Spring Break 2023

 This year's spring break was a little different.
We had lots going on.
Instead of the traditional week away, we broke up our vacation.
We spent three incredible days on Whidbey with friends.
We hustled back for a soccer tournament for Max and a volleyball game for Carmen.

Despite the choppiness, it was a great week.

The kids even managed to go fishing, and

the cats enjoyed us being home instead of away.

First up, Whidbey.

Always fun walking the beach,

building driftwood forts,

spending time in the hot tub,

and playing games.

Soccer tourney.

While the Celtic boys played well,

they didn't advance to the finals this time.

Volleyball game.

Carmen has enjoyed playing

any chance she gets. 

There was a little bit of 'down' time.

Kids decided they wanted to go fishing.

They were up early, made their own breakfast.

They spent hours 

(mostly stringing and untangling their rods)

but had a good time together. 

When we are away, the cats usually are not so happy.

This time, no cat sitter needed.

Happy cats!

Matilda Jr. the Musical

 This girl never ceases to amaze me.
She has a confidence and drive unfamiliar to me.

Auditions for the school musical Matilda Jr.

 were announced late last year in November
and Carmen was eager to audition and hopeful to get a part.

She had to perform a short monologue and sing!
She rose to the challenge and practiced, practiced, practiced.
And....she was cast as a 'younger school student' as part of the chorus.

While she was hoping for a speaking role, she was happy
to be cast and able to participate in the show.
They all worked really hard, rehearsed, learned music, choreography.
She was constantly singing and dancing around the house.

I had no idea what to expect when it was performance time.
They got to perform at Shorecrest on the big stage, 

to three sold-out audiences.

They were incredible -- every, single, one of them.
I was thoroughly impressed.

Congrats to the entire cast and crew of Matilda Jr.

for a successful show

(and to Carmen James who shone like a little star).

My favorite part was all of her friends coming out to support her.

They brought her flowers and made her feel so special.

Easter

I know my time is fleeting for the kids wanting to color easter eggs.
They were still somewhat into this year, so we took full advantage.

Max however was NOT into the bunny ears,

 but I made him wear them anyway.

Yes, the Easter Bunny still managed to leave baskets full of goodies.

This is something I know they will not grow out of.

On our way to service.

Is that a collared shirt Max is wearing?!

Carmen of course was delighted to dress up.

At 10, Max is still a 'hunter' 

at the annual Skurski easter gathering. 

He was slightly mortified to be lumped in with toddlers.

I loved every minute.

Carmen at 12 had the choice to be

a 'hunter' or a 'hider'. She chose to hide.

Post Skurski gathering,

we had a little scavenger hunt fun.

Always entertaining to see them run around 

the house in search of the prize at the end.

We ended Easter festivities

with dinner with friends and yet another egg hunt!

Cheers to Easter 2023!

Random Happenings

 It's been a busy couple of days, weeks, months.
Sometimes I feel like I blink and not just a day,

 but a whole week is gone.

We've been doing a little of this, a little of that,

a whole lot of activities and definitely some fun along the way.

Basketball wrapped up for Max.

Team Warriors had a great season.

Carmen enjoyed horse backing riding 

and spending time with one of her oldest friends.

The cats are perfecting their best sleeping positions.

 This is Carmen's favorite because 

it looks like a heart.

One new house project complete.

1,000 more to go...

Baseball season started up.

Max has been hitting the batting cages

and enjoying the start of games.

I particularly get a chuckle out of this pic.

They breed them big in the Majors!

Carmen accidently created a science experiment out of 

a smoothie she left in the fridge in her room a little too long...

Good Morning.

Max continues to play soccer.

The Celtic boys enjoy time together on and off the field.

5 pizzas smashed in no time at all.

Carmel ribbon Frappuccino anyone?

Spangle all cozied up.

Pinkies up.

Carmen and her friends.

Tea party fun.

One of my favorites.

On the way to soccer practice,

a goose and a duck crossing the road.

Can't get much more random than that.

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

 May your day be filled with lots of green.

Happy Birthday

 Happy Birthday Dad.

Reliving so many good memories.

I love you.