My Capt. America

We are going to the movies tonight! Some of us - in costume. Isn't he so handsome. Just like the real thing!

Silver Medal Victory!!!!

Cala has been tearing up the basketball court this year and this weekend was the icing on the cake. Her city team made it by the skin of their teeth to the provencal basketball tournament in Edmonton this weekend. And - after 4 games of blood, sweat and tears, they scored the silver medal!!!!!! It was a big moment for our little Cala and being there to cheer like crazy was a huge highlight. Her cousin Tristen is also on the team - so her Grandpa and Grandma Taylor made the trip too. Between Aunt Karryn, Grandma Taylor and myself - Cala and Tristen were sufficiently embarrassed by our crazy loud cheering.n (actually even Darren was in on the action!) We are so proud of the girls and so grateful to their amazing coaches who donated tremendous amounts of time to help the team. Sports is an amazing outlet for growing girls and we are thrilled Cala has worked and excelled this year in basketball. She also asked the school basketball coach a few months ago if she could try out for the Grade 7 team. (Cala is in the 5th grade) He agreed that she could try out but no promises she would make it. Well, she made the team. Participating on that level was a great growing experience for Cala. The team of 7th and 8th graders were very welcoming to her and it couldn't have been a better experience. So glad our little girl is making such a big impression on the basketball court! Go Cala!! (tryouts for a Spring league team start tomorrow.. plus, she's already signed up for BYU basketball camp in June and July) nothing but net at our house!

They are Home!!!

After 2 years my parents are on US soul again! The said good-bye to the Philippines and their friends - now they"ll have lots of hellos to look forward to! They"ll meet a new grand daughter, see how everyone has grown and find their way back into a life full of family. Too bad I have to wai another month to see them.

Birthday Babe

How did this happen? We have an 11 year-old!! Cala is growing up far to fast for me. I am really enjoying her these days. She is a huge help and has really grown in the last year. She lives to cook and makes some great cookies. She is a good babysitter, she is amazing at saving her money, she is making huge progress on the piano and she is perfectly sweet.

For her birthday party we treated three of her friends to dinner and a movie. What fun!

Happy Trails

It's -8 outside and today skiing was just not possible. Darren bought a pass to an indoor riding arena this week and we've got great use out of it. Now, we can ride in the winter and stay warm. The kids love the freedom of the arena and the horses stay calm. Just one problem, it's not skiing. But I'm a good sport - maybe.

Dad's Day

Happy birthday Darren! We are thrilled to be spending Darren's 41st birthday with him! No work today. It just happened to be a provincial holiday and we are soaking in some serious one together. We hit our favorite Mexican restaurant and then it's off to the mall. We decided to give the kids each 20$ to buy whatever they wanted at the mall. It was a brilliant parenting move on our part. For one, no waiting in lines for a two hit kids movie we don't want to see. Not to mention the cost of it when everyone gets a treat - its over $100 to take a family of 5 to a movie. And then there was the bowling idea. A sport we both hate but the kids love. Plus that would be crowded too because of he holiday. So, it's a win win. Each kid is happy and excited to spend. :). They get that from me!

It's how you wear it

This is what Connor wore out today. He was proud of it and soaked in every second of his attire. We are proud. It's a huge step up from a few weeks ago when he had a friend over to play. Nicholas got here and Connor said, "Nick, come help me choose my outfit for the day." Nicholas speaks two languages and is smart but he has never heard any other boy say "outfit". He was confused, as would 90% of other boys Connors age be. Not mine, he wear outfits. And today's was especially memorable!