NCAA Championship – Houston, Texas (April 1-5)

Justin:

If I had a bucket list, the Final Four would be on it.  It started in May 2015 when I entered two applications into the NCAA Final Four lottery, one of which was accepted.  This trip was all about basketball and food with some patience testing along the way.  

Darin and I booked our trip to Houston for the Friday night red-eye (upgraded to first class thanks to Darin) while my dad flew down the day before. He picked us up at 5am and we headed straight to the hotel to get some sleep.  Next we made a trip to Rudy's BBQ where we filled our tray with pay by the pound brisket, prime rib, sausage, ribs, coleslaw and creamed corn.  I thought it was cool that they let you sample the meats.  I really like this place.  Definitely coming back the next time I make it to Texas.

I was able to invite Derek Rowe, a college roommate, to take the 4th ticket and we met up with him at his house before the game.  His wife Heather dropped us off at NRG Stadium and the venue was carnival-like outside.  We took a few pictures on the lower level then headed up to our seats.  I knew they were center court but I figured I would be watching the big screen the whole time.  I was pleasantly surprised as our view was actually good enough to watch the live action play.  

Both games on Saturday night were not even close.  Villanova had the hot hand and beat Oklahoma in the biggest lopsided win in Final Four history.  North Carolina beat Syracuse in the second game pretty handily.  The four of us had a good time but would have preferred some closer games.  We ended the night with a Tex-Mex dinner at Pappasito's before heading back to the hotel.  It was fun to catch up with Derek.  I had not seen him in 10 years but it did not seem that long at all once we got together.  

Sunday morning we slept in, watched the first session of conference, then headed out for more barbeque.  This time it was the highly recommended Killen's on the southeast side of Houston.  We arrived to an hour long wait.  I am sure the rest of the line loved the free beers that were passed out. The food was great and worth the wait though a close second to Rudy's. 

Following our late lunch, we visited Johnson Space Center for a couple hours and that was all we needed.  Overall interesting but not super impressive. 

We hit Fuddrucker's on the way back to the hotel. 

Darin and I got in a 3.5 mile run Monday morning.  Quite a bit warmer than home.   We got cleaned up and made our way to lunch at Pappadeaux's Seafood Chicken.  We each ordered the Cajun Combo that came with a large catfish filet and shrimp creole.  Very good. 

There is not a lot to do in Houston so we decided on the Batman v Superman movie.  Next we met Derek at Fadi's Mediterranean, then we were off to the championship game.

And what a game it was!  Back and forth.  Exciting.  UNC up at the half.  Then Villanova pulled ahead by 10 points with 4 minutes left.  Then UNC came storming back and tied it with 4 seconds to go when Marcus Paige hit a double clutch 3 point shot.  The crowd roared and hundreds of seat cushions went flying across the stadium.  The crowd favored UNC and it looked like the game was going into overtime.  And then one of the greatest shots of all time, a miracle buzzer beater by Kris Jenkins to win the national championship.  

I was stunned, amazed, and grateful to have been an eye witness to this historical sporting event.  Actually hard to put words to it.  So glad I was able to experience it.  Just absolutely thrilling.  I am sure it is something we will talk about for years to come. I get the chills just thinking about it.

Spring Break 2016

Last week was spring break.  We went into the week without any plans, but it turned out to be a really enjoyable week and we had wonderful weather with it.

Friday, April 1:

• Abigail brought her friend Kaley home with her from school.
• The kids had piano lessons and then everyone spent the rest of the afternoon outside.
• The girls each met up with friends on “the ridge” – basically that means they roam around the small IGA store, walk along center and usually end up treating themselves to candy, frozen yogurt, or Starbucks.
• Abigail stayed home with the three youngest while Justin and I used a Groupon to try The Original Pancake House.  I decided against French toast (my usual breakfast of choice) and tried the house specialty – a Dutch Baby.  It was yummy – basically a German pancake which I haven’t had in years so it was a great choice.

• Justin had just enough time when we got back to pack up and head to the airport to catch his flight to Houston for the NCAA Championship games.
• Just as I was putting the boys to bed we had an alarm that started chirping, every, single, minute.  I tried to replace the batteries and even pulled the dang thing from the ceiling, but it was relentless.  I knew I wouldn’t get any sleep until we got it stopped so I resorted to calling over our home teacher to help me solve the problem.  An hour later we had fresh batteries in every alarm in the house, reset the circuit breakers, and had tried everything else we could think of.  Turns out it may have been a carbon monoxide detector in the boys room causing the problem.  Whatever it was, problem was solved (though the alarm in the boys room is still disabled) and the boys finally got to bed at 10pm.
• Carly stayed out late eating pizza and having a late night with friends and missed all the excitement.

Saturday, April 2:

• We all slept in until it was time to get up for General Conference
• The kids quietly sat through the entire morning session – I was impressed and shocked.  Abigail and Carly each brought down a chair to sit in.  Drew booted them both on many occasions throughout the weekend.

• We did ‘jobs’ in between sessions
• Drew napped during the second session and the rest of the kids played Conference BINGO while listening to the second session
• After conference the kids spent the rest of the afternoon outside and enjoying time with friends
• Truly it seemed like the perfect day – wonderful messages, cooperative children, and even some productivity mixed in with some fun.

