Concert

 Ezra had his first orchestra concert this fall. 

He did well but considering that most of the students were true beginners it was hard to sit through at at times.

He really does well considering he doesn't take lessons. Its fun to watch him.

Setting Sail... Finally

 We were finally able to on a cruise after almost two years of wishing.

The stress of getting to the point of actually getting on the ship was almost more than I could handle though. We had to have negative covid tests and I work in an elementary school with a bunch of kids that can't be vaccinated. It was making me sick with worry. I hope that testing isn't necessary in April when our whole family plans to go. It's just too easy to test positive and have it all go south! Anyone done with Covid yet? I sure am.

We booked a cruise out of California down to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada. It is always nice to get away and we are so lucky to have Shane's parents around to be with the kids so that we can.

It was surprisingly cool in California with lots of fog but it broke up in time for us to set sail. 

The first day was at sea and I spent a lot of time soaking up some sun and eating and eating and eating. 

The second day was spent in Cabo.  We didn't have any big plans, but it was nice to wake up and eat breakfast while we pulled into the bay. 

I was able to snag a picture of the arch, but that was the only chance we really got to see it. you can't get to it on land and the boat parked too far in to see it again.

It was SO warm in Cabo. Nearly 90 degrees which made finding the closest public beach and getting in the water really nice. 

We did a little shopping and walked around the bay to see what we could see. 

We found Cabo Wabo and had some street tacos nearby

Then it we cooled off in the water. I was able to snorkel and I saw all sorts of fish. 

It was dark as we left the city but it was fun to just watch as we pulled away.

The next day was at sea again. No pictures, but lots of sun, swimming and eating. :)

Our last day was spent in Ensenada. 

We've been here two times already so we just went for a walk and shopped the markets. 

Ensenada was also fun to watch as we sailed away. 

I don't know how I didn't get a picture of our balcony. It was the first time we've ever gotten a balcony room and I really liked it.  It's not a a game changer but I really liked just lounging on the balcony, especially when it was sunny. 

The clouds usually didn't cooperate for the sunsets but I was surrounded by the ocean, food and Shane. I'll take it. 

Until next time.

Halloween 2021

 Halloween is not my favorite but I do like it a little better now that my kids can tackle the holiday all on their own.

They carved their pumpkins on their own, and recycled old costumes. 

There was lots of candy despite their mother's lack of interest so it's a win.

I was a little pig at my work with a few other little pigs and our facilitator was the big bad wolf because our Principal was out of the office that day. 

It was a fun and easy way to celebrate.

Suzuki Celebration

 Marisa participated in the Suzuki Celebration and at one point (or a few points) it just felt like another thing we had to do. 

But I'm so glad she did it. It was kind of cool and how often do you get to play in Abravanel Hall?

If you want to hear one of the songs?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM4vsLyBWGI

I'll ask her in a couple years if it was worth the work. :)

Teenager in the House...again

 Ezra turned 13. I can't believe it!

It was low key and fun just like him.

Happy Birthday Kiddo

This happened... again

 

He has the best mom in the world.

Fall Break 2021

 Fall break was a little bit of a break that wasn't... and was.  It was weird.

Roman had a volleyball tournament which kept him close to home. Marisa's performance group had a tour in St. George.  Ezra didn't want to go to any of it. 

Roman and Shane stayed home.  Ezra went to Grandma and Grandpa's house and Marisa and I packed it to St. George for the long weekend.

Roman's team ended up winning the tournament which won them an entry into the National Tournament in Orlando which he is really excited about.  I'm grateful that a parent on our team streams the games so I was able to see a few sets.

Ezra was able to make a snowman and spent some one on one time with his grandparents.

Marisa and I had a good time. We saw "Beauty and the Beast" at the Tuacahan. 

The next day they had a workshop during the morning and we spent the rest of the day playing at Snow Canyon State Park and swimming in the thankfully heated pool.

Saturday they performed at the Tuacahan market and then again in the evening at the tabernacle.

It was fun. Not exactly how I wanted to spend the break but we made the best of it. It was nice to have the weekend with just my girly. Reality is hitting really hard that these kids are going to be gone sooner than I'm ready for.