Fall 2019 Haps....

Aidan is the midst of a challenging and great soccer season. I'm a broken and boring record about how much I adore these boys and their parents, just the best! The boys have a new coach this year, who is keeping them on their A game. But they are also playing at u14 level, even though technically, they are u13. We have found, the incredibly hard way, that there is a MASSIVE difference between 12 year old and 13 year old boys. I swear the other teams has a bunch of dads out there playing our little guys. But our boys are playing hard and doing so well.... 

 So well in fact, GEM STATE CHAMPIONS!

 And this little punky got her driver's license. Yep, driver's license! Except no driving at night, so mom and dad are still on the hook for evening excursions.

 A hard earned dip in the Hulquists pool at Gem State Championships! And a great excuse for the parents to spend even more time together.....

 Before the end of boating season, Aidan mastered the art of wakeboarding!

 And Baylee continued to work on developing her fish gills.

 Sweet 15.

 And sweet she is. This kid keeps me laughing each and every day.... 

 This guy.... Did I mention he made the golf team? And did I mention 2nd in City? Yep. Big deal, very big deal. Although he won't give much information and we weren't allowed to attend. Big deal!

 Sometimes you get ride through the neighborhood standing up through the sun roof when you make it into the top 4 of your golf team. 

 Meet Baylee, my 70 pound lab dog.

 And meet Morgan. My most favorite pizza date ever. 

 A couple of other moms and I trekked way out of my 5 mile travelling radius to take 14 kids to Haunted World. 

 And I quickly learned that if Morgan keeps this group of friends, everything will be just fine. They were polite, silly, funny and really an incredible group of kids.

 More of the Gem State Champ. Proud of this kid and how hard he works at this sport.... 

 Morgan's latest uniform is the "Comfy." Sometimes Aidan gets to get comfy too.... 

 Last high school game celebration! 

 And a girlfriend celebration. We really had nothing to celebrate aside from how much fun we have together.... 

 Happy Halloween! Wig compliments of Dolly. Of course she wore a wig over to our house. 

And why can't Baylee get dressed up too. A lady has to keep her hands warm..... 

Viva La San Diego!

The Bordners suggested a getaway for all of us and I am thrilled to say it not only happened, but it was a blast!

Ryan and I celebrated 17 years (is it really 17 years? I just had to do some math real quick, but yes, I'm pretty sure 17) of marriage! WHAT IN THE WORLD??? How did 17 years go that quickly? But as maybe un-romantic as it is to have other people in a condo with you for your anniversary, it was very fitting. 

 When Ryan and I first met and through early years of marriage, the 6 of us spent so much time together. SO many laughs, so much liver damage, so much fun. 

 Good friends mean you don't see each other for a long while, but can pick right back up where you left off.... And pick back up we did!

 More to come on accommodations…. But can you BELIEVE this view from our balcony??!!

Day drinking for the win!

 And rented beach cruisers for the extra win!

 Oh this guy.... love.

 I think this picture is actually very appropriate and signifies a lot! (insert laughing emoji)

 See... Day drinking for the win!

 Wins continue!

 And that right there was our San Diego Castle! Yes, a castle.

 That had a karaoke machine. Are you kidding me? THIS is my version of heaven. I don't think Mission Beach will ever be the same without our serenades or my failed attempt at a stand up routine. You're welcome SD.

 I'm not sure what he's singing, but I'm guessing that Poncho and Lefty song....

Thanks friends for a wonderful getaway, a perfect way to celebrate 17 years (I think 17 anyway) and so, so many laughs.... 

That's a wrap on Summer 2019

One of my most favorite won't miss traditions has been Stanley, Idaho with friends. It's just breathtakingly beautiful and the company is just as fantastic. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again... This view! I don't do it justice!

 Shannon convinced Laura and I to run around Redfish Lake. 15 miles of fantastic scenery, great chats and sore legs. 

 Another out of order photo, welp, sue me. Anyway, Aidan started the Rush Tradition of "Jens and Friends," basically a two-a-day soccer practice of run until you can't anymore. He changed his "country club" (see earlier post) into a spa to recover. 

 Back to Stanley and the long run!

 Six miles in and still all smiles. Except by Dr. Foster because she knows what's in store.

 Oh the fun we have on this porch... Made all the better by Ellie's songs.

 "Aideeeee" and Ellie.

 Another day, another hike!

 What's this? A family photo? I didn't know such things were possible!

What? TWO family photos?!? 

 Beach time with the bathing beauties.

 I think we are playing a game of "telephone?" Because well... kids. But it might be Ryan whispering sweet nothings to Jed. Both are likely scenarios.

 Good night Stanley!

 Aidan played on a golf team this summer with his buddy Travis! Such fun and love for that sport.... 

 And Morgan made the JV soccer team at Timberline! 

 And Baylee continues to misbehave by getting on our bed when we aren't at home. I wonder why Ryan's eyes are so itchy and red?

 It isn't a trip to Grandma Dollys without a little pig kissin'.

 And just like that, summer was over. Morgan started 9th grade, full of excitement for another fun year at East ahead.

 Joined by her baby brother. 

There is just something about your youngest child starting Junior High that kicks you right in the gut. I cried more than I thought was possible and was caught chasing them to the bus stop. And then Morgan turned 15 and both Ryan and I almost died with love and sadness that our babies are growing up. 

If you need to join us in the sob fest... Here you go

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0R_43dyKRk