tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32901779501519087382024-03-12T21:46:30.916-07:00My AJ BlogFor my favorite boy who is loved by so many people.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.comBlogger829125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-29677343597378496432022-07-21T02:42:00.000-07:002022-07-21T02:42:21.842-07:00High School!<p>Can't believe it's been so long since I've posted, but here we are.. AJ is 14 and starting High School. I thought since this is such a huge deal, and he's changed so much, that I'd try to start blogging again. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to go back and catch up on all the years that have passed- but I can at least post about where things are now.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEEGIiLOXQU5grVKWsyGVSZX2S0d3EtAK_ATITXjFVHtmKttjHLncVGQFA_FgYz6Te19dlvZqURcdhVKqX7IhNnOPwrGcKZMT1i5uFfsnPHTnGJzYU0ORLff6ZnryaWT5iGdujPLiBCMBAcE0RLMdcTAiPrzJAC0Cm2BbDI3sjhrNEZSz6Mjkpdh_Bg/s1280/Kindy%20and%208th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEEGIiLOXQU5grVKWsyGVSZX2S0d3EtAK_ATITXjFVHtmKttjHLncVGQFA_FgYz6Te19dlvZqURcdhVKqX7IhNnOPwrGcKZMT1i5uFfsnPHTnGJzYU0ORLff6ZnryaWT5iGdujPLiBCMBAcE0RLMdcTAiPrzJAC0Cm2BbDI3sjhrNEZSz6Mjkpdh_Bg/s320/Kindy%20and%208th.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>During Middle School, at ACS, AJ had a challenging time for many reasons. He didn't enjoy school very much- especially in 8th grade. He had friends, but lacked confidence and therefore didn't do well in classes and really seemed like he didn't care. It felt like we were constantly fighting him to do his work- do it well, and just try to get passing grades. For reasons I'm not entirely sure of, his struggled with his main group of friends and found a new group to hang out with who he really seemed to enjoy and who accepted him. That first group didn't like that and gave him a lot of grief which was hard on him- a lot harder than we knew. Looking back, I wish I'd have paid more attention to that- though, I'm not sure what I could have done about it to be honest. I just hoped he could be stronger and stand up to the kids who were giving him a hard time- we had many talks about it and tried to show him how to do it. We were very worried about him. To the point where the teachers called a meeting with us to discuss how different he was that year compared to the years prior- how his grades were so low and seemed not to care about anything. It was tough. </p><p>What AJ did have that was great, was track. We had NO IDEA how fast he was until 6th grade when we pretty much forced him to do soccer through the school. He didn't like soccer- which was fine- but he realized how FAST he is. We were all shocked- because he never really did any type of running before so how would we know? He was pretty stoked to get the feedback and praise about his quick feet. On his own, he decided to get into track. He joined the Rec Center track team in the summer and did great! He ran the 100, 200, and the relay. It was fun for him to get out there and meet friends and do the meets on the weekends. Something new to try. </p><p>Because of track, he decided to branch out and give football a try. Jason had been trying to get him to do wrestling, but that wasn't his thing. He's really not that aggressive, so I was surprised he'd want to do football, but he was all in. He started playing with the Raptors team- practicing 4 times a week- again meeting new friends and having to listen to the coaches yell at him. He did really well at practice- but got very little play time in the games which was frustrating for him (and us). </p><p>A few months ago, I was at happy hour with a friend and she was asking me where AJ was going to High School. I told her he was going to our local HS, Castle View. I just assumed he'd go there. She brought up how she was thinking about sending her daughter to Lutheran HS in Parker and started telling me all the reasons why. It's private, much smaller, the kids get a lot more attention, unlike a bigger school like CV, kids who don't speak up if they need help, don't get lost in the shuffle. And so many other things. As she was telling me about it, I was getting so excited about it. I could see AJ going to LuHi in my head. It seemed like the perfect place for him- so positive- which he needed. Plus, he could play football there, as they don't have any cuts on the team. (I know how bad that might sound, but at the time I wasn't sure if he'd make the team at CV and he didn't need that for his already low confidence).</p><p>After A LOT of convincing on both Jason and AJ's end, we went on the school tour, and AJ did a shadow day at LuHi, where he spent an entire day there with a freshman, we decided it was the right fit for him- and I was so excited! It just felt right. </p><p>School starts in a month, however, football started a week after 8th grade ended and I can't begin to describe how AJ has already completely changed. He's standing tall. He's happy. He's responsible. He's remembering to do things (not all, but more!). He's excited. The team is currently having practice 2x a day. 6a-9am and then again 6p-8p and not once has he complained about it (other than how sore he is). He wakes himself up, gets ready on his own. He's getting compliments from the coach about his speed- and it builds his confidence. He's even a little cocky, which is so great to see. He's got a bunch of new friends. And he's HUGE! The kid is working out 5 hours a day and he has almost 0 fat on him. He's got a 6 pack, veins popping out of his arms- it's crazy. I look at him and wonder who is this kid?!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCG4BQc1gJz_gUI_jNAiMKwaiR8bVhDB7o77SW9P1EoD4pVMrPAs-BFSyeJ8JN_1RzdnLIF4e5ilQVvTCDNjo4FCsDRIdjHLfMexag59C977r-U0mQ-XCYqmi0z0UgR-m2-GSnC7agfIdrYz90KSog8_6oK0mHMUWGX78PipM1JgwsM4-L0gQEGNno6g/s1280/AJ%20SUP%20boardings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCG4BQc1gJz_gUI_jNAiMKwaiR8bVhDB7o77SW9P1EoD4pVMrPAs-BFSyeJ8JN_1RzdnLIF4e5ilQVvTCDNjo4FCsDRIdjHLfMexag59C977r-U0mQ-XCYqmi0z0UgR-m2-GSnC7agfIdrYz90KSog8_6oK0mHMUWGX78PipM1JgwsM4-L0gQEGNno6g/s320/AJ%20SUP%20boardings.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I'm so incredibly proud of AJ. I have always been. I'm just so grateful to see him grow into this amazing young man, with confidence, and desire to be better. I'm so hopeful that wanting to please his coaches is going to make him want to work hard in school this year. I truly believe it will.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbZJMQMRbX_3BIGRo77irABKj3rlfrLEXhzauGAwFkzejaUopZnRWtSS8kcp8Uy800ebnitM9FstqyPd7Kd8yX4wd10xYGs8unpuVnNVA4B_6aZgPNTF8O2zem_uOztt_-eomPQOwg2wqP9OJbkJKqfnH_rMtqNisO_-re2pO-Iv2jsJdT3kw-Ojylg/s640/Driving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbZJMQMRbX_3BIGRo77irABKj3rlfrLEXhzauGAwFkzejaUopZnRWtSS8kcp8Uy800ebnitM9FstqyPd7Kd8yX4wd10xYGs8unpuVnNVA4B_6aZgPNTF8O2zem_uOztt_-eomPQOwg2wqP9OJbkJKqfnH_rMtqNisO_-re2pO-Iv2jsJdT3kw-Ojylg/s320/Driving.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fMSJZV-VzznSfFFDqcggxOLUlP3N0diEb_W_K6X25leJMoeVIqbJlDJe7qHo-EEXKymuuNxb2qGsRbEG_yINairXArC8oYxwdeFLaGz3Ns0Juw7OGSVSPjRfT3IAHNDOdWLYOZirXPzr50M60t-j9X4YElinTWNqrmGPo-zeKtz3TjpfnunZIIvw4Q/s640/Paul%20and%20Jason.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fMSJZV-VzznSfFFDqcggxOLUlP3N0diEb_W_K6X25leJMoeVIqbJlDJe7qHo-EEXKymuuNxb2qGsRbEG_yINairXArC8oYxwdeFLaGz3Ns0Juw7OGSVSPjRfT3IAHNDOdWLYOZirXPzr50M60t-j9X4YElinTWNqrmGPo-zeKtz3TjpfnunZIIvw4Q/s320/Paul%20and%20Jason.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgjk6G7pelabgE2dxO7pn8qGlvPq45ezjvtcARLb6i40BlrhrbRXhmDz6ctCR-j8_t3ZrRgTs6mbkaxsKrDp7c-hMBwOkcNofKOH3IkxN0auuS_19ZzNa1hyKaIiqQKaUxyk5f9b3Xm8qXZWoLmkSp4aRJUMwexSqQyQbKqj1WswmHSAWBZXHP3fcOQ/s640/Pop%20and%20Grammy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgjk6G7pelabgE2dxO7pn8qGlvPq45ezjvtcARLb6i40BlrhrbRXhmDz6ctCR-j8_t3ZrRgTs6mbkaxsKrDp7c-hMBwOkcNofKOH3IkxN0auuS_19ZzNa1hyKaIiqQKaUxyk5f9b3Xm8qXZWoLmkSp4aRJUMwexSqQyQbKqj1WswmHSAWBZXHP3fcOQ/s320/Pop%20and%20Grammy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9R_GXhekxwryJ9nfjjbpc2udHINHHIbk8Kx9S-RhuvR4r96IzcoNrc_IljesDxKo-OAem37iFFok0v0qGo-7bsiK2ma8-rmBtw3b0znH-LL8-mXfvd3qE4T7YQMxb8yDxcR3OPR0WnualQSSy7tKgvWoKaGpacAjB9bepvHwbCtadUx2-9Kr4m8_how/s640/Silly%20Crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9R_GXhekxwryJ9nfjjbpc2udHINHHIbk8Kx9S-RhuvR4r96IzcoNrc_IljesDxKo-OAem37iFFok0v0qGo-7bsiK2ma8-rmBtw3b0znH-LL8-mXfvd3qE4T7YQMxb8yDxcR3OPR0WnualQSSy7tKgvWoKaGpacAjB9bepvHwbCtadUx2-9Kr4m8_how/s320/Silly%20Crew.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey_kbF79m1MDqFRS6s9_GpeAKQQtKKDo1ffYyW9M0-HCgnb0hbumCAeIyH01IvQP4vjqEhFRnGQdfNX3G9vmTb0gi-ecbc2FX0XJqmid6Vf0iECIaq_0rZv2mIDYi8dADuaoOcaJ3Dw0ENiOoP-tlnyHde0r-C7vxbdcKTVleaHXB_o4rL8Vt5g8qVQ/s640/The%20Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey_kbF79m1MDqFRS6s9_GpeAKQQtKKDo1ffYyW9M0-HCgnb0hbumCAeIyH01IvQP4vjqEhFRnGQdfNX3G9vmTb0gi-ecbc2FX0XJqmid6Vf0iECIaq_0rZv2mIDYi8dADuaoOcaJ3Dw0ENiOoP-tlnyHde0r-C7vxbdcKTVleaHXB_o4rL8Vt5g8qVQ/s320/The%20Family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>That's all for now. </p><p><br /></p>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-74317672323073561352018-06-04T09:29:00.000-07:002018-06-04T09:30:02.878-07:00Hello! It's been a while...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well, it’s certainly been a LONG time since I last blogged.
