Where Does The Time Go?

Can you believe it's been 18 years since Andy & I said "I Do."  Here's the math on our relationship:

18 years married + 2 1/2 years dating = 20 1/2 years together (over half my life!)

9 addresses + 6 states (2 of them twice) + 1 more address in April = Never buy a stamp with your address.  Always buy the stickers for return address labels!

1 dog + 2 kids + 3 in heaven = Lots of love

3 cars + 4 trucks + 5 dirt bikes + 2 4wheelers + 1 scooter = Lots of miles

1 man + 1 woman + 2 kids + God = Happy family

Proud Momma

We are officially one quarter of the way through the school year.  Whew!  4th grade has been a huge adjustment for all of us.  There is a TON of studying/homework.  Little Man struggled a bit with math this quarter which was a first.  I thought it was because we switched schools and curriculums, but after a few conversations with moms of kids who started in kdg, I was thankful to discover that this is a difficult concept rather than a curricular issue.  Ra was able to earn all A's and one B this quarter.  We are proud of how hard he worked, especially in math.  He got up early to go in for extra help 2x/week as well as studying over the weekends, doing extra work at home, etc.  I also proud to say that all his hard work has paid off.  His teacher texted me last week, the evening of his 1st math test in MP 2 to let me know he scored a 97% on his math test!!!  Maybe we've turned the corner.  His new goal is to earn all A's in MP2.  

Kendall has adjusted very well to kdg.  She's scored all S+'s and 2 S's.  She's only graded with S and N for needs improvement.  She's working hard with reading and memory work each week.  She's scored all 100% on all of her weekly tests during MP1.  This MP, she is going to have to take spelling tests.  I'm so happy she's doing well.  Being such a young 5 in her class, I wasn't sure if she could handle all day kdg.  She seems to be doing well.  She's tired after school, but is thriving.  She's a social butterfly and loves all her friends at school.  I'm so thankful for her teacher who she adores and is like a sponge in her class.  She has learned so much at school about Bible stories and scripture.  She told her Grammy that her favorite class is Bible.  That just warmed my heart to hear.

Okay, bragging done.  I'm so proud of my kids and all the hard work they do to score good grades.  I hope the rest of our school year goes as smoothly.  

Just the 4 of Us

Here's a recent family shot.  It's been awhile since I had a pic of all 4 of us.

50's Day

In kindergarten, they celebrate the 50th day of school with 50's Day!  They dress up like 1950 and celebrate with ice cream floats, poodle skirts, music, hula hoops, etc.  Here is Sissy ready for 50's day!  What fun they have in kdg!  I still can't believe we've finished the first marking period of school!

VEGAS BABY!

Last weekend we made our annual trek to Vegas for the Monster Energy Cup Supercross race.  Last year was our first trip and it was such a hit with our family, we decided to make it an annual trip.  The kids love Vegas, probably more than they should.  

Thankfully we've been able to shield them from the "Sin City" aspect but they did ask us why Vegas is called that so we had a discussion about how people visit there and are tempted to behave in ways they might not if someone they knew would find out.  

We flew out on Friday after the kids went to school for an hour and a half to take their tests that day.  We got there and checked into our room at the Hilton (which was awesome - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, full kitchen, washer/dryer and living room.  The kids loved it and the fact that there were 3 hot tubs and 2 pools!  We unpacked and headed out to the Stratosphere for dinner.  There is a restaurant on the top of the Stratosphere called Top Of The World.  It's 106 stories up and looks out over Las Vegas.  The restaurant actually rotates 360 degrees and it completely glass on the outside so you can see the entire city.  It takes over an hour to make a complete revolution so you can't feel it moving.  Outside, on the top of the Stratosphere they have rides and sky jumpers.  We got to watch a few sky jumpers while we were eating dinner.  They came flying by the window!  The kids thought it was as awesome as we did.  It was a rather fancy, expensive restaurant and sadly the kids were so exhausted (it was around midnight EST by the time our food was finished) but it was a good experience for them to understand how to behave and appreciate fancy restaurants.  

The Stratosphere - that round part at the top is where we ate.  The rides and sky jump are on top of the restaurant.  

Our view of the strip from Top Of The World restaurant.

Looking up from the entrance of the Stratosphere.

Remember the wedding chapel in The Hangover?  Here it is!  Andy and I considered renewing our vows...Ha!  The chapel was on the way to The Stratosphere.

The next morning the kids were up before the crack of dawn - that 3 hr time difference killed all of us!  I took the kids down to the pool to swim and burn off their energy.  They loved the pool and the hot tub, but that's no surprise, is it?

