Thursday, February 1, 2024

July Is Never Long Enough!








Both girls did synchronized swim this Summer.
Bonus that this is the only year they could both be in the same class,
and with Scarlett! 


Little did I know what kind of commitment I got myself into.
I'm fine with during the day practices.
I remember skipping most meets growing up, so I figured we would
do the same.

It worked until it got to partner and group routines.
Oof, other people were now counting on us to be there!


It ended up being fun, but I was for sure the slacker parent.
Thankfully the other moms picked up my slack and motivation.

Della was paired with April, who goes to her school so that was fun
to get to know her better.
 



We didn't know Lindi's partner
 but they did great on their routine as well.




Josie her friend from school was also in their weekly class.










They did really well with 3rd and 4th place!







Casey and I should have received participation trophies, haha!
Waiting around for hours is no joke in the AZ heat. 






The following week was team competition.
I'm honestly surprised we didn't melt away.
It was an EXTREMELY hot evening.
I am usually not phased by the heat, but holy cow it was next level!
There was no way around it.
No matter how much cold water you drank or sitting in the shade, 
nothing was cutting it besides jumping in the water.
Which I saw a few parents do!
I don't blame them, I was about ready to put shame aside.
Survival mode all the way!





The Jackson girls were home from college for the Summer, so we took them to the lake!
Our girls love them and think they are pretty cool. 





Casey took his priest from church on a hike to Wagon Wheel.
I have never been but looking at these waterfalls, I might
have to check them out myself soon!
















Food is always a way to teenage boys hearts!






She wont try surfing herself, but is totally fine bumming a ride
from someone else!







The girl would drive the boat all day if you let her. 















Girls dinner then Barbie movie!









I can't remember who, but someone Casey works with gave us a box
of cherries!
Oh, they were delicious!!







I turned FORTY!
Yep, just learning to embrace it.
40 is great, 40 is honorable, 40 is where it's at!!!
Positive energy going forward, right?

Casey took me on a quick trip to Las Vegas.
Mainly for my favorite place of all time.
The Wynn Buffet!
Jesse and Kristen came with us last minute and was a blast!


We flew in, ate dinner, then walked to the Bellagio for the O show!
Such a fascinating show, I loved it!
 








Walked the strip.



Popped in the Cosmopolitan to get some Secret Pizza! 




Crepes at midnight is also a great idea!
We don't gamble, we eat!





While Casey and I slept in,
Kristen was off on an adventure acquiring these viral donuts!
That is something I would do.
Gimme all the donuts!
She babied these boxes all the way to the airport and home.







We all booked massages and enjoyed lounging, soaking, and cold plunging.
We went up to the pool for a few hours to rest up for the main event.
DINNER!!






Come to mama!
Nothing says happy 40 and welcome slow metabolism like the
grandest buffet of all buffets.

 





In a blink we were back on the plane home.
Side note- This new sphere thing is pretty wild!





I walked out of the gym bright and
 early to this gorgeous view of the temple.







They are going to be great babysitters one day!





Jael took Lucy to Switzerland to visit her parents for 2 weeks.
So Christopher decided he needed to visit his parents too, lol!

It was fun having him home.
We met up at Organ Stop Pizza one night. 






I helped watch his kids one day so he could focus on work.
My kids kill for picnics whenever they can get them!






Meet the teacher night was here.
Wahhhh! 
However, we did luck out with 2 of the best teachers for this
new school year.


Lindi got Mrs. Brown, who we loved when Lane had her.





Mrs. Abbot has been amazing.
Our first time getting her!







Looks like the timing is right to get back to school!






 

Newport Goodman Family Reunion!




There is nothing better than a beach week with the whole family!
Here is an accumulation of all the pictures and memories made!



They look like they belong south of the border with those tans, wowza! 








We mostly had condos along both sides of 1 street.
The kids bounced around and made themselves at home wherever the fun
or food was happening!






Tavis and Sunni brought a few of their groovy electric scooters
and let us kindly borrow them for Bonzi runs!




Rusty is a favorite amongst the little boys. 






Group picture at sunset!






Those 2 hooligans in the background think they are so funny!
Actually, 3!
 I just saw Jesse bombing in with his brothers.


Us in-laws have our own special bond:)


Haha, they can't give it up back there!






I had to get a tan comparison next to Maverick.
I thought I was dark, not so!
He is the true definition of a brown bear!



He put me to shame!





And a big thank you to Grammy for making this trip possible!
We are forever grateful to her and for her desire to keep
 family relationships close.





The teenage/young adult hang out spot at night. 














I brought body chalk markers that were a hit!









Hopefully getting tattoos out of their systems, wink!







Always need to have a sea weed round up each beach trip by kids. 








Adult scooter rides for ice cream!





Family skit night!




Bracelet making.











Troops of kids walking to the beach.





Surfing lessons








A big group went out into the ocean.
Somehow I ended up in the water, so not like me!
I was FREEZING and needed to warm up in the sun but had no sunscreen on.


Solution:





Always a fight to hold the only baby!







We ended the week with a special proposal!
My niece Tatum got engaged to Tallin Goodman! (no relation, just coincidence).
She is technically my step niece,
although I consider her to be just like all my other nieces.
Her last name is Porter, so how cool is it that she gets to officially be a Goodman!






We had a surprise celebration waiting for them when they got back .





Even Juniper got to toast to the new couple!






How precious are these twins in their shirts and hats.