I’ve said it before, if I stop for too long, it’s hard to get started again.
There is too much to catch up on and I can never get to it all. But I figure if
I keep waiting, I’ll never start back up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s some of the things that I can remember that have
happened in the past year:<o:p></o:p></div>
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AJ is just finishing up 4<sup>th</sup> grade. Yes, I said
that. School ends this month and then he will officially be a FIFTH GRADER. I
have no words. It goes by so so so fast…. This has been a rough year as far as
school goes. His grades have not been that good, he seems to not really care
about fixing them- or he doesn’t seen to care enough. Just last month we
started with Huntington Learning Center 2x a week. We got to the place where
Jason and I were getting frustrated and disappointed way too often and realized
he needed more help. While AJ doesn’t seem to care too much about his grades, I
know he wants to do better and not have to have more conversations with us
about his grades, etc. The tutors at Huntington are very confident that this
will be a major help for AJ and get him into 5<sup>th</sup> grade on a good
start. Jason and I feel good about it and AJ actually enjoys going. It does
make for some very long days tho. Tuesday and Thursdays he in in some kind of
class from 8am-6pm. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This summer we will not have a nanny like we have in the
past (BUMMER), so AJ will be going to MANY weekly camps. He’s excited about it
and will be hanging with friends the entire time. He’s also doing swim team
again (Cruisers) and VBS. Since my mom moved her (yep, that happened!), she’s
going to be helping out with him during the summer too. I know they’ll do a lot
of fun things together. <o:p></o:p></div>
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AJ is VERY into video games and watching YouTube videos. I
know this is normal for an almost 10 year old, but it’s still weird to me. He’d
rather watch YouTube that do things we used to do- like baking things, bike
rides, play games.. etc. We still do things together and have fun, but it’s
just different. One thing that he and Jason have REALLY gotten into is Air Soft.
I haven’t gone with them, but I like to think of it as something similar to
paint ball, but they are dressed in camo, wearing helmets and body protection,
and they go around shooting people with air soft guns. I’m sure there is much
more to it, but that’s what I picture. It’s been a wonderful thing for them to
do together and we’re hoping it increases AJ’s assertiveness and confidence.
He’s SUCH a sweet boy, but that also makes him a little timid in certain situations.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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We didn’t ski as much this year as we’d hoped, but when we
did, we had a great time! We went to Steamboat Springs with our friends
Celeste, Jeff and their son Luke. We also went to Copper for a weekend with
them. Before the end of the season, AJ told me he really wanted to learn to
snowboard- he’d mentioned it before, but this time he really meant it. So, I
took a day off work and took him to Eldora for an all-day lesson. HE LOVED IT.
In fact, he said he’s done skiing… I’m happy no matter what he does, but he’s
such a good skier and he can hang with me- I’m hoping he picks up snowboarding
quickly. He had a great lesson and the instructor said he’s a “natural”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We went to Universal Orlando and Disneyworld over New Years-
it was a really fun time! Surprisingly, it was REALLY cold there and AJ was
afraid of a lot of the rides- which was frustrating, but we still enjoyed it.
Our original plan was to do another cruise, but we changed our mind when the
hurricanes destroyed the Caribbean. We spent 2 days at Universal and 4 days at
Disney. We were exhausted! As usual, we had a great time together. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Some other big news.. WE ARE ENGAGED! Yep, that happened.
And I was totally shocked. Jason asked me to marry him (again) on Christmas Eve.
We’ve been happily back together for over 5 years and we call each other
husband and wife all the time- so I guess it’s time to make it official again!
I’m really happy and AJ is too. When we told AJ he was very happy and the first
thing he said was “please don’t tell me I’m getting a brother or sister!”
hahah! Funny kid. For the record- he’s not. Our plan is to have a small
ceremony in Breckenridge over Labor Day weekend. Casual and easy- but fun too!<o:p></o:p></div>
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That’s all the update I have now. It’s time to start
planning summer fun days- like AJ’s 10<sup>th</sup> birthday party and
vacations with friends and family.<o:p></o:p></div>
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More later- hopefully not THAT much later. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br /></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-57464266060384918622017-02-01T10:31:00.002-08:002017-02-01T10:31:45.790-08:00Grades Are More Important<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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As you read in a previous post, AJ made The Rock swim team a
few months back. We were all so proud of him and though we knew life would be
hectic, we thought we could manage. Turns out, we were wrong. </div>
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I am really sad to report that we have taken him off the
swim team for the time being because life was just too busy for us. I say this
knowing that other families have more kids, more activities and such, but for
us- it was too much.</div>
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Our schedule normally was this: Wake up by 7, get AJ to
school by 8, then pick him up at 4:30, RUSH to get some homework done by 5 at
the Rec Center, swim from 5-545, then come home and figure out dinner, unpack
all our bags, finish homework, eat dinner, shower, maybe watch a little TV,
repack our bags for the next day and then bed by 8:30. This was 4 days a week.
AND to top it off, when Jason traveled, we’d be up by 6, out the door by 7 and
then do all the rest. </div>
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We were able to do this for a few months but I started to
notice a few things. AJ and I were fighting daily. Fighting because I was
always trying to rush him to get here, get there, do your homework, eat your
dinner, etc.. It was truly one thing to another. I was also noticing AJ wasn’t
progressing all that much with swim. Sure, he’s a good swimmer, but we weren’t
doing meets and he didn’t really love it. I sat and watched him each night and
it seemed to be the same every day. </div>
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The kicker was when he got a D on his math test. This just
about killed me. I knew that he knew the answers; he just was rushing and not
paying attention. I got to thinking, we rush around all day and we don’t spend
any extra time on homework. I wasn’t even really checking it to be sure if it
was accurate. I just needed it done. We didn’t practice spelling or extra math
and we stopped reading books. By the time it was 7:30, I was spent! (We all
were!)</div>
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<br /></div>
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It took me some time to really make the decision to quit.
But it does boil down to his grades being more important than sports. So, last
week we took a break and you know what happened? He was the nicest, sweetest,
kindest boy. We didn’t fight. He didn’t argue. We didn’t rush. We did extra
homework and he’s been getting A’s and B’s on his tests. We had a GREAT week! I
think we both feel a sense of relief, but I know we both miss swim. He really
did enjoy seeing his friends each night. </div>
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<br /></div>
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So, going forward, he will still do Cruisers this summer- it’s
more fun to swim outside anyway! And who knows, maybe he’ll get back on the
team next year. Or maybe not. Maybe he’ll do some fun after school classes he
has done and enjoyed in the past. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I feel like we made the right decision. </div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-10584657794215857742016-11-29T13:36:00.000-08:002016-11-29T13:36:00.390-08:00Thanksgiving 2016- SO THANKFUL!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Family, football, food, ocean
views, and wine… These are words that describe our Thanksgiving. What a
wonderful time we all had! It was truly a vacation I won’t forget. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The 3 of us headed to see my Dad
and Cory at their house in the Central Coast of California. Matt and Kristin
were there along with 2 of Cory’s boys, Eli and Simon. It’s been YEARS since we’ve
all been together. We flew out on Wednesday and got to their house after lunch.
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, we love going to their house. It’s so
calm, and breezy, with very little things that we have to do. We love being
able to walk around the yard, hang with the cats and chickens (who are friendly
to each other!) and just be. There is never any agenda, or solid plans. It’s
always about doing what we want to do, when we want to. Hence, we spent a lot
of time eating, watching football, playing video games and wine tasting. Sounds
perfect, right? </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason, AJ and I stayed at the Spyglass Inn in Pismo Beach which was about 10 minutes from my Dad’s. We had the perfect amount of “us” time hanging at our place, walking on the boardwalk, and playing at the beach a short walk away. But we also spent a lot of time at my Dad’s too. Matt and Kristin and I also stayed at the Spyglass Inn so we had some time with just them as well. We were even lucky enough to have AJ stay with my Dad and Cory one night so we could go out on the town. (THINK OYSTERS!!!)</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJAytcU4XhM/WD3ylvVFMpI/AAAAAAAAFe0/bhGfPRE4yT0Ul0Lk8w32L5y_vWl3dWzsgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJAytcU4XhM/WD3ylvVFMpI/AAAAAAAAFe0/bhGfPRE4yT0Ul0Lk8w32L5y_vWl3dWzsgCLcB/s400/IMG_1286.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our ROOM!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CbG9v89V9mQ/WD3ylcse9pI/AAAAAAAAFew/X1BDCRnHbHkVIdjXDQRXeb0W1zeaCFQ8wCLcB/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CbG9v89V9mQ/WD3ylcse9pI/AAAAAAAAFew/X1BDCRnHbHkVIdjXDQRXeb0W1zeaCFQ8wCLcB/s400/IMG_1287.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't get much better than this!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SE1Ym9rOI0/WD3ymfbRl1I/AAAAAAAAFfA/SJE6atK0QLM0_Qr7D9QxW0EQzb_9teh7ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SE1Ym9rOI0/WD3ymfbRl1I/AAAAAAAAFfA/SJE6atK0QLM0_Qr7D9QxW0EQzb_9teh7ACLcB/s400/IMG_1289.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first morning, checking out the ocean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning hair :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cu4PKBoTrD0/WD3ynjThUkI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/k769Bu8u52sgNQS0jsTplUfZiL5_smJbACLcB/s1600/IMG_1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cu4PKBoTrD0/WD3ynjThUkI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/k769Bu8u52sgNQS0jsTplUfZiL5_smJbACLcB/s400/IMG_1310.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just outside our hotel. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On Friday, my Dad rented a minivan
so we could all fit and go wine tasting in San Luis Obispo. It was AMAZING! We
didn’t have any plans, or know really where to go, but we found a map and made
the most of it. We started out at Talley Vineyards and had the BEST time
learning about and drinking wine with our new friend Terry. He was so knowledgably
and told the best stories! We also went to Kenzi and Baileyana vineyards too.