After we got cleaned up, We headed down the strip for lunch and to go sight seeing a bit before heading out to the Supercross race.

We ate lunch at the Harley Davidson Cafe.  I can't say I would recommend it again, but it was fun for the kids to see the motorcycles.  The food was average at best and we sat outside because the inside reeked of stale beer.  Live & learn!

When we got to Sam Boyd Stadium (UNLV) we headed into the stadium to catch part of trials.  We got to watch Barcia (mom's fav) and Dungey (Ra's fav) for a bit.  Then we headed out to the pits to take in the action and events.  

The track was similar in design to last year's track.  It was designed (again) by the great Ricky Carmichael who rides out and explains the track to the crowd from his bike before the race begins.

Riley watching Dungey in the trials.  Happy boys!

Hoping for a glimpse of Dungey, but we had to settle for seeing his bike.  We missed the autograph session, but I imagine the line would have been terribly long anyway.  Maybe we'll get a chance to do a meet & greet when they come to Daytona in March.

One of the Pit Party activities was a Toyota Truck Driving School.  They let you test drive their new Tundras & Tacomas.  Andy got to drive the Tundra that he's been drooling over.  They made some dramatic changes to the model and he'd like to trade his in for a new one when the time is right.  Here he is on the See-Saw/Log bridge.

Stopping to say hi to the kids.

Driving over the Tilt Test area.

Here we are...ready to watch the Monster Energy Cup Race!

Poor Sissy didn't make it to the last main event.  She crashed with 3 races left in the night.  This girl can sleep anywhere - Riley had to wear his ear protection because it was so loud!  It was another late night for our kiddos.

A view of the strip at night on our way back from the race.  My kids love the lights!  It's like Christmas year round!

They loved going into the M&M's store and picking out their own colors and flavors.

The kids are hoping that some day we'll be able to take them up the Eiffel Tower to see the view from the top of it.  Maybe next year...

We had a fantastic time and the kids were both sad to leave.  Sissy wanted to stay longer - but she also felt that way about our Pennsylvania trip.  I think we may have an explorer in our family!  I'm thankful we can afford to do this fun stuff with our kids and create incredible memories together.

WE ARE...

This past weekend we made the trip to Pennsylvania for the PSU vs. Michigan game for PSU's homecoming weekend.  What a fantastic weekend it turned out to be!  PSU eventually won after FOUR overtimes!  It was incredible and the crowd was on fire!  Our kids had a blast at the game and spending time with their Nanny and Pappy.  It's a great opportunity for all of us to enjoy time together as an extended family.  

Whenever we go to State College for a game, it's typical that we walk around downtown to do some shopping, etc.  Riley needed a new sweatshirt and of course, Andy and I found a few new items to add to our PSU wardrobe as well.  Here are some of the sights from downtown State College that we got to share with the kids.

The infamous mural featuring JoePa

Pre-game action outside the SBS

Pic with a JoePa cardboard cutout

Pappy and Sissy watching the team arrive.  She loved spending this special time with her Pappy (and I think he felt the same).  He held her up on a big rock so that she could see the busses pull up and the team enter the locker rooms.  She's holding her Nittany Lion that she picked out.  That lion never left her side the entire weekend!

We got a chance to visit some friends while we were at the game.  Some church friends from Manor and a friend of mine from CV.  The kids really enjoyed being at the game.  Riley got into cheering and waving his pom pom with the rest of the crowd.  He was intent on making so much noise that Michigan had to call timeouts and even had a false start.  I was so proud of how well they both handled the game, especially as long as it was!

SX Role Models

In this day of athletes being raised to superhero status, but not really being role models, I'm so glad that there are some quality SX/MX racers for my kids to follow.  If you check out Justin Barcia's website, you will find front and center on his page, Romans 8:28.  If you want to check out a very outspoken racer, watch Trey Canard's YouTube video called, I'm All About Jesus.  He explains salvation for those watching.  Trey is not afraid to share his faith with his followers.  He's the Tim Tebow of Supercross.  Here's a link to his other video called Revival 41.  It's about his crash last season and the year long recovery and trying to put his #41 back on top.  He has no fear sharing his faith and his higher calling to share the gospel through racing.

If you've ever watched any motorcycle, dirtbike, supercross racing, you will notice that the Monster Energy girls are worse (or better depending on your perspective) than the Dallas cheerleaders.  With all of those distractions and tempting situations surrounding racing, it's so encouraging to see riders like Trey step up and speak out.  

There are other riders as well who are Christian but not necessarily as outspoken.  Ryan Dungey (Little Man's favorite rider) also thanks God after each race and victory.  

