Sweet 16

16 short years ago our baby girl Cienna was born. While I know there were some long days, looking back now it sure does seem like it was the blink of an eye. I know there is no way to truly articulate that to a new parent...many have tried. I am greatful that I was able to stay home with the kids for 13 years even if there were days I didn't think I could do it for one more second. I feel satisfied that I truly gave it my all, being present in every momemt, volunteering at every oportunity, being a part of their childhood. Cienna and AJ have been by far my greatest gift in life. So now we are parents of a 16 year old beautiful girl. And boy does she know it!

Because in New Mexico you can get your provisional drivers license at 15 1/2, the car thing was already off the table. She got my dream car from when I was 16...a Toyota Tacoma. So in lieu of a big party with a truck with a bow on top she opted for a sophisticated garden party with roughly 30 of her friends. She had very specific ideas for the decor and food, and I think we #nailedit.

After dinner was served, the kids went out to the gameroom to hang in privacy from adult eyes. It was a wonderful way to celebrate our perfect princess's Sweet 16! Cienna at 16: Takes School Very Seriously Is On The ARVC 16N2 Volleyball Team Varsity Track - State Bound Boyfriend is Dylan Lifeguards at Tanoan Volunteers at Citizen Church Loves Driving Around With Her Friends, Listening To Music Has Only Had 1 Accident....Driving Over A Center Divide and Popping Both Drivers Side Tires! Loves Tic Tok and Snap Chat Has Lots of Aquaintences But Very Few Good Friends Is Scholarship Driven Has Too Many Clothes Spends More Time Away From Home Then At Home Loves To Get Her Nails Done

Chicago

Volleyball has taken us to many places, but by far (so far!) the coolest place was Chicago. We flew into the Windy City for an Easter weekend tournament after both Tony and AJ had the stomach bug that week. We prayed that Cienna and I would stay healthy while all sharing the same hotel room. Turned out we had some luck on our side. Not only was everyone feeling better by the end of the first day, but we did not get the plague!

Our first day of being tourists we had to go see the big bean. I'm not sure why....it's not the most impressive thing I have ever seen....but TikTok said we needed to so we did.

We logged some more miles going to the Chicago Museum of Modern Art and doing a really cool "Mob Ghost Tour" around the very cold city.

We also managed to go to a White Socks game where we had a Chicago Dog and watched first hand why they call Chicago the Windy City. There were 2 pop up balls to the infield that got caught by the wind so badly that they were both dropped! It was awesome.

We went on a VERY cold archetectural boat tour. When I say cold I mean it was sleeting on us. Freezing. But we still managed to see some really cool buildings!

Probably our favorite thing was going to the Billy Goat Tavern where the burgers are as simple as can be but as good as you can dream up! A true dive. We ate there twice! The girls played well but did not win, but that was ok because we felt like we won the jackpot getting to go to Chicago and do so much in so little time!

The Carolinas

This year we spent our Spring Break in the Carolinas with Uncle Jay. Jay and Monique moved to Concord, NC a few years ago and now they are moving back to FL...so no time like the present to go for a visit! We began our trip with a trip to the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Having never been to a NASCAR track or event, it was a new experience. And while we didn't get to see a Sunday race, there were some cars on the track and we got to experience just how loud it is!

The next stop on our tour was the NASCAR Hall of Fame, also located in Charlotte, NC. Inside we found lots of classic race cars and some interactive experiences...such as being part of the pit crew and racing another team to change a tire and fill the tank with gas. It was fun!

After experiecing what appears to be North Carolina's favorite pasttime (the mall), we headed out on a road trip to Hilton Head, SC. This is where it's at! A picturesque beach town, I could definately get used to a yearly trip to Hilton Head! We rented beach cruisers and quickly discovered that you can actually ride on the sand because it is so compact. We blared Bob Marley and toured the town looking at gators and dolphins, spooky moss trees and beautiful beach homes.

Next stop was Savannah, GA for the day. It was underwhelming to say the least. The highlight of the day was when we got pulled over and Tony gave the police officer his name and he stopped writing, looked up and said "what are you? Some type of gangster?" It was a true LOL moment.

Last but certainly not least, we traveled to Charleston, SC. Here we went on a not so scary horse drawn ghost tour (honestly it was the worst ghost tour I have ever been on), and we toured a plantation before trying some soul food. The plantation tour was sad and eye opening for all.

We finished our break back at Jay and Monique's and some snuggles with Large Marge. It was a very fun way to spend a week!

Wierdest Year Ever

That pretty much sums up our 2020. Wierdest. Year. Ever. This year brought new experiences, many challenges, and a new perspective on life. We slowed down. We were thankful for our large home and even larger yard. We took lots of road trips, did lots of fishing, and became chicken people. Tony faced many difficult times. But somehow we managed to make it through, and have a fantastic Christmas to boot!

These Are A Few of Our Favorite Things!

Mimi and Papa Spent The Night

Wiped Out

Someone Wake Duke Up And Let Him Know Doganta Came!

Mimi With Sunshine

Mama Got A Brand New Bag!

It's Exhausting Work Waiting For Next Christmas! And now for your reading pleasure, our 2020 holiday newsletter!

Mexico in December!

We rounded out our COVID National Park year with a trip across the border to Puerto Penasco, Mexico right before Santa comes to town. A "short" 10 hour drive away, we arrived to beautiful but somewhat cold weather. When I think of Mexico any time of year I do not think of low 70's!

Upon our arrival, we headed out to one of our favorite haunts, Wrecked at the Reef. Good food, great drinks and lots of ambiance!

We spent the next few days sightseeing, walking the beach at low tide to explore the tide pools (the tide can vary up to 24' per day!) and just enjoying each other's company. AJ got to eat lobster for the first time, and mom may or may not have had one too many margs and tried to hide from her kids after a dip in the hot tub. Overall, it was a wonderful trip with lots of great memories made! Now it's time to get back to NM before the fat man comes down the chimney!

Cienna Schooling AJ

Good Thing We Ran Out of Sand

Wrecked at the Reef at Night

COVID Beach Walk

Low Tide

AJ Made a Friend!

First Blood

Last weekend we decided to spend a few days at the cabin and see all of the beautiful Colorado trees changing color. I had no idea that it would turn into such a bloody eventful time! Saturday morning Tony and AJ went with Beau to hunt antelope. After finding their target, they initiated AJ into the world of hunting by having him stick his hands into the chest cavity and holding it's heart!

I was relieved when AJ came home and said that he was a bit nauseous from all of the blood. I knew I wasn't raising a serial killer! After the excitement of the morning hunt we drove over to Pagosa Springs to look at all of the leaves. They did not disappoint!

And I had so much fun I forgot my pants!

Sunday morning the boys went bird hunting. Well, Beau went bird hunting and AJ just fetched the downed geese and ducks!

All in all it was a fun filled and bloody beautiful weekend!