What an awesome day!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKAQonAL8vQ/WD3yms1HLaI/AAAAAAAAFfE/NTmAeesklvY8eNeIrI4yof_ndA2oAA4RACEw/s1600/IMG_1304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKAQonAL8vQ/WD3yms1HLaI/AAAAAAAAFfE/NTmAeesklvY8eNeIrI4yof_ndA2oAA4RACEw/s400/IMG_1304.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The winetasting crew! (AJ and Pop were our drivers)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mATTzLcM314/WD3ymW7KFtI/AAAAAAAAFe8/82dyZKU2u8wcSHJ0ulYVavVc6PC-eBITACEw/s1600/IMG_1301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mATTzLcM314/WD3ymW7KFtI/AAAAAAAAFe8/82dyZKU2u8wcSHJ0ulYVavVc6PC-eBITACEw/s400/IMG_1301.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli and AJ had the best time together playing and talking video games</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDDDr2yWWD0/WD3ym4UCUwI/AAAAAAAAFfI/18ZVIASnOsEUhnr4fRZCPUrezkPYMKEdgCEw/s1600/IMG_1306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDDDr2yWWD0/WD3ym4UCUwI/AAAAAAAAFfI/18ZVIASnOsEUhnr4fRZCPUrezkPYMKEdgCEw/s400/IMG_1306.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this guy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcMA-n3_inA/WD3yonj7WZI/AAAAAAAAFfg/Qd0E2Tu5OVAjAP9xjn_auYnylFW_VIcqgCEw/s1600/IMG_1317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcMA-n3_inA/WD3yonj7WZI/AAAAAAAAFfg/Qd0E2Tu5OVAjAP9xjn_auYnylFW_VIcqgCEw/s400/IMG_1317.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt, Kristin, Jason and I after nearly 3 dozen oysters.. OH MY GOODNESS! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnYB2e_fl34/WD3ypPOY91I/AAAAAAAAFfo/xPb7xgM6mX04cJ9FayxwIAFZpnu9rFJJgCEw/s1600/IMG_1345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnYB2e_fl34/WD3ypPOY91I/AAAAAAAAFfo/xPb7xgM6mX04cJ9FayxwIAFZpnu9rFJJgCEw/s400/IMG_1345.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last day.. We had so much fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pujiMUQNzlY/WD3yotBVCAI/AAAAAAAAFfk/baR9ZHIPCzwdFlUaY1gcm1WWbXtHRnNIQCEw/s1600/IMG_1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pujiMUQNzlY/WD3yotBVCAI/AAAAAAAAFfk/baR9ZHIPCzwdFlUaY1gcm1WWbXtHRnNIQCEw/s400/IMG_1341.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jn9bPdrZaw/WD3ypc5TjlI/AAAAAAAAFfs/H9CP1rDw6WYA7tnTmT-5TnkON9wbhzhbQCEw/s1600/IMG_1352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jn9bPdrZaw/WD3ypc5TjlI/AAAAAAAAFfs/H9CP1rDw6WYA7tnTmT-5TnkON9wbhzhbQCEw/s400/IMG_1352.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 of my MOST favorite people! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We would really love to make this a yearly tradition if possible. I wouldn't change a thing about this trip. We had beautiful weather, some rain (which never happens in CA so it was neat), played blocks, watched football and just had quality family time. Couldn't ask for more!<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-84048822152858673652016-10-17T10:23:00.001-07:002016-10-17T10:23:46.969-07:00Disneyland Vacation 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For Fall Break, we decided to take a family trip to Disneyland! While we've been there a number of times, this time we stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel, which was AMAZING. I haven't ever stayed on the property before and this was fantastic! We could get into the park early, come back and rest, and go back to the park for more fun. We were able to go to both California Adventure and Disneyland.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cars Land!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at Rain Forest Cafe</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the Materhorn!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy Driver! Autopia</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding the swings with Dad- Mom cannot handle swings!</td></tr>
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We were also really lucky that we got to go to Mickey's Halloween Party. They shut down the park and only people with a special ticket can come in. We went trick or treating and went on rides and watched the amazing Halloween Parade!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kylo Ren</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trick or Treating with Dad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rae, Kylo and Iron Man (Jason isn't big on dressing up)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is only SOME of the candy he got</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma came to visit us for a few hours in Downtown Disney. She and AJ made this awesome remote control car- Thanks Grandma!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lego Hulk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had the BEST time and really didn't want to leave.</td></tr>
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-87959381198215325442016-08-17T08:48:00.001-07:002016-08-17T08:48:31.788-07:00Swim Team! ( So PROUD!)Yesterday was a big day for AJ! He made The Rock Swim Team, which is a competitive swim team in our town. Here's the story:<br />
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As I've said in past posts, AJ didn't know how to swim across the pool at the beginning of summer. But he joined Cruisers and did fantastic! Cruisers isn't a competitive team; you really just compete against yourself. It's very relaxed, but fun.<br />
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Once Cruisers ended, Jason and I wanted AJ to continue to swim and improve his skills. So, we looked into The Rock swim team, which is at the Rec Center. This team requires try outs and is year round. Kids practice 4 days a week and there are also swim meets some weekends. At first, I really wasn't sure about that kind of commitment, but I wanted AJ to at least try out.<br />
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On our way to try outs, AJ was nervous and told us he hoped he didn't make it. Jason and I told him to just do his best. If he doesn't make it, no big deal. If he does, we'll talk about it.<br />
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We had to do the make up try outs, so we didn't really get to see the other kids and compare them to AJ. But he did a great job; swam all 4 strokes, listened to the instructor and really did his best. I found out that night that they had 30 open spots, but 55 people trying out. Honestly, I wasn't sure if he'd make it. While we were watching him, Jason and I both agreed- we wanted him to make it! With Jason traveling and me working and AJ having homework, going across
town 4 nights a week for swim practice would be A LOT of work. But
Jason agreed that we would do what we can to make it work.<br />
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When AJ got out of the water, he said "That was SO FUN!" I was thrilled to hear that! I wasn't sure if he'd still not want to be on the team; in fact I expected him to say it was fun, but he doesn't want to do it. (That's what's been happening lately.)<br />
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Yesterday at work, I kept checking my email waiting for the coach's email saying either he made it or didn't... And HE MADE IT! I can't even tell you how proud Jason and I are. This is so exciting!<br />
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I told AJ at tryouts that I'd get him a medium icee for trying out, and an extra large icee if he made the team. So, I picked him up from school yesterday; didn't mention anything about swimming and started to drive to the gas station where they have icee's. He was confused- asking me where we're going. Then realized it was Maverick. He said he knew he was getting a medium. I didn't really say anything... And then it hit him.. and his eyes got big and he got super excited and said "Did I make it? Can I get an extra large??" He was BEYOND happy! So proud of himself! I explained to him that it's a 4 day a week commitment and was he ok with that. He said he was so happy to be on the team and really wanted to do it. I was THRILLED.<br />
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And to top it off, he REALLY enjoyed the icee!<br />
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-76772329915851743642016-08-05T09:48:00.002-07:002016-08-05T09:48:54.361-07:00Nanny for the Summer.. The BEST DecisionWe have some friends, Chris and Ashley Sommers who have 2 kids that are good friends with AJ. We've known them since preschool and over the years have hung out more and more. They are such a nice family and their kids are REALLY good. A few years back, I saw Caleigh and Cooper at the park and asked where their parents were- thinking I'd say hi. Right then, this young girl walked up and introduced herself to me as their babysitter, Analisse. At this point, we really didn't have a solid babysitter that we used and I immediately jumped on it and asked Analisse for her phone number. She was just so polite (called us Mr. and Mrs. Lewicki until I finally had to tell her to stop!) and kind and I immediately trusted her. (Yes, I know I shouldn't steal people's babysitters, but I did tell her the Sommers had priority over us!)<br />
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We have been using Analisse for a few years now and she has been wonderful. She's responsible, kind, makes AJ obey, and is honest when I ask how he was. I'm so glad she doesn't tell me he was perfect, when he wasn't. We have also used her at times with the Sommers and she'll watch all the kids together.<br />
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Late winter of this year, I asked Ashley what she would think of us asking Analisse to nanny for us- and at times she would have all the kids. She was totally into it and so was Analisse so I told her not to get a real job during the days- that we'd hire her for the summer. We worked out the details and the kids spent a few days all together and some just on their own with her. It has been FANTASTIC! In fact, Analisse has taken all the kids to swim practice all summer and they've done other fun things like pools days, movies, county fair, hiking and so much more. They've had so much fun that at times Ashley and I have had to ask that they have "down days" because they are so tired!<br />
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Well, now the summer is coming to an end and we're SO SAD to see Analisse go back to college. She has been just the best for us and I think the Sommers family would agree. I only hope she comes back next year and can do this again for us!<br />
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Today on Facebook, Analisse posted this and it just melts my heart and makes me smile.<br />
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-73512567108274444262016-07-12T10:31:00.000-07:002016-07-12T10:31:36.241-07:00Cruisers Swim TeamI cannot tell you how impressed I am with how much AJ has learned on swim team this year. I'm just blown away...<br />
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Let me start from the beginning. Last year, a bunch of my friends were signing their kids up for swim team. It's call Cruisers. All that the kids needed to do was swim across the pool once (even with assistance!) and they could sign up. Well, at this time, AJ couldn't swim across the pool unassisted and was lacking confidence. It just didn't click for him even after years of swim lessons. He was afraid he would drown and therefore fought me on joining the team. I KNEW if he joined, he would get better and like it, but he put his foot down. He was NOT joining the team. (Even bribery didn't work!)<br />
