celebrated Khiem's 8th birthday today.  There was a HUGE crowd at Mitch's house.  I don't know how Lieu does it but there was enough food to feed an army.  Grandma came up so the girls enjoyed seeing her.  Khiem had a good time and was appreciative of his presents. 

Our Totem Birthstones

Zeb is a Snake (water).   They are transformative and have strong emotions.
Chris is a Deer (air).   They are kind and sensitive.
Keara is a Otter (air).  They are curious and free thinkers.
Kailei is a Bear (earth).  They have strength and stamina.

Jump Street

Headed to Jump Street today so the girls could burn off a little energy.  It is basically a trampoline place where kids can jump to their hearts content.  Kailei also likes to ride the mechanical bull there which is pretty hilarious.  Grabbed a slurpee on the way home.  Fun times.

A Theatre Lover

There’s a kid in the middle of nowhere
Who’s sitting there living for Tony performances,
Singing and flipping along with the Pippins and Wickeds, And Kinkys, Matildas, and Mormanses.
So we might reassure that kid,
And do something to spur that kid,
‘cause I promise you, all of us up here tonight,
We WERE that kid!

Keara and I - Love This Girl!

Keara Has Braces

Keara has wanted braces forever and today was the day.  We've been going to the dentist for about two years and he finally said it was time.  Of course, she was a little nervous after hearing her friends say it hurt but she was still excited.  Took about two hours and our bank account took a significant hit but hopefully it two more years she will have straight teeth.

Father's Day and the Girls Cards to Him

Captain's Log - Day 8

We are back in Seattle and our cruise has come to an end.  We both had such a great time.  I'm so very glad we had the opportunity to do this.  Since our plane didn't leave until mid-afternoon we decided to take a mini-tour of Seattle.  We had a great bus driver who took us around the city and then we made some stops at the Space Needle and Pike's Peak Market.

Captain's Log - Day 7

Today was another relaxing day.  Spent the morning playing a little bingo and then working out before grabbing some lunch.

We arrived in Victoria, B.C. this afternoon.  What a great little town!  I loved everything about it.  Maybe it is because it reminded me of Cape Cod a little.  Again, we had no real plan so we walked into town. 

Loved the old trees and quaint atmosphere.  We had hoped to have tea at The Empress Hotel but decided against it when we found out it was $80 per person.  Yikes!  Instead I picked up some "royal" teapots to tak
e home. 

We heard there was a China Town so we had to walk down there to see what it was like.  Went in and out of stores along the way doing some souvenir shopping since this was our last real day to do it. 

Found a resonably priced tea shop so we sat down and enjoyed a pot. Naturally we had to satisfy our sweet tooth as well. 

It was starting to get a little chilly so we decided to head back to the ship for our last meal (salmon of course). 

Hard to believe it is coming to an end.  It has been sooooo enjoyable. 

Captain's Log Day 6

Well, a lazy day for Chris so far. Slept in and just hung out in the room. Zeb got up and worked out which made me feel even lazier but oh we'll.

Had a good lunch in the garden cafe. Had planned to attend a seminar on looking younger but forgot to move our watches back so we missed it.

As the day continued it just got better. We went to the crew's talent show which was fun. Then we headed over to Bingo to see if we won a cruise in the drawing. No luck there but I decided to play Bingo again and won $81 (had to split the pot with five others). I was pretty excited nevertheless.

Had 6pm reservations at Le Bistro which is a specialty restaurant. Zeb enjoyed some escargot that I ordered as well as his own appetizer of asparagus. I had salmon again and Zeb had fillet of beef. It wasn't my favorite but the atmosphere was very nice. I'm just more of a steak and potatoes girl.

Looked at some of the portraits we had done and then went to the casino to cash out my bingo winnings. Figured since it was "extra money" I would play the same machine I played on the first night. Zeb wanted me to stop playing at $40 but I threw caution to the wind anyway and ended up winning $256 dollars!!! I figured that was as good as it was going to get so I cashed out. :)

Watched a little karaoke before we headed to see another show called Le Cirque Bisou which was entertaining. Now I'm waiting for a pizza to be delivered. Life is good. :)

Captain's Log Day 5

Spent today in Skagway. We didn't sign up for an excursion so just took our time today doing whatever we felt like. Once again we are blessed with yet another glorious day. If I didn't know better, I'd think Alaska is a pretty great state to live weather wise. Piddled around town going in and out of shops. The town is pretty small but that is all relative when you are Zeb and grew up in Walsh. We had some ice cream and skipped lunch. We could have walked back to the boat or ate in town but I didn't really feel like doing either.

