Christmas 2016

Our first Christmas back in the house after the remodel.  The kids all slept together in the same room (a tradition that started with Tess and Owen a few years back).    A bike for Owen (and an iPhone).  Tess had lots of dance stuff and Finn got the "Ultimate Garage!"

 

 

Tessa Math Excellence

Student of the month for excellence in math

 

Solo showering

Finn is going solo. I am sure there will be some additional help in the near term but after two successful solo showers without flooding the bathroom or causing havoc - Finn is now w showering on his own.  (And even doing his own hair styling). 

 

Thanksgiving Beach Days

Some fun and sun on Thanksgiving with the Neumeister's. 

Halloween 2016

Indoor Forts

grey out... time to make a fort.   Tess and Finn made the fort and then watched Phineas and Pherb inside.

Tessa 2016 Soccer

What could well be Tessa's last year of soccer (and possibly my last year of coaching soccer), ended with a good showing at the end-of-the-year tournament.   Overall, we didn't do too well but as always it was a lot of fun to coach and a special time for Dad and Tess.  It has been three years of coaching Tess - and maybe the last... unless I start coaching dance.



Here is a video from Dad's POV with the GoPro on.

Twelve

The last year before the teenage years.

Owen's requests were simple and local.  

Donuts in the morning from Leucadia Donuts.  

And dinner at Fish 101

Hats from both.  

Cards from Tess and Finn.  Tess's a picture of Owen surfing in Fiji.   Finn's a picture of Owen surfing with a birthday cake with twelve candles.

 

A visit with Grandpop Bill

Owen's first overnight camp

Owen spent his first week away from us at an overnight camp that the 6th graders went to.   A full week of not taking to him.  It was probably tougher on mom and dad than O.   A glimpse of college.  Yikes.    We sent letters to him. Here was a note from Tess.

Here was the note from Mom and Dad....

Owen,

WOW!  6th grade camp!!   What an exciting and cool adventure….we are SO excited for you!!!
This is your first time away from home for a few days… and while you will be with teachers and friends,  we’re sure your probably a bit nervous as well. It’s okay to feel a bit uncomfortable or weird, but as soon as you get settled, you will be fine and have tons of fun!   You are such a good kid…you are nice, kind, cool, and fun!  You are always positive and easy going.  We know you are going to make many new friends at camp this week. 
This is what an adventure feels like… and this is your first adventure on your own!

You will take many adventures in your life.  Some short, some long.  Some nearby and some very far away.   But know that no matter the length of time you are gone or how far you travel in this world you are always close to us in our hearts and thoughts.  We are here for you always and forever!

Enjoy your first adventure.   We love you SO MUCH!!!

Love, 
mom and dad.

First Day of School 2106

Finn goes into AOE kindergarten,  Tessa in 3rd and Owen hits the big middle school - 6th grade.

A visit from Grandpop Loughery and Jill

Finn's Smooth Jazz

I heard some smmooooooth jazz jamming from downstairs... rolled down to find this guy jamming out.

Tessa's 2016 Spring Recital

Another year of dance comes to a close - it was a big year for Tess as she is getting more interested in dance and taking more classes at Carlsbad Performing Arts.  This is her 3rd year performing in this recital.  The academy enrolls kids from kindergarten to seniors in high school.  Every year they acknowledge the seniors showing pictures of their progression through dance over the years.... I can't help but realize how fast it will go by and we will be watching Tess up there as a senior doing her last recital.  I hope Tess continues and hope the academy will continue to be the excellent center it is.

Tess did three performances this year, Ballet - The Music Box Dancer (which was a song that I remember as a kid listening to with Dee Dee) Tap - Lips Are Movin' and Jazz - Dear Future Husband.
Here they are:

Finn's Big Hit T-Ball

This year Finn started playing T-Ball - more of  practice session - not quite little league.   Here is a little game that they played.

Camp out at the new old house

The movers had to be pushed but we wanted to stay in the house.   So we brought down some mattresses and had a camp in. 

Happy Valentines

Tessa's 8th Birthday

This year we decided to team up with her friend Aryana to have a joint birthday party. Aryana's birthday is on the 17th. Tess actually has two other good friends who are on the 15th with her (Mylie - from soccer and her "bff" Haley)

Here is some video from the night of her actual birthday - the neighbors (Ella, Evan and Ethan came over for some brownies). We had take-out PF Changs by request (Tess didn't want to eat at the restaurant - insisted on eating in)
Here is video from the joint party

Brian Head Trip - Christmas Break

Our first trip to Brian Head for Christmas Break 2015/16. Owen really progressed snowboarding, Tess mastered the "Falling Leaf" and Finn did some ski school.