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So, last summer I heard my friends talking about how fun Cruisers is and how much their kids were learning. I hated that AJ wasn't doing it and decided he was doing it this summer.. no matter what!<br />
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Practices started at the end of May and he was nervous, as I expected. He was afraid the aid in the pool wouldn't see him and he'd drown. Of course I told him this wasn't going to happen, but he was still scared. The first few practices, he cried at the beginning. It was nerves. I understood that. But the more he went, the more confident he became. And it helped that he had some friends who were doing it with him. He also loved the aids and thought they were so cool! (Teenagers)<br />
<br />
There are so many great things about Cruisers, but one of the best things is that the kids can practice as many times as they want each week! They have morning and afternoon practices so they could go 2x a day if they wanted! We started out a little slowly and eventually he started going about 4x a week. They also have a few swim meets on Saturdays and the kids race themselves. The goal is to beat their previous time and if they do, they get a ribbon. It's pretty neat!<br />
<br />AJ's first meet was a little sketchy. We went to a "practice" meet so we could all see how it would flow. I tried to explain to him what it would be like, but he still had no idea. It was loud, tons of people, lots of commotion and overwhelming. He didn't want to swim and what stunk is that the heat he was swimming in was near the end so he had to sit and think about it for a while. He told me a few times he didn't want to do it, but I wasn't going to let him skip it. When he finally jumped off the blocks and into his lane to swim the 25M Freestyle, he was nervous and had to take breaks down the lane, but he did it. And that was all he needed. His confidence since then has SOARED! He went from needing to take breaks and needing someone in the pool with him at all times, to swimming the 50M freestyle (alone, with no breaks!), learning to do flip turns and diving off the block! I just cannot believe it! He also is going down every slide at the pools he goes to - something he could have done last year, but was too afraid. I'm blow away!<br />
<br />
<b>Here are his times from his first swim meet and his last:</b><br />
<br />
25M Freestyle 6/11 44:47 seconds 7/11 31:34 seconds <b>11 second difference!</b><br />
<br />
25M Backstroke 6/11 1:12 7/11 47:95 seconds <b>24 second difference!</b><br />
<br />
25M Breaststroke 6/11 DQ 7/9 Also DQ'd but I don't know why. However, he's gotten MUCH faster. <br />
<br />
50M Freestyle 6/25 1:32 7/9 1:21 <b>13 second difference!</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LatYfFCMbvU/V4Uocam1pCI/AAAAAAAAFYY/VICS_wIczx4PljjCUtxxvbB571Un5QlEACLcB/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LatYfFCMbvU/V4Uocam1pCI/AAAAAAAAFYY/VICS_wIczx4PljjCUtxxvbB571Un5QlEACLcB/s400/IMG_0088.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was the heat winner! And Grandma was there to witness!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VmxVyutGxxg/V4UocR3DHdI/AAAAAAAAFYc/G6E_lNJulcgykVmzdnvg6_5hG8Qlx8GkgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VmxVyutGxxg/V4UocR3DHdI/AAAAAAAAFYc/G6E_lNJulcgykVmzdnvg6_5hG8Qlx8GkgCLcB/s400/IMG_0091.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So proud of this guy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sU2o8wcrrj8/V4UocTo_0yI/AAAAAAAAFYg/ivcdFhmUuXYfeY4tqNppUAhQCT3rji4qgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sU2o8wcrrj8/V4UocTo_0yI/AAAAAAAAFYg/ivcdFhmUuXYfeY4tqNppUAhQCT3rji4qgCLcB/s400/IMG_0236.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2vgu8otlss/V4UockhZ_7I/AAAAAAAAFYk/wgfpm-gK0jcCsZkmwJbSewxJH9_E9O_8ACLcB/s1600/IMG_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2vgu8otlss/V4UockhZ_7I/AAAAAAAAFYk/wgfpm-gK0jcCsZkmwJbSewxJH9_E9O_8ACLcB/s400/IMG_0240.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When they aren't swimming.. this is what it looks like</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b> </b><br />
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-27914874641917930902016-06-30T14:30:00.001-07:002016-06-30T14:30:21.633-07:00Finally.. An Update. Catching up from December 2015<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Wow- has it really been 6 months since my last post? I
really suck at blogging lately. I’ve thought about it, but again, if I wait too
long I get overwhelmed!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Anyway- here’s what’s been happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For Christmas, Santa brought AJ a new dog! He
is a Boston Terrier and he used to be an elf at the North Pole. He was 4 ½ years
old when he came; he had finished his elf duties and needed a new home. Santa
thought our home was perfect! Burt has been a WONDERFUL addition to our family.
He and AJ have this amazing bond. They sleep together, cuddle together all the
time and just are best friends. Burt has been to Camp Bow Wow (Doggie daycare)
a number of times and has done great there too! We really love our Burt-Burt! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Burt is such a snuggler!</td></tr>
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In January, Grandma had both knees replaced so I went out to
California for a week to help her. I was happy to help her but also dreading
being gone for an entire week. It wasn’t so bad- thank you FaceTime and she did
AMAZINGLY well. It was good to be out there and I was able to see Matt,
Kristin, Dad and Cory too!</div>
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We continued our tradition of skiing a lot. Our pass this
year allowed us to go to Breckenridge, Keystone and A-Basin. We went to Breck
the most and really loved the mountain, but it’s just not an easy mountain to
get to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a lot of walking
involved and it seemed like each time we’d go, we would leave the house and 6
and not be on the actual runs until almost 10! Too much.. So, this year we’ve
decided to go back to Copper Mountain. We love it there. And we will also be
able to go to Winter Park and Eldora. We haven’t skiing Eldora before, but it’s
A LOT closer to us and there’s very little traffic. It’s also a smaller
mountain, but we’ll give it a try. Also, this was AJ’s first year using poles!
He rocked it! He’s such a great skier. He was out looking for jumps every time
we skied this year. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSQ79t5kdsw/V3WKB6rlbzI/AAAAAAAAFT8/dVLVmZgT87QG5IB8psQf9D8Nr2714dsPgCLcB/s1600/D5BFF6A0-08EC-499C-A73E-3D13472744F3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSQ79t5kdsw/V3WKB6rlbzI/AAAAAAAAFT8/dVLVmZgT87QG5IB8psQf9D8Nr2714dsPgCLcB/s400/D5BFF6A0-08EC-499C-A73E-3D13472744F3.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Matt and AJ at Breck</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ, Dax and Skylar</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVING the crepes we got for breakfast. So worth the hour long wait!</td></tr>
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In March, Jason went with a bunch of guys to Spring Training
in Arizona. He had a lot of fun, watching baseball and hanging with his
buddies. He never goes on guy trips, so I was happy he was able to. Lord only
knows what else they did there… haha!</div>
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AJ did some fun after school activities this spring. He
signed up for Spotlight Theatre at school and rehearsed for 12 weeks for the
play Annie, Jr. He played the Ward and President Roosevelt along with an
orphan. I was really surprised he was happy to do it and also a little worried
about how he would be on stage. In the end, he was great! He said he was so
nervous his hands were sweating and his stomach hurt, but he still pushed
through! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ at the end of the play</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cast of Annie Jr. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ's class put together a "living wax museum". He decided to be Nicola Tesla. He got to read his biography (below) to all the students and parents.</td></tr>
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AJ also did a fun thing at the library called Reading
Buddies. He did it for 2 sessions and really enjoyed it. Each week, he would
meet with a teenager (Hannah) and they would read to each other and play games.
She was great with him and always gave him candy and treats. I think it helped
him enjoy reading a little more which is a good thing. </div>
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Football was also happening. AJ joined the Dolphins team through
our local rec center with his buddy Dax. The great thing about this was it was
only once a week on Sundays! They would practice for an hour, and then have a
game after. Somehow Jason got recruited to be a coach, which I think he really
enjoyed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason and AJ practiced football
all the time in the backyard and we found out AJ really has an arm on him! The
boy can throw!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dophins</td></tr>
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Also in March (I think), Jason got a new job with Microsoft.
After a few jobs that just weren’t the right fit, Microsoft has been wonderful.
It’s a lot of work and a lot of stress, but he has a fantastic boss and is
really doing well in sales. I’m VERY happy that he’s happy. </div>
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Speaking of jobs, I spent 5 weeks in Oklahoma, thanks to
Verizon. Our Union workers went on strike and the company sent 1000’s of
non-union workers to do their jobs for an undetermined amount of time. I was
given 2 days’ notice that I was going to Oklahoma and was told they didn’t know
when I’d come back. This made going to California for a week seem pretty easy. I
was devastated. It was incredibly hard to leave. We all said, if we just knew
when we’d be back, it wouldn’t be so hard. But of course, we didn’t know when
the Union and Verizon would come to an agreement. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shout out to Colorado from Oklahoma!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spent Mothers Day in OK, so Jason and AJ sent me some gifts and a very sweet card. </td></tr>
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I was out there for 3 weeks in a row, before I came home for
my 40<sup>th</sup> birthday weekend. It seemed like an eternity to be without AJ
and Jason. I was working 12 hour days, 6 days week and living in a hotel. It
was VERY tough. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was incredibly hard
to miss AJ’s Annie Jr. Play and his football games, but I was so thankful that
my mom flew out for a quick trip to see his play. That made me feel so much
better. </div>
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When I came home that weekend, Jason had planned a birthday
party for me with a ton of friends and had flown Matt & Kristin out as a
surprise. It was really such a nice weekend and so good to be home! But, I had
to go back that Monday. While I was there, there were so many rumors about how
long the strike would last. First we heard, end of June.. then possibly OCTOBER!