Decided to take a hike which may not have been the best decision considering the shoes I was wearing but again, I didn't want to go back to the boat. So Zeb coined them my hiking clogs and off we went. I got pretty hot, pretty fast. We were attempting to hike to the lake but only one of us made it.

Had a fairly early dinner since we skipped lunch. Got dressed up again and Zeb looked as handsome as ever. After dinner we headed to the Stardust Theatre to see a comic/magician. He was pretty darn good and we enjoyed it a lot.

Topped off the night at the chocoholic party. Guess all the women must have been pms-ing because the place was a madhouse. We had a few items and admired the food art. Despite all the many varieties of chocolate I still liked the chocolate covered strawberries the best.

Tomorrow we are at sea all day. Feeling like my trip will soon come to an end (because it will) but really enjoying time with Zeb and time without any particular obligations.

More Treats from my Husband

Hmmm... Me thinks they are song lyrics he is writing. Some mysterious code on the back as well.

Captain's Log Day 4

Arrived in Juneau early a.m.. It was a little painful to get up but we managed and scurried down for breakfast before starting our day. Today was the day we were both looking forward to because it was whale watching day.

Was transported by bus to the marina where are boat was waiting. Eric was our bus driver and he was quite informative as well as entertaining. Juneau is of course the capital and is unlike most city capitals that I'm used to. There are no roads in or out of Juneau so the only way to get here is via boat, plane or birth canal as Eric stated. Alaska is famous for its salmon and we learned there is pink, silver, king, sockeye and crum (sp).

Our whale watching boat was only about half full so we had plenty of room. We are blessed with another glorious day so the views are amazing all around us. Saw a number of bald eagles as we ventured in the water searching for whales.

Didn't take too long before we saw some bubble net feeding which apparently is a rare occurrence . These creatures are just so amazing. I've always been fascinated by them. Spent quite a bit of time here watching them feed. Really hard for us to get any great pictures but we know they were there. Scooted toward another land mass where we watching some sea lions sunning themselves.

Juneau is our shortest stop so we made our way back to shore so Eric could take us to Mendelson Glacier. Well worth the trip - it was just too cool. Wished we had more time here but we had to get back tot the ship.

Had a late lunch of grilled salmon which was delicious. Zeb had me work out and now we are floating through Tracy Arm Fiord. Can't remember what a fiord is but I will look it up later.

Did a little reading while Zeb hung out on deck and then we had dinner at Azura. Entertainment tonight was The Perfect Couple and it was pretty hilarious.

Such a relaxing trip this has been. Highly recommend it!

Captain's Log Day 3

Perhaps it is the pictures I've seen or movies I've watched but Ketchikan, Alaska is just how I pictured Alaska to be. Water, mountains, forest and a small but quaint town. We are very lucky because the sun is shining and it is just beautiful out. Ketchikan is the first city you come to Long the coast and apparently is one of the rainiest around. So today there is someone looking out for us.

Zeb and I made no real plans for the day. We just piddled around town. Walked in and out of shops and art galleries. We took an incline elevator up a mountain and walked down the path that typically married men would walk when heading to the local brothel. We had fish & chips for lunch and visited the local chocolate shop.

Did get some bad news that a friend of Zeb's family had a son die in an auto accident. We our sad not to be able to attend as they have done so much for the Davison's. We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

Called mom and the girls are doing well. Apparently Sydney is sleeping over tonight so that should be fun for them. We decided not to talk to then as it sometimes causes more strife and girls get upset because they are missing us.

The sun is still shining this afternoon so I'm enjoying it while I can and reading outside on the balcony.

Zeb went to see a movie on glaciers. Apparently it was prime time for a nap as well.

Got dressed up and enjoyed dinner at Tsars again. Messed up on what I ordered so I had a salad and desert which was yummy.

Calling it in early tonight as we have to be up early tomorrow. We are making our way to Juneau now and will dock in the morning.

Captain's Log Day 2

Well, we slept until 10am this morning but it felt good. Woke up and immediately felt the saying of the boat. Not getting to our stomachs as much as our heads. We got dressed and headed to a Detox and Healthy Living Seminar. Probably would have benefited more if we had eaten ahead of time but instead we were hungry and thought only of lunch. We headed back to the Garden Cafe where we enjoyed our meal.

Decided to do a little more touring of the boat since some of the placed were closed last night.

Water is pretty. Seems a little calmer this afternoon. Sun is coming out though there is nothing to see but water. Zeb took a nap while I blogged.