Why is all of this important to our family?  Because we are a Supercross/Motorcross family.  We are making our annual trek to Las Vegas once again to see the Monster Energy Cup live and in person.  Kendall gets as excited about it as her big brother does.  There are some riders who I'd prefer my kids not to emulate.  Some riders are known for their selfish, win at all costs - no matter who they take out in their path to finish line.  Thankfully this is one thing we can do as a family that we all enjoy and I'm grateful that some of the racers my kids cheer for are men of character and faith.

Bring on the Monster Energy Cup!  Here's a video and pics of this year's TRACK.  Should be a great race and beautiful weather!  Can't wait!!!!

Rain Rain Go Away!

It's been raining hard - like cats and dogs hard since I picked the kids up from school today.  On the way to gymnastics tonight in the middle of the monsoon, Kendall asked why God is making it flood if he promised to never flood the earth again.  Love her perspective and that she immediately pulled up a reference to the Bible.  I had to explain to her that God won't ever flood the entire earth again, but he never promised not to flood parts of it at a time. :) 

The beaches area is a mess to say the least.  There is flooding all up and down 3rd/A1A.  Andy took the other north/south route to get to the gym tonight and it took him 30 minutes to drive 3+ miles.  He said a number of homes were flooded.  CRAZY!
  

Homework!

Anyone else sick of HOMEWORK yet?  Ugh.  I dread it every night.  4th grade at the kids' school is rumored to be the worst year of Lower School.  They are only graded on tests & quizzes!  Math and Language grades are weighted 67% Tests and 33% Quizzes.  They've only had 2 tests in each subject but multiple quizzes.  Well, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out those test grades are critical to earning a good grade.  I hate high stakes testing situations which is what is created in 4th grade.  No room for error.  A lot of 4th graders are struggling with math this quarter too.  Every mom I've talked to about it is having the same problem regardless of what class they are in (there are 3 classes and they teach/test the same).  It makes me feel a little better that other kids are struggling too - that means Riley's struggles aren't because he just moved in last April.  If I survive 4th grade without becoming an alcoholic, it will be a miracle...Just kidding, but it's tough!

Well, I'm grateful for my 11 years of experience in the classroom because I've been finding all kinds of different ways to teach my kids their lessons at home.  Thankfully I have the time during the day to come up with ideas.  I've created games for math for Riley.  He's always up for a challenge that includes chocolate chips or m&m's!  

Kendall has a memory verse, sight words and family words that she gets tested on every Friday.  I've made her flash cards but that gets boring.  I've found some great coloring sheets where you can type words on the pages.  I have her trace and then copy the words she's learning and then I write the words in the picture and she must "Color By Word" instead of color by number.  She LOVES it.  

As much as I hate all the homework of 4th grade, I absolutely ADORE Riley's teacher.  She's awesome and a very dear friend of mine.  She is a workaholic and puts her heart and soul into our kids and I couldn't be more thankful for her.  Kendall's teacher is like the grandmother we all wish we had.  She's the most positive person I've ever met.  She calls literally everyone "Precious" and she shines the light of Jesus wherever she goes.  

Now it's time to have the kids "hit the books!"

It's Official!

After a LONG 2 day weekend, it's official!  I passed my motorcycle endorsement test.  Tomorrow I plan to head over to the dreaded DMV to get the official "M" on my license.  That will make me legal to ride my new scooter!!!  I still have to get it painted purple so I can keep Andy from riding it!  ;)  In Florida the state requires you to complete (and pass) a motorcycle endorsement class to get your motorcycle license.

I was up at 5 am both days to drive 45 min to the north side to sit in a class and then spend most of each day on the range learning how to ride with 10 other new friends.  It was long days and lots of hours.  I was in class from 7-4:30 then a 45 min. ride home.  It was HOT and HUMID and we were required to wear pants, long sleeves, plus helmets and gloves.  We all got worn out from the sun.  Unfortunately on Sunday it rained on us for a bit but thankfully the sun came out in time for our "Skills Test" portion of the course.  

I scored a perfect 100 on the written part which was easy compared to the skills part.  Thankfully, as long as you don't drop your bike, you pretty much can pass the test.  There were 2 people in our class who didn't pass.  One did drop her bike during the 2 U-turn section and the other one had dropped her bike right before she took her skills test and her head was a mess.  I felt so bad for both of them.  They worked so hard for 2 days and both had come so far.  

Last night once I got home (and after a much needed shower), we headed to Nippers to celebrate.  Now Andy and I can go ride together!  As soon as I get more comfortable riding alone, I can start taking Sissy with me and Riley can ride with Andy.  I was thinking about how much time I wasted by not taking my endorsement class earlier but after dealing with the heat and rain, I'm so glad I waited.  Now that the weather is changing, it's perfect for a ride!!!