Thank God, they came to an agreement just before Memorial Day. I had been home
that weekend because of a pre-planned camping trip (after 10 days in OK) and
didn’t have to go back. I was THRILLED to be released. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some friends in OK, decorated my desk for my bday.. so nice.. and MESSY!</td></tr>
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The trip wasn’t all bad though. I made a lot of friends and
new work connections. I made a ton of money working all that overtime. And I found
myself becoming more confident in myself with regards to work. I was mad at
Verizon for making me do this and that anger made me realize it was time to
find something else to do for work. So, now I’m working on that.. </div>
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In May, AJ ended 2<sup>nd</sup> grade (HOW IS THIS
POSSIBLE!) and I was lucky enough to be there for his last day of school. He
had a great year and got excellent grades! The only thing he didn’t do that
well with was listening which wasn’t too big of a surprise. He also started a
swim team called Cruisers. I begged him to do this last year, but he put his
foot down. He was too scared. This year, I didn’t give him a choice, and he has
LOVED IT! He has been swimming 4-5 times week with his buddies. This has been
AJ’s summer to really learn new things and take chances. His bravery has
completely shocked me! Within a week of swim team, he was swimming across the
pool without stopping. Two weeks in, he was diving off the block and now he’s
doing flip turns and practicing the butterfly stroke! I am incredibly
impressed. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HEAT WINNER!!!</td></tr>
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In early June, Dad and Cory came to visit for a long
weekend. We had THE BEST time! They are so easy going and we just do what we
want to do. No over planning. We spent a bunch of time working in the yard-
like we always do. They were so generous and bought us all these flowers and
baskets and Cory planted it all. My dad took out these ugly, dead bushes from
our backyard which was so great! They’ve been dead in our yard for too many
years. We also went to this super fun wool festival in Estes Park. I had no idea
it would be as fun as it was. We watched people spin yarn and walked around all
these cute little booths. Then we also saw tons of livestock. Fun day! We also celebrated AJ's and my Dad's birthdays while they were here (a little early). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 and 73! Looking good!</td></tr>
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Dad and Cory also got to go to one of AJ’s swim meets! Oh my
gosh, these are so fun! They remind me so much of when I was a kid and we’d go
to soccer weekends with friends. He gets to play and run around and has a ton
of freedom, and then he swims a few heats. He has improved so much each week;
he continues to beat his time and he even won his heat last week! It’s been
amazing for his confidence. </div>
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Just this past weekend we celebrated AJ turning EIGHT!
Really? I have an 8 year old?! How did this happen?? We went to the Cheyenne
Mountain Zoo with about 7 of his buddies and had a blast. They put on a great
party with pizza, cake and ice cream and they all got to hold an armadillo and
get a little lesson on the red river hog. We decided it was the perfect amount
of kids and almost no work for me. In the past I always try to go above and
beyond; this year, I didn’t have the energy. So, it all worked out great. We
got AJ and new bike with gears and our hope is we can do some fun family bike
rides this summer. </div>
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Speaking of summer, AJ has had the summer of a lifetime this
year! We hired his babysitter to be his nanny 3 days a week and some of those
days, he is being watched with his good friends Caleigh and Cooper. They all
swim together for Cruisers and then they spend the day either at the Rec Center
or at the Grange pool swimming. He’s exhausted every night but having a blast!</div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-8108147612623417672015-12-07T09:39:00.001-08:002015-12-07T09:39:55.254-08:00Boys Trip to Oregon<div class="MsoNormal">
This past weekend, AJ and Jason took off on a boy’s trip to
Oregon. I was so excited for them! Jason’s mom and step-dad live there and they
had not seen each other in 5+ years. First they spent some time with Jason’s mom
and Ron. They went to dinner, hung out and caught up. Then, Friday, Donna made
this elaborate breakfast for them all. AJ said they got him a new stuffed bear –
he named it Indiana Jones- and The Grinch that Stole Christmas book. I know AJ
had a good time seeing them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Then, Friday night, they headed to Astoria where Paul and
Janis live. I haven’t ever been there, but I hear they live in an amazing log
cabin home. They saw deer on the front law and AJ said he even fed one
apples! They went to a Maritime museum, did a project in the workshop and just
hung out. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The last time Donna and Ron or Paul and Janis saw AJ, he was
probably 2 or younger, so AJ did not remember them, but before the trip, we
showed him a lot of pictures and he knew of them. I was so happy for them all. Now, I’m happy
to have them back <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-61004331435047247762015-12-04T11:07:00.001-08:002015-12-04T11:07:07.508-08:00He Calls Me "Mama" Jason and AJ are in Oregon on a boys trip visiting Jason's family- more on that in another post. Last night, AJ and I were texting before he went to bed (after we talked on the phone for a while)... This text makes my heart just explode with love and happiness. I've probably read it 100 times so far. I love him so very much.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QwJDJD3xosw/VmHj72wXrjI/AAAAAAAAFO8/VJD52-Na3So/s1600/IMG_4497.PNG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QwJDJD3xosw/VmHj72wXrjI/AAAAAAAAFO8/VJD52-Na3So/s400/IMG_4497.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-11675795315391492342015-11-30T10:28:00.003-08:002015-11-30T10:28:19.709-08:00Fall 2015 Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As usual, we’ve had a very busy, but fun Fall. We already
had our first snow day, which was exciting!
AJ was studying the Oregon Trail in class and we’ve really been focusing
a lot of our time on math too. His
teacher told me he needed to work more on subtraction so that is what we’re
doing flash cards almost daily- and its working! I am so proud of him <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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For Thanksgiving this year, we had a HUGE dinner with
friends and family. Jason cooked 2 turkeys and we also had Honey Baked Ham
(Yum!) We had a total of 20 people including my mom. I was happy she decided to
fly out and join us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Since my mom was here, we took advantage of her spending
time with AJ and Jason and I went to the Bronco /Patriots game. It was
WONDERFUL to spend time just the two of us; talking, laughing and cheering for the
Broncos. (They WON!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here are some pictures:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfOYA4oS8q8/VlyUKBYqIXI/AAAAAAAAFM4/yvPzb5DHN74/s1600/IMG_4381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfOYA4oS8q8/VlyUKBYqIXI/AAAAAAAAFM4/yvPzb5DHN74/s400/IMG_4381.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow Angels!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XgIA-TrE7HI/VlyUJznY0ZI/AAAAAAAAFM0/hE62YXxbJKc/s1600/IMG_4383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XgIA-TrE7HI/VlyUJznY0ZI/AAAAAAAAFM0/hE62YXxbJKc/s400/IMG_4383.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a beautiful snow day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGsDD7PTrg0/VlyUKFIk_gI/AAAAAAAAFM8/oL4YOBfBoqo/s1600/IMG_4390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGsDD7PTrg0/VlyUKFIk_gI/AAAAAAAAFM8/oL4YOBfBoqo/s400/IMG_4390.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's a lot of snow!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XtNQUvdn80Y/VlyUKf98rAI/AAAAAAAAFNA/_6AYIXLd8jE/s1600/IMG_4405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XtNQUvdn80Y/VlyUKf98rAI/AAAAAAAAFNA/_6AYIXLd8jE/s400/IMG_4405.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pioneer Day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkQnvH_HVIA/VlyUKSZ1N_I/AAAAAAAAFNI/fZtb_LUA-Kc/s1600/IMG_4407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkQnvH_HVIA/VlyUKSZ1N_I/AAAAAAAAFNI/fZtb_LUA-Kc/s400/IMG_4407.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His "Family"- the Smiths<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wfRAgmCNkm0/VlyUedSw34I/AAAAAAAAFNw/-Z4iOKoyzDA/s1600/IMG_4437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wfRAgmCNkm0/VlyUedSw34I/AAAAAAAAFNw/-Z4iOKoyzDA/s400/IMG_4437.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ teaching Grandma Pokemon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DKMlDxXzd8/VlyUeUK62mI/AAAAAAAAFOA/AiyDcMUSSls/s1600/IMG_4440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DKMlDxXzd8/VlyUeUK62mI/AAAAAAAAFOA/AiyDcMUSSls/s400/IMG_4440.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frying the turkey </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7UYZoQYOjU/VlyUeUfwWmI/AAAAAAAAFN0/R7cH4vF3ZeE/s1600/IMG_4443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7UYZoQYOjU/VlyUeUfwWmI/AAAAAAAAFN0/R7cH4vF3ZeE/s400/IMG_4443.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "kids" table</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JklhbCRqHTw/VlyUerzfmqI/AAAAAAAAFN8/XTouEEO5bYA/s1600/IMG_4456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JklhbCRqHTw/VlyUerzfmqI/AAAAAAAAFN8/XTouEEO5bYA/s400/IMG_4456.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ with his best buddy, Riley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jjj9lDBykMY/VlyUe186cDI/AAAAAAAAFN4/C-xwROUFYXg/s1600/IMG_4457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jjj9lDBykMY/VlyUe186cDI/AAAAAAAAFN4/C-xwROUFYXg/s400/IMG_4457.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joy and I<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozpjnbanRjU/VlyU3O-rTcI/AAAAAAAAFOc/d04a0CyJMQU/s1600/IMG_4453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozpjnbanRjU/VlyU3O-rTcI/AAAAAAAAFOc/d04a0CyJMQU/s400/IMG_4453.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sledding- it was COLD!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dO0aCLC0PmM/VlyU3Br6aXI/AAAAAAAAFOU/eEjGqm5f64I/s1600/IMG_4455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dO0aCLC0PmM/VlyU3Br6aXI/AAAAAAAAFOU/eEjGqm5f64I/s400/IMG_4455.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ and Grandma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RSWZGtsxPPs/VlyU3U6wBMI/AAAAAAAAFOY/5d82NZB3rjw/s1600/IMG_4466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RSWZGtsxPPs/VlyU3U6wBMI/AAAAAAAAFOY/5d82NZB3rjw/s400/IMG_4466.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Bronco Game!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tcwjYU-ij8s/VlyU4FDmotI/AAAAAAAAFOg/3TO0FxfHAco/s1600/IMG_4475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tcwjYU-ij8s/VlyU4FDmotI/AAAAAAAAFOg/3TO0FxfHAco/s400/IMG_4475.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It snowed the ENTIRE game- BURRR</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-67807825226199406092015-10-20T13:54:00.003-07:002015-10-20T13:54:37.540-07:00Washington, D.C!<div class="MsoNormal">
To celebrate Jason’s 40<sup>th</sup> birthday, the 3 of us
took a really fun trip to DC! Honestly, when I asked Jason where he wanted me
