We've had to think outside of the box as far as how to keep busy. Typically- we either hang out at home or we're at the soccer fields. And most weekends, we invite friends over. It's been challenging not to have those options with soccer season over and no home to invite friends over to! But thankfully for the most part, we've had plenty of other options to keep us busy. A visit to Knottsberry Farm was a Christmas gift for the kids and we had such a fun time on New Year's Day walking around the park-- we'd never been before so it was great to explore-- so many scary rides! Grant and Evelyn were huge fans. Dane and Anna, not so much. But it was a fun day nonetheless. We enjoyed a Disneyland Day with Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Stacy-- a Christmas gift from Grandma and Grandpa! So fun to have park hopper passes and be able to visit the new Star Wars world and all of the rides in California Adventure. We look forward to this tradition so much-- love being together as a family at Disneyland- the happiest place on earth (for most of us! maybe not Blake or Herb!)
We spent a weekend in Las Vegas for Dane's soccer tournament. And that was really so fun. We stayed at the Luxor which was not my favorite accommodation but it was the accommodation the team was assigned to stay at and so we made due. Pretty old and gnarly hotel, but we had a good time. We saw the Blue Man Group, we enjoyed walking about on the strip, going out to eat at Shake Shack and spending all our extra $$ at Lush (fav store) IN the hotel! And then of course there were the soccer games! Dane played really well and had a great time with his team mates. I'm always happy if Amy is with me- and so we had fun sitting on the sidelines, piled high with blankets because it was pretty cold. The traffic was our biggest worry since it was a holiday weekend and thankfully, it turned out just fine. All in all, an amazing weekend! After viewing the pictures, you might wonder where Evelyn was? Well.... she is not a fan of long road trips, or soccer games and so she asked Grandma to come be with her for the weekend. And of course anytime Grandma is around is a good time. Evelyn got her nails done, went to lunch with Amaya at CPK and got make overs at Ulta! She spent her time taking care of the cat and relaxing at home. Talk about the perfect teen weekend!
Along with these big adventures, we've also had small celebrations-- we celebrated Amy's birthday with yummy Sunday dinner and pudding pies. We played lots of Just Dance. The kids have had many a playdate with friends at THEIR houses! Anna made a new friend (Maddy) and her sister (Cameron) and has had fun spending time with them. Grant at Seth and Brandon's house. Dane spending lots and lots and LOTS of time with the 12-13 year olds from church. He is a regular social butterfly! He loves organizing the boys' getting together at the movies, at houses, ice skating- you name it! Evelyn's been up to the average teenage thing-- going to the mall, spending hard earned money, trying on prom dresses with friends! Inviting friends to church activities- ice skating and seminary parties. Without a house, we even talked the entire family into going to watch Grant's final tournament game one weekend. We typically can only convince a few of the kids- but this was so wonderful to have everyone in attendance . Most soccer families commented they'd never seen our red-head at a game- ha!
Grant was able to fulfill part of his Christmas wish to go to Disneyland on a school day with Grandma and Grandpa! The night before, he wrote a list of all the rides he'd like to venture on and their particular order. Grant enjoys his one on one time with Grandma and Grandpa and had a wonderful day being in charge at Disneyland. I think it was worth skipping out on Christmas presents. Next week: Universal! Included is a funny text Grant sent me. He packed himself, but happened to accidentally grab a target bag that had a shirt I was planning on returning. He was worried when he found the bag that I had wanted him to wear the said item to Disneyland the next day. Evelyn and I got a good laugh out of that.
Aside from all of these adventures, we've had some moments of sadness. First of all, Anna caught hand foot mouth. YUCK. And she skipped an entire week of school. Of course, it wasn't all that sad because having Anna around as a little buddy is nothing but sunshine and roses. And speaking of roses, one day whilst sick, Anna picked some flowers from the yard, got out a vase, filled with water and set it out on my kitchen table along with a note that said she was sorry SHE was sick. HAHAHA. She was apologizing for being a burden. On the flip side of the occasion, both Grant and Evelyn have even sick for a week as well and boy- let me tell you-- they are ANGRY when they are sick. So it's been a little miserable at times.
Also.... we had sad news in that Evelyn tried out for Seussical at CYT and her mom accidentally filled out the audition form a little too quickly on New Year's Eve and accidentally marked that she would only accept the two lead roles and no other parts (it's a long story) but therefore, when the casting list came out- both she and I were absolutely devastated and mortified beyond belief to find that she had not been cast at all!!!!!!!! It was so bad. Evelyn handled it well.... her mom, not so much. I just couldn't believe Ev wouldn't have been cast! I thought, pondered, wondered, talked to others.... and finally realized my mistake on the form. It was a relief to realize it was my fault and Evelyn certainly took it as such. She was disappointed but fine with moving forward and trying again. So proud of her. She even joined an advanced acting class with an amazing CYT director who overheard me talking with the Suessical staff about my debacle. She offered Evelyn a spot without an audition! It's been amazing to watch her learn and grow in this class. So maybe not such a terrible thing after all. But this "Friends" meme definitely suited our situation at the beginning of January when Ev wasn't cast, we moved out of our home, everyone had caught a flu bug, etc, etc. "It had been a ROUGH year!" Nevermind that i's January 3rd! Ha!
But in great news... I started my substitute teaching career this month and have had such a wonderful time being back in the schools- teaching kids, working with special needs and the general education population. I love picking up jobs and working as much as possible-- the kids have been very supportive as well and I'm so grateful. Now I spend my off days very focused because I simply don't have much time! I do still love to meet up with friends- this month both Amber and Brandy- two dear friends who moved last year- both visited San Diego and it was wonderful to catch up. Of course I love to see all my girlfriends and occasionally do a good deed in my spare time! This month Jessica and I created a little art gallery wall behind Sara's TV and it was so fun to eat lunch together and help Sara feel good about her space. SO fun!
Yes things are looking up in a major way. All is well.... the weather is warmer, there is plenty of progress on the house, we lived away for a month and now we are back! So grateful for our health our family our home and our lives.
Dane's Bitmoji
Anna's bitmoji
Grant's Bitmoji