Here it is...Proof of passing the class!  Off to DMV tomorrow (you have to wait to make sure the class instructors get the info to DMV)

  

Instant Friends

Want to make friends fast?  Show up in your Blue & White on a Saturday at Jerry's Sports Grille and you will find the Jax PSU alum cheering on the team in the back by the big screen.  It's been fun to go watch with other fans and have someone else to high five and hoot and holler with especially with us living in our apt.  The kids like it because they can run around and play the video games.  We keep them pumped full of sodas and food so they do pretty well.

  

A Little Family Rivalry

The Philadelphia Eagles came to town for a Preseason game this summer.  Of course I couldn't pass up a chance to take the family to the game!  I found tickets for decent seats for $25/person.  That was a no-brainer considering what you'd pay for tickets at the Linc!  Kendall and I dressed in our Eagle best while Riley wore his Jags jersey.  It was a great opportunity for Riley to learn more about football up close and a chance for Kendall to get use to a night game because we are taking her to Penn State vs Michigan this month.

Notice the Eagles hat with the Jags jersey?  He just didn't want Kendall wearing his hat anymore!  He was 100% Jags the whole night - but sadly for him, the Eagles pulled off the win.

After School Activities

I think gymnastics is going to be her "thing" at least for now.  Dance didn't work into our schedule this year but she's been LOVING her new gymnastics program.  She started a few weeks after school started and has already been moved up to Level 2!  She just turned 5 and was the youngest by far in her Level 1 class.  5 year olds can start in the younger program or in the Level 1 program.  I thought for sure her attention span would keep her in Level 1 longer, but her teacher came and talked to me on Monday and said she's ready to move up!  I can't tell you enough how much she loves it.  I'm glad she's found something that she can enjoy outside of school.  

These are pictures from her in the Level 1 class.  

Riley has found two things to participate in outside of school as well.  He does Bricks4Kidz with some of his buddies.  It's an hour long program run by Bricks3Kidz that takes place at the school.  This is a LEGO maniacs dream!  They build all types of structures from LEGOS.  They are following an Environment/Weather related theme for the fall.  They learn about their topic and what they build has to do with that topic.  He loves it.

Riley has also rejoined Cub Scouts.  We thought we had take early retirement when we had to quit due to therapy while in Utah, but he's been talked into doing it again.  His buddy (his 4th grade teacher's son) is in his den and his dad is also a den leader assistant.  So far it has been pretty laid back (They wear tee shirts and flip flops to meetings!) which has been nice.  He has LEGOS and Scouts on the same night and homework in 4th grade is off the hook!  But right now he's happy and we've all discussed that homework comes first and Scouts is last on the list.  Andy's not thrilled about scouts because he's busy enough as it is, but sometimes being a Dad means doing stuff with your kid because it's meaningful to your son.  If anyone wants to buy some Boy Scout popcorn, let us know!  We are your connection!  ;)

Here is Riley and his good buddy at our favorite Friday night hang out.

MINECRAFT Obsessed

Anyone elses' kids obsessed with playing Minecraft?  Mine are!  They have somehow figured out how to play together while each on separate ipads.  Scary how quickly they pick up technology, isn't it!

Fun Times In KDG!

Kindergarten is so much fun for kids these days!  Kendall is loving school this year after a bit of a tearful start.  She use to cling to my leg and beg me to stay and now she sees a friend and takes off without even a wave!  

Thankfully I'm able to attend most of the kids activities and field trips.  It's been a blast so far!

Here is Kendall at the Children's Hands On Museum.  Riley had been there when we lived in Jax before, but this was Kendall's first time.  She LOVED it!

Here she is checking on an injured tiger.

Last week they had their Community Helpers parade.  They all dressed up like the different types of community helpers they learned about and then paraded with the other two kdg classes throughout the entire lower school!  She LOVED it!

The future Dr. Chunko

Her entire class - they had parents come into talk to the kids about their different types of jobs where they served the community.  Such fun!

Earlier in the year, they had a Teddy Bear Picnic.  They went on a bear hunt and then sat outside and ate all the different foods that bears like to eat.  Such a great time!

I'm so glad she is really enjoying kdg!  She's got a new BFF who's adorable!  The two seem to be glued at the hip.  The best part is her BFF's mom and I are friends and she has a 4th grade brother too!  I hope they can continue to develop their friendship and it lasts throughout their years there.  Kendall is more like me in the fact that friendships are very important to her and as long as she has buddies, she's happy anywhere.