to take him for his birthday, I was thinking it would be more like a couples
trip to Chicago, NY, San Francisco or something, so when he said he wanted us
all to go to DC, I was surprised. It didn’t really seem like a 40<sup>th</sup>
birthday destination. But, I knew it would be a good time. And it turns out, it
was better than I expected!<o:p></o:p></div>
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We flew out on Tuesday morning and with the time change,
didn’t get there till late afternoon. We checked into our hotel room, walked a
few blocks to the White House to get a quick look, and then found a place for
dinner. We were tired, but excited. For some reason, we all didn’t wake up
until about 9:30 every single morning! Maybe it was the time change, or just
being relaxed, but it was weird. Great, but weird! Wednesday, when we finally
got up and moving, we walked to Washington Monument (or Momument like AJ calls
it as a joke) and then to the Air and Space Museum. This place was so cool! We were
there all day checking things out. AJ decided he was going to make a journal so
he took a ton of pictures of things and we’ll put them in his journal. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4ixMTjSBSM/ViaoZ45RYXI/AAAAAAAAFKU/U5IF_-YCQ38/s1600/IMG_4009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4ixMTjSBSM/ViaoZ45RYXI/AAAAAAAAFKU/U5IF_-YCQ38/s400/IMG_4009.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Stop.. White House!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z17kOdH4sHY/ViaoZ3HwnwI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/8pfqaitwBdc/s1600/IMG_4020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z17kOdH4sHY/ViaoZ3HwnwI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/8pfqaitwBdc/s400/IMG_4020.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washington Memorial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YP7nx9Pz1yo/ViaoZ5LlUuI/AAAAAAAAFKY/7_Tl4HqpQLM/s1600/IMG_4026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YP7nx9Pz1yo/ViaoZ5LlUuI/AAAAAAAAFKY/7_Tl4HqpQLM/s400/IMG_4026.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Air and Space Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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A friend of mine recommended this amazing restaurant, Old
Ebbit Grill, so we went there for dinner that night. We had oysters to start
and as you can see from the picture, AJ wasn’t a huge fan. But the place was super cool and fun. Then we
went home and passed out. We were exhausted from all the walking. (6 miles on
day 1).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VUdyePySPQg/Viao4iCXqVI/AAAAAAAAFKo/6oRvnbpjaSE/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VUdyePySPQg/Viao4iCXqVI/AAAAAAAAFKo/6oRvnbpjaSE/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Ebbitt Grill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQv2monasFc/Viao4uWokVI/AAAAAAAAFKs/xIvGQCnB2Jc/s1600/IMG_4086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQv2monasFc/Viao4uWokVI/AAAAAAAAFKs/xIvGQCnB2Jc/s400/IMG_4086.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a fan of oysters...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 2, we once again didn’t get up and out of bed till after
9am. That day, we walked to the Washington Memorial, Korean Memorial, World War
II Memorial, then to the Capitol building for a tour. That was a ton of fun,
but SO MUCH WALKING. (10 miles on day 2) We went to dinner at our hotel and
everyone passed out early. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGVmzIQZDQQ/ViapJtHDzXI/AAAAAAAAFK4/PZscuAIogW0/s1600/IMG_4132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGVmzIQZDQQ/ViapJtHDzXI/AAAAAAAAFK4/PZscuAIogW0/s400/IMG_4132.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Lincoln Memorial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MP_g-80nkfA/ViapJkYTK3I/AAAAAAAAFLA/CfX4GLU0N2c/s1600/IMG_4017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MP_g-80nkfA/ViapJkYTK3I/AAAAAAAAFLA/CfX4GLU0N2c/s400/IMG_4017.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Writing in his journal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jO7x0YWoBh0/ViapJ_50GDI/AAAAAAAAFL8/51rQVYZRwTE/s1600/IMG_4134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jO7x0YWoBh0/ViapJ_50GDI/AAAAAAAAFL8/51rQVYZRwTE/s400/IMG_4134.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Capitol</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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Day 3, we went to the American History Museum for a few
hours- super cool place too! Then, we walked over to the Bureau of Engraving
and Printing. We read that it’s better to go there than The Mint, however we
got there too late to do a tour. Kind of a bummer. After that, we walked back
to the White House (a lot of back and forth walking!) and took pictures from
the other side. (6 miles on day 3)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eMuRuvO_08s/ViapKjEcQpI/AAAAAAAAFL0/o9mY4DszCtU/s1600/IMG_4167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eMuRuvO_08s/ViapKjEcQpI/AAAAAAAAFL0/o9mY4DszCtU/s400/IMG_4167.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American History Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMVJ7P8o8Lo/ViapKlg0LxI/AAAAAAAAFLk/7o_dvxrahrQ/s1600/IMG_4158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMVJ7P8o8Lo/ViapKlg0LxI/AAAAAAAAFLk/7o_dvxrahrQ/s400/IMG_4158.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what ALL that walking will get ya!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nWJA9QrT_RI/ViapK5CawYI/AAAAAAAAFLo/tFBzIxAQoXY/s1600/IMG_4174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nWJA9QrT_RI/ViapK5CawYI/AAAAAAAAFLo/tFBzIxAQoXY/s400/IMG_4174.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bureau of Engraving and Printing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uyR0N6FJrmg/ViapLfM7rhI/AAAAAAAAFLw/SkWIOhUoZMg/s1600/IMG_4181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uyR0N6FJrmg/ViapLfM7rhI/AAAAAAAAFLw/SkWIOhUoZMg/s400/IMG_4181.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ's selfie.. pretty good I think!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZPxx7WSZ1U/ViapLfCAy9I/AAAAAAAAFLs/9nqM8HPAVyk/s1600/IMG_4185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZPxx7WSZ1U/ViapLfCAy9I/AAAAAAAAFLs/9nqM8HPAVyk/s400/IMG_4185.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the White House!</td></tr>
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We had to head home on Saturday, but we all felt like we got
everything done and saw all we wanted to see in the 3 days we were there. It
was really a super fun, family trip. AJ was excellent the entire time, didn’t
complain (much) about all the walking and we had perfect fall weather. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-37002857056970302822015-10-04T07:24:00.000-07:002015-10-04T07:24:16.121-07:002nd Grade Homework! (Proud Mama)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
AJ has homework 4 days a week and it can take us up to an hour to get it done. Yes, I said us. I typically do homework with AJ while Jason makes dinner- it's a good system. Because I do homework with AJ I feel very invested in it and I want him ace his tests SO BADLY. </div>
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Each night, he has reading, spelling and math. And then we add a little more math these days because he needs to get a little quicker on his "100 math facts". (100 addition problems that he has to get done in 5 minutes). </div>
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We got a bunch of tests back on Friday and I finally found out how he's done- to say I was THRILLED and PROUD of AJ would be a major understatement. He ROCKED these tests! Check it out:</div>
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-37398181252072024872015-09-15T15:08:00.007-07:002015-09-15T15:08:54.701-07:00Bad Words<div class="MsoNormal">
AJ has always been fascinated with bad words. He doesn’t say
them- but he will call you out every single time you say one. I’ll never forget
when he was really young and my mom and I used to spell out S-T-U-P-I-D because
we didn’t want him to hear the word. Well, not too long after, he started
saying “P-I-D”. To this day, he says that only if he heard the word and wants
to tell me about it. He never uses it negatively and never the real word. For
years, if he hears any word (stupid, damn, crap or anything worse) he will just
look at me like “did you hear that?!” He has trained me to look at him when
someone says a bad word!<o:p></o:p></div>
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So now, he’s in 2<sup>nd</sup> grade and we all know that
means he will start hearing those words more often and likely say some of them
when I’m not around. He watches videos online and I know they have bad words.
He will tell me every time when he hears one. We have this exact conversation many
times a week:<o:p></o:p></div>
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AJ: “Mom,
there was a bad word”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Me: “what
word?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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AJ: “what
beavers make”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Me: “ok,
thanks for telling me”<o:p></o:p></div>
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AJ: “yep,
I won’t say it”</div>
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The other day I was thinking about it and I realized that if
he is going to hear the words, then I want him to know- from me- what they
mean. I don’t want him learning from his friends what they think it means.
Plus, I thought if we talked about it, maybe it would take the “excitement” out
of saying the words? <o:p></o:p></div>
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One night a few weeks ago I was lying with AJ in his bed and
I asked him if he would like to talk about bad words. That we were in a “circle
of trust” and he could not get in trouble during this conversation. He could
say anything, any word and not be in trouble. The only catch was, he could not
go to school and talk to other friends about it or say the words to them. He
agreed and we talked. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I asked him what words he hears and what he thinks the words
mean. He asked me about the “B” word is. I explained to him what the “B” word
actually is and how what it really means is a female dog (he laughed). I then
made it VERY clear that he should never- even when he gets older- say that to or
about a girl. He asked me about “crap” and “damn” and I explained what they
meant and told him he could use other words that sounded better but meant the
same thing. I also told him that one day he would be able to say those words-
just not in 2<sup>nd</sup> grade. He has friends who can say “stupid” or “oh my
god” or “crap” and I think there are times he wants to be allowed to. And
honestly- part of me thinks “why not?” But, then I think about how I feel about
the kids who come to my house and say those words when playing with AJ. I don’t
want some other mother thinking about AJ that way. It’s just not necessary and
it is so ugly. There is a very popular song on the radio right now called “Shut
up and Dance with me” and I told him recently he can say it when the song is
on. But he really doesn’t! It doesn’t feel right to him. Finally, he did ask me
about the “F” word. I didn’t explain the literal meaning of that word, but I
told him that some people say that and it means many things. It could be like “darn”
or “crap” and that it’s not a word kids need to use. I tried to be very clear
that there are other words he can use that will mean the same thing. However, I
know, as an adult sometimes saying crap isn’t quite as gratifying as saying “F!”