Headed down to play a little bingo this afternoon. Once again I lost but had fun.

Got in a little exercise before heading to dinner. Tonight we dressed up which was fun. Had dinner at Tsars which was enjoyable as well. Listened to a little guitar playing before heading to the see the Battle of the Sexes (men won). Lastly we headed to the Stardust Theatre for a show called Band on the Run. Lots of 70's music and dancing which brought back memories.

Best part of the day is just spending it all with Zeb. I'm a lucky woman.

Captain's Log Day 1

Arrives in Seattle around noon and we were immediately transferred to the ship. Our ships name is the Norwegian Jewell. It quite huge but they all look huge. Weather is nice. Sun is actually out. Once we boarded the ship we needed to eat some lunch so headed to Garden Cafe. Naturally it was packed but we managed to find a seat. A buffet of various foods. I tried to eat salad but the dressing was too spicy for me. Had some mashed potatoes, bread and cantaloupe. An interesting combination but did the trick. Zeb fared a lot better.

Checked out our cabin after lunch. It is nice and we are very glad we upgraded to a balcony. We order the anniversary package since we are celebrating 20 years together so we had roses in our room, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. Not a bad way to kick things off.

Decided to take a self-guided tour of the shop. I'm still lost but may get the hang of it by the end of the trip. We then decided to hang out by the pool since the sun was out. They had a BBQ set up and we were entertained by the dancing and kids swimming in the pool.

We had dinner at Azura. Really enjoyed our meal of salmon, potatoes and green beans. Then we headed to the casino where I managed to both win and lose money- ultimately leaving in the red. Not planning on going back. Zeb did not want the blame for losing money so just watched me.

We were pooped after that and headed back to our room and crashed.

Found this note on my pillow. I married a keeper.

End of School

Celebrated the end of he school year with dinner and ice cream. It was an up and down year for Keara but she has grown into quite the young lady. She really liked her teacher as did we. Her strengths still include reading and math. In fact, I may have mentioned it before but she is in advanced math and English for middle school.

Kailei's year was good as well. Doing really well in math but have to work in reading comprehension. She was at times a little chatty in class but since she is a talker we expected that.

My year ended. I have some major changes with regard to technology next year so I'm more than overwhelmed when thinking about it. So that said, I'm not going to think about it for at least the next week.

Dear Parents (a letter from Kailei's teacher that I just loved)

I give you back your child, the same child you confidently entrusted to my care last fall.  I givve them back pounds heavier, inches taller, months wiser, more responsible and more mature then they were then.  Althought they wuold have attained their growth in spite of me, it has been my pleasure and privaledge to watch their personality unfold day by day and marvel at this splendid miracle of development.

I give them back reluctantly, for having spent the year together in the narrow confines of a crowded classroom, we have grown close, have become a part of each othe rand we shall always retain a little of each other.

Ten years from now if we met on the street, your child and I, a light will shine to our eyes, a smile to our lips and we shall feel the bond of understanding once more, this bond we feel today.

We have lived, loved, laughed, played, studied, learned, and enriched our lives together this year.  I wish it could go on indefinitely, but give them back I must.  Take care of them, for they are precious. Remember that I shall always be interested in your child and their destiney, whereever they go, whatever they do, whoever they become.  Their joys and sorrows I'll be happy to share.

I shall always be their teacher.

Keara's Class Party

Well, today was to be Kearas party but the weather is not cooperating. They have had to rework the schedule a bit. They are moving the pool portion over to tomorrow morning but the afternoon portion will continue as planned. I made sure I escaped so I could attend this one too. Kids had a DJ so there was dancing, games and food of course. Each 6th grader wore a Class of 2019 t-shirt which of course put me into a sentimental mood. So hard to think of.

Close to end end of the day we headed for the gym where kids could sign yearbooks. We also watched a video of the kids as they have grown over the years. Yep, got even more emotional. Time sure flies, I think Keara is a little sad for elementary to be over. I know I'm sad.

Kailei's Ballet Recital

After a year of ballet, it was time to showcase what Kailei has been up to.  Personally, her parents think she is talented but we are biased.  She enjoys it and has no fear of the stage.  Next year she wants to take ballet and tap so looks like we will be doing this again.

Kailei's Class Party

Escaped from school to head to Kailei's class party. It was a picnic in the park, lots of treats and lots if games. Kailei was excited for Zeb and I to both be there though we pretty much just stood and watch her. Thankfully it is a nice day.