(I didn’t tell him that!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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I hope this conversation made him realize he can talk to me.
We can talk about things that aren’t comfortable and he won’t be in trouble. I’ve
told him many times- if he just comes to me, he will not be punished. If he
lies or I hear he’s saying these things when I’m not around, he will be. <o:p></o:p></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-66365287519308453952015-08-26T14:17:00.000-07:002015-08-26T14:17:43.824-07:00Tying ShoesI never really thought about teaching someone to tie shoes until AJ was in Kindergarten and it became part of his "homework". I will admit, we tried a few times, but he never really got it and we bought him Velcro shoes and moved on. Then, first grade came and I thought about it again. Still we didn't work on it too much because I knew a lot of other kids in his grade didn't know how to do it. (I know... I am LAZY!)<br />
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Well, now he's in 2nd grade and I have to admit I got him some really cute Vans Velcro shoes for school. I figured they are easy and the right color and AJ will think they are cool. And he did, until he wore them for about a week and tongue started to bother him. So, we had a discussion about how he really is old enough now and should know how to tie his shoes. He agreed and right there and then we plopped on the kitchen floor and started to practice.<br />
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At first I was showing him the "2 bunny ear" approach. It wasn't working. So, almost on his own, he started doing it the other way (not sure what that is called? 1 bunny ear?) And he did it, but he struggled to make the bunny ear the right size. When he made it too big, the loop didn't stay. He got frustrated, but he tried a few times.<br />
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So, I went out and bought him some new Sketchers. They are super light and look like running shoes. He loves them and he was determined to tie them. And that's just what he did. The first day he asked for a little help and it took him some extra time. But by day 2, he was tying them without any issues and even learned the double knot.<br />
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It's the little thing :)Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-53898434299827393602015-08-12T08:41:00.000-07:002015-08-12T08:41:59.563-07:00Second Grade!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow, I cannot believe how fast this summer went! They seem to go faster every year. I remember last year, about 2 weeks before the start of school I really just was not feeling ready. Then, everyday I became a little more ok with the idea. It's the same this year too. I was not ready, but now I'm feeling like getting into a routine again isn't such a bad thing. AJ has been having the best time playing with friends and staying up late, but it's time to get back to reality.<br />
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We had back to school night last night. We got to meet his new teacher, Ms. Brown. She's new to the school so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I spoke to Mrs. Hayden about her and she assured me that we would have a great year. I felt so much better hearing that!<br />
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Today AJ told me he was scared and nervous, but you'd never know it. He was happy to get dressed and ready to go. I think he also missed the routine and seeing his school friends. I found out that he will have science everyday, and when I told him, he was pretty excited. He loves science!<br />
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I can't wait to pick him and see how his day went.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esEi9EPkuIE/VctnJMeIf2I/AAAAAAAAFFs/g1ZZVE2tMOg/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esEi9EPkuIE/VctnJMeIf2I/AAAAAAAAFFs/g1ZZVE2tMOg/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goofy 2nd grade pic!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1R179w7g1e8/VctnKtdWG3I/AAAAAAAAFF8/AgQ_OM1_YVw/s1600/IMG_3728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1R179w7g1e8/VctnKtdWG3I/AAAAAAAAFF8/AgQ_OM1_YVw/s400/IMG_3728.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st day selfie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was sorta over pictures...</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0fU1mHvtvQg/VctnJKEzNGI/AAAAAAAAFF0/PaMiTlg1UA0/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0fU1mHvtvQg/VctnJKEzNGI/AAAAAAAAFF0/PaMiTlg1UA0/s400/FullSizeRender%2B%25288%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">He REALLY didn't want his pic taken anymore!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparison of 1st grade and 2nd grade</td></tr>
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-2968464741891987242015-08-07T08:01:00.001-07:002015-08-07T08:01:31.937-07:00AJ goes to California.. and looses his tooth!AJ sure is one lucky kid! He spent last week in California with my mom and had the BEST time! They did so much- twice daily park trips, beach, pool, play dates with new friends, movie, riding bikes, staying up late and hanging out with Uncle Matt and Auntie Kristin. I talked to him everyday for a few minutes and each day seemed to be more and more fun. I am so glad he got this time with Grandma- they sure have a special bond!<br />
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I thought it was going to be really hard for me to have him gone so long. And it was hard; I missed him so much. But, I wasn't quite the mess I thought I'd be. Partly because we could "Facetime" and talk each day, but also because I knew he was having such a great time.<br />
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It was also really nice to have some time with just Jason. For some of the time, I don't think we knew what to talk about; we're so used to AJ being there and not being able to have an actual conversation! But it ended up being really good for us. We went to a movie, hung out with friends at the local Biergarten, talked about work and life, Jason tiled the bathroom and laundry room and we got to just do what we wanted when we wanted. It was very nice.<br />
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<b>BIG NEWS! </b>AJ finally lost his tooth! His bottom right tooth was very loose when he went to California and I jokingly told him he better not lose it there! But, it happened! One day, I was on the phone with my mom and I heard her say "What? It's out?" and there it was! It was good he got it out because he was pretty obsessed with it. It would move around when he ate and once he bit down hard on it and it hurt.<br />
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So, he wrote a note to the tooth fairy asking if he could please keep his tooth and she left it. I was wondering how much the California tooth fairy paid and was pleased to see it was only $3 :)<br />
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Here are a few pics:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iLfpucpMfe8/VcTHdRIp1iI/AAAAAAAAFE8/enKLCRW57Nc/s1600/IMG_3684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iLfpucpMfe8/VcTHdRIp1iI/AAAAAAAAFE8/enKLCRW57Nc/s400/IMG_3684.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's missing a tooth!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ's letter to the Tooth Fairy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He came home! I was able to go to lunch with him straight from the airport</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One tired boy!</td></tr>
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-66685625418811542022015-07-15T10:06:00.000-07:002015-07-15T10:06:01.570-07:00Zion July 2015<div>
We took a week long vacation to Zion and met up with Pop and Grammy Cory. We had a great time! The first day, we drove about 5 hours to Grand Junction and stayed there for the night. The next day, we drove about 7 more to Zion. We spent that day just getting settled in. On Monday, Pop and Grammy came. Our week consisted of hiking to the Emerald Pools and the Narrows, BBQing at our campsite, playing this fun pig game together in the trailer and just hanging out. It felt like a really relaxing and easy get away. We got very lucky with the weather too- the week prior it had been in the low 100's. While we were there it was in the 90's most the time. Still hot, but not nearly as bad!<br />
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When the week was over, we headed back to Colorado and Pop and Grammy to California. We both had LONG drives (and we ran outta gas in the middle of nowhere- but that's another story). AJ was a really good traveler and rarely complained about the amount of time sitting in the car.<br />
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It sure was fun to spend a week with Grammy and Pop! We miss them already!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our campsite</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the Park!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting out our hike</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crazy chipmunk was HUGE and he was very used to people... a little too comfortable in fact.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Narrows</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking up to the Emerald Pools- Day 2- it was a long hike and HOT, but AJ did great! Grammy and Pop too</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So beautiful</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out a little cave.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made it to the 2nd pool- there were probably 100 tadpoles in the water behind us. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took a drive one day and found about 20 Big Horn Sheep! They were SO cool!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheep!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy was amazing! We stopped because he had a sign outside saying "Demo". He's a blacksmith and was working right then. He offered to let us watch as he made a Bronco key ring and a hummingbird. It was amazing to watch and such detail!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hummingbird for Grammy.. Bronco for AJ</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ became a Jr. Ranger at the park. He had to do a number of things, like pick up trash, identify different animal prints, see a ton of different animals in the park and other things. Once he finished, he took the book to the ranger and was sworn in as a Jr. Ranger. He got a badge and everything!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last night- and Grammy's birthday! We went to the Spotted Dog Cafe which was AMAZING! Such delicious food- and we had a great time celebrating Grammy!</td></tr>
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-70444443469379991802015-06-22T12:33:00.002-07:002015-06-22T12:33:27.482-07:002015 Family PhotosWe finally did new family photos a few weeks ago. I think it's been 2 years since we did them! Once again our photographer, Nikkie Roberts, knocked it out of the park. Can't believe my boy is going to be SEVEN!<br />
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Here are some of my favorites:<br />
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-24897291791736742172015-06-05T09:23:00.000-07:002015-06-05T09:23:09.158-07:00It's Been a Few Months.. Early 2015 Update (Written in April- Finally Published in June)Ah yes.. it's so much easier to keep up the blog than to take months off and try to figure out where to begin. But here goes:<br />
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It's been a really wonderful beginning of the year for our family. We had a great Christmas at home, just the three of us. I took the week off of work and we hung with friends, celebrated and went skiing for a few days at Copper. It was very low key, which we all enjoyed. Things had been (and continue to be) so busy between school, work and just life, we needed some down time. AJ's big gift from Santa was a new Samsung Tablet. He was in heaven! He had an iPad before which he loved, but it was time to replace it. <br />
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Oh! I know another thing that was keeping us so busy... we had our basement finished! What an exciting thing. When Jason and I moved into this house in 2006 (I cannot believe it'll be 9 years in August!) we dreamt of finishing the basement and how we would do it, but I wasn't really ever sure we would. Quite honestly, we have almost 3000 square feet above ground and we don't use all of it, so I wasn't sure why we would need it. But once in a while we talked about what we would do if/when we had the money to do it. Any funny enough, the basement is almost exactly like we had originally discussed way back when. Our wonderful contractor, Don, helped create an amazing media room, bar, workout area and bathroom down there. We considered putting in a bedroom for resale, but we've got 4 bedrooms and an office upstairs, so it wasn't necessary. I was a little worried about how messy this process was going to be and how long it would take- you hear a lot of horror stories when you start telling people what you're going to do- but it wasn't bad at all! Since it was in the basement, it didn't affect our daily life, or mess up the part of the house we were living in. And it only took 8 weeks! <br />
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Here are some pictures of the finished basement:<br />
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Our lives have been really busy on the job front too. I have been loving my job but it has been INCREDIBLY busy the last few months. Of course, that is a good thing, but there are days when it feels like it's too much. I feel like I've become the Jack of all Trades at work. Again, this is good. In January, we had our annual Kickoff which means executives fly in and the entire center shuts down for a big 5 hour rah-rah meeting to discuss the previous years results and pump people up for the coming year. I was asked to work on it for the first time and let me tell you.. the PRESSURE. I realized it wasn't curing cancer, but I felt so much pressure to make sure the music was right, loud enough, played at the exact correct moments, the slideshow was perfect, the awards were set up, tables and chairs and balloons set up, and so much more. Thankfully it went very well and my boss was pleased. And then less than a week later, we had 10 new hires start. Which meant, preparing training materials and HR documents, rearranging desks, cleaning the training room, ensuring computers work, ordering supplies, making name tags, ordering badges and so much more. ALL this little stuff that really added up. Often times I felt like housekeeping, IT, training and HR at the same time. I complain, but I actually love it. I love that my boss believes in me and knows I'll get it done. <br />
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Back in August Jason left Dell after 5 years and went to a company called VM Ware. It's a great company and could have eventually been a good thing, but it didn't work out. He was told he was going to get a bunch of good accounts and that turned out not to be true. And he had some less than qualified inside resources which made it more difficult to sell. He did enjoy the company and some of the people he worked with, but we could tell pretty quickly it wasn't going to last too long. Strangely enough, before he went to VM Ware, he got a call from a recruiter to interview for a job at Sales Force. He went to the interview and it went great, but he was told the job was put on hold. Well, once he was ready to leave VM Ware, he got a call from Sales Force again and was asked to interview with the hiring manager that week and within 5 days, he had the job! He's been there about a month and loves it! It's an amazing company that is doing really well. He has 7 large accounts and great resources. I'm so happy to see him loving his job again. <br />
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And then there's AJ :) Can you even believe he's going to be SEVEN in a few months. Ugh. It kills me. He is doing really really good. We have been skiing 5-6 times this year and it amazes me how much better he gets each year. And talk about fearless! The kid is faster than I am and totally in control. I find myself yelling at him as he passes me down the mountain "TURN!!" or "Slow down!" because he freaks me out! But he knows what he's doing. Uncle Matt came out last week and they skied thru the trees which was super fun for both of them. AJ always likes to find little jumps. I'm really trying to talk him into getting on a ski team next year- I think age 7 is when you can start. Stay tuned.<br />
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Here's a video of AJ skiing the trees:<br />
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AJ is doing pretty well in school too. He's an awesome reader, and really good at math, but we're finding he's rushing too much in his writing. I've had many talks with his teacher about how she can't read his writing, but she could read it last year. I t think he's become lazy and is trying to just get it done as quickly as he can. So, now I'm adding more homework each night and he has to work on writing better. He doesn't always love it, but I keep telling him that once he writes better, we don't have to do this! Kids!<br />
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-74094501182467831302014-12-04T08:46:00.001-08:002014-12-04T08:46:10.018-08:00Monterey Bay Aquarium!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The 3 of us went to California to visit Dad and Cory in October. I was surprised to think that this was my first time back to Cali all year! We always love going to Pop and Grammy's because it's relaxing and fun. AJ played in the garden, fed the turtles a HUGE zucchini that Cory had grown, ran around with chickens and played with the neighbor kids Hudson and Mackenzie. </div>
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On Sunday we split up, left AJ with Pop and Grammy and all headed up north to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Pop and Grammy wanted to take AJ there and Jason and I wanted to go too! So all day Sunday, Jason and I got some adult time; we went wine tasting, went into the super cute shops and had a nice dinner on the pier. Pop, Grammy and AJ went to a really cool park and went to Bubba Gump's for dinner. </div>
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The next morning we all met up for breakfast and then headed to the aquarium. This place so neat! We watched a shark feeding, checked out the jellyfish and walked around the whole place. It really was a great experience for everyone. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found out that AJ LOVES Clam Chowder- who knew?</td></tr>
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-40678791094146878242014-12-04T08:32:00.002-08:002014-12-04T08:32:22.013-08:00Football!<div style="text-align: center;">
Jason had been talking with AJ about playing flag football over the summer and when it became available, we signed him up. AJ is not the most physical kid. He isn't really into wrestling or rough housing so I wasn't sure how he would do. </div>
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We signed him up with his friend, Andrew. They had practice and a game once a week. There were kids on his team who obviously had been playing before, but also those who were just starting out. His coach was really good, taught them how to stretch and they learned a few plays. AJ really seemed to enjoy himself. He would try to get the flags of the other players, but many times he did that after the play was over :) Twice he got the ball and took it the wrong direction :) It was so cute to watch him with the other boys. They played around, laughed and learned some football. </div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-40855962500255088862014-12-04T08:26:00.001-08:002014-12-04T08:26:13.196-08:00He's a First Grader!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a while since I've blogged. I was having problems getting pictures to load on here and then it became really overwhelming with months of things to catch up on. But here goes.</div>
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School started for AJ back in August. We weren't quite ready for the summer to end. We had a wet summer and would have loved a few more pool days. AJ was lucky enough to have his same teacher from last year, Mrs. Hayden, which made the first day so much easier. AJ walked in and was happy to be there. There was another boy in the class that was crying and did not want his dad to leave and AJ befriended him right away. It's so nice to see him be such a kind-hearted person. </div>
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First grade certainly is a lot different than Kindergarten. The work is harder, the rules are more strict and homework is not optional anymore. AJ has math and spelling homework almost everyday. He doesn't love to do it, but it isn't usually a big challenge. </div>
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<span id="goog_265927249"></span><span id="goog_265927250"></span><br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290177950151908738.post-24748904115798791082014-07-21T10:12:00.000-07:002014-07-21T10:12:01.179-07:00Buena Vista Camping Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This weekend, we ventured out to Buena Vista (2.5 hours away) for a camping trip with some new friends of ours. AJ and Andrew went to Castle Academy together for pre-school and ended up both going to ACS for Kindergarten, though they weren't in the same class. We found out not too long ago that they also live around the corner from us. The boys have had a few play dates together and get along really well. Andrew is a super nice kid and his parents are great too! Valerie and Dan invited us on this adventure that was supposed to include a few other people but it ended up just being our two families. It was awesome!</div>
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The plan was to camp at the KOA campgrounds Friday and Saturday nights and on Saturday have a fun filled day of rafting and horseback riding. It sounded so fun to me! I was a bit worried though about how AJ would handle it all. He's been dealing with some fears lately and I worried he would he afraid. Well, he wasn't! He had a BLAST!</div>
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On Friday, Andrew came over for a few hours to play before we left. Then he rode up with us. Let me tell you- these boys are really good, but I am not used to 2 kids in the car together that long! Who knew that when playing the "silent game" they would say "pause game" 100 times and talk. It was funny..and not silent!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headed out to go camping!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We arrived at the KOA campground. It was super fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids headed straight to this park. It was great because our site was close enough to watch them. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was also at the campsite- they made breakfast on the weekends. YUM!</td></tr>
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On Saturday, we were up early and headed out to go rafting. AJ was a little hesitant when the guide was giving us instructions. What to do if someone falls out, what if the boat flips over, etc.. I tried distract him, but also listen in case I needed the info. I will also admit, I was a little scared myself. I ha never done it before and in the back of my mind was remembering a few moms who asked me "You're really taking AJ rafting?" haha!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Listening to the guide give us instructions</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting our gear on!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the river- just about to get on the boat!</td></tr>
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When we got on the boat, we had about 4 miles to go before we hit any rapids. I was nervous.. I guess I assumed it would be non stop rapids. But that wasn't the case at all. We took this time to learn to paddle and chat with our guide, Pat. He was super nice and made sure we were comfortable and safe. The boys paddled some too- but then once we hit the rapids, Pat took their paddles away so they could hold on. I had AJ hold onto the boat and to my life jacket. Since he was behind me, I couldn't see him, but I could feel him holding on. </div>
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After the first rapid, which Pat told us was the biggest, I relaxed. It wasn't nearly as big or scary as I'd thought. It was SO FUN! The boys were cracking up and loving it!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got REALLY wet! But Jason and Dan were in front so they got pounded the entire time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How cute are the boys? Laughing and having a blast!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water was cold.. but we had on wetsuits and splash jackets. It wasn't bad at all.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stopped at "Jump Rock" and we all got out of our boats. Those who wanted to jump, climbed up and did. I stood for a while wondering if I should do it or not. It's not something I've ever done. But I really wanted to. I was also really scared. It was only about 15 feet. I asked AJ if I should do it- he said yes. So, I did!</td></tr>
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After our 3 hour rafting trip, we headed to the stables for horseback riding! Again, AJ was SO brave! He loved it! Though, later he told me it was boring compared to rafting! hah </div>
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We rode for 2 hours and it was really fun. We did a tiny bit of trotting, but mainly walked. We went through a river a few times and up and down the mountain. It was gorgeous! AJ did great, though 2 times I think he almost fell off! Both times we were going down a steep hill and his horse was a bit stubborn and wanted to do it her way- not the way the wrangler wanted. Valerie and Dan were ahead of me and both ahead of them. She told me at one point, it was good I wasn't close enough to see how far his butt was off the seat! Thankfully, all was well and AJ steered his horse the right direction. Phew!</div>
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We had SUCH a wonderful time. We're definitely adding this place to our list of camp sites each year. The KOA was awesome, the town is super cute and I see a lot more rafting in our future! I did tell AJ that it was kinda funny that we all like very expensive sports!</div>
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435556566309895894noreply@blogger.com0