Sunday, April 3:

• The kids were a little less captivated this morning when it came time to sit down and watch conference, but they all stayed in vicinity though there were some fusion beads created and we broke out Conference BINGO again during the afternoon session

Monday, April 4:

• Katie and Drew wanted to join me at the Y this morning – ended up being my only workout during the week (ho, hum) 
• The girls stayed home getting their chores done – they both had been invited to go to the mall with friends. Abigail for a birthday party scavenger hunt and Carly just for fun.
• Jason and Katie played with friends while Drew napped and I had the strangest feeling of actually being bored.  It was wonderful – I sat down and actually watched a TV show… something that rarely happens.
• Carly was once again at a friends until late evening (8:30pm) and then the girls and I stayed up playing Settlers of Catan

Tuesday, April 5:

• I think my favorite thing about any break is lazy mornings and sleeping in
• I spent most of today going through old kids clothes and getting them listed on Craig's list
• The kids spent the ENTIRE morning playing RISK

• Carly spent afternoon with yet another friend, Casey - then she had a lacrosse scrimmage
• Abigail had a babysitting gig that afternoon
• And Jason and Katie were once again outside all day riding bikes and running around with the neighborhood kids
• The kids were excited to have Justin return home from Houston – the first thing he showed them was the replay of the amazing end to the championship game (he’ll have to write up a trip summary since he made it clear that that game will be talked about throughout history!)
• Homemade pizza for dinner
• Abigail gave a great FHE lesson on education.  We’re working our way through all the topics listed in the Strength of the Youth pamphlet
• For our FHE activity we finally checked out a recently renovated park nearby.  There was a family from our ward there that we haven’t had a chance to visit much with before so it was fun to get to know them better and the kids enjoyed playing with their kids. Carly was so great about helping Drew do the zip line dozens of times – over and over and over – she’d get him situated and follow along side the whole way across keeping him safely on.

• Another night staying up late playing Settlers of Catan with the girls and another win for ME!

Wednesday, April 6:

• Abigail and Jason each had a cavity that needed to be filled so the three of us made the trek down to Auburn
• We hit up Walmart before their appointments
• Then Sam’s Club afterward
• More time for the kids to hang out with friends that afternoon/evening 

Thursday, April 7 – Friday, April 8:  Ocean Shores (post to come!)

Saturday, April 9:

• We talked about visiting doing a day trip to the tulips, deception pass, and fort Casey today, but decided we hang out at home instead
• Justin spent the morning hiking/running up and down Mount Si for his first time.  The guy he went with sure pushed him along and Justin felt quite sore for the next couple days (it’s a steep 4 mile climb).  Pretty amazing views.

Haystack rock

• I’m glad we stayed home cause we were quite productive in the garage and I finally got the wood floors cleaned – always such a process
• Justin and I decided to squeeze in a date that evening.  Making some returns to Bell Square and catching a yummy meal at the Cactus.

Fry bread with beans, chicken, and guac – yum!

Sunday, April 10: 

As we were heading off to church Drew insisted on putting on a tie like his big brother 

   

The day we’d been dreading for months finally arrived – doomsday = ward reorg day.  It was a solemn day for our family knowing (through months of rumors) that our neighborhood would be moved to the Mount Si ward across the parkway.  New ward, new building, new everything.  Fast and testimony was somewhat normal (albeit emotional) with lots of references to the changes taking place.  Then we all stayed in the chapel during second hour when the official boundaries were announced and the names of the families moving were presented.  The stake presidency and the two bishops effected by the changes all spoke.  Then there was Relief Society – I found a spot in the back row and visited with some ladies.  My friend Lauren from our presidency was conducting and got emotional right away, which had a ripple effect.  Overall just a hard week – knowing that we wouldn’t have the same opportunities to associate with many of these families.  It’s been such a great ward for my family.  I know we’ll be fine and we’ll meet some wonderful people in our new ward, but change is hard. 

We had dinner at the Reynolds that evening – such a great family and friends I know we’ll have for many, many years to come.  That evening – yes, just hours after the boundaries were announced our new bishop came over to meet with Justin and I.  He actually coached each of the girls shortly after we moved in so we already know him a little.  Just a friendly, welcome to the ward visit, but I’m sure it won’t be long before I’ve got a new calling.  (Justin’s calling as the family history director for the Issaquah building is a stake calling so he’s not necessarily up for grabs)

March Miscellany

March 11:  Drew got a kick out of watching the fish eat at the Dr. office (the girls finally got the last of the three doses of the HPV vaccine).

March 13:  We had yet another stake conference today.  Our ward was assigned to watch the conference from the Issaquah building instead of the stake center.  I actually preferred it because we were able to sit on our normal, cushioned pew.  I thought it was funny that Drew laid out his fruit snacks across the tops of his legs.

March 14:  We’ve been doing a little better having weekly FHE.  Not unusual for things to end up a little out of control.

March 15:  Katie didn’t have school on Monday and Tuesday (kindergarten parent/teacher conferences  - Katie is rocking kindergarten!) so we met up with Justin for a lunch date.  Katie chose Red Robin.

March 16:  I’m serving in a new RS Presidency.  The prior president was released mid-February and our second counselor was called as the new president.  I am still the first counselor and then we have two new counselors (yes, that’s three counselors – our ward is huge… for now).  Tonight we had a RS dinner and program to celebrate the Relief Society birthday.  The two new counselors did most of the work helping to get the evening planned and it turned out so well.  We had an incredible turnout – several less active sisters came and I think everyone had great experience.  I’m so grateful to be able to serve along side these wonderful sisters!

Our ward is being reorganized soon and I’m not looking forward to all the changes that will bring.

March 17:  Tonight was the girls spring band concert.  It was fun that Abigail (on flute) got to sit by Megan (on oboe).

Abigail had a solo in one of the arrangements and played beautifully.  She wanted me to use my phone to take pictures and video so the quality isn’t very good.

This was my view of Carly during her performances.

Abigail always likes to get a picture with her friends after each concert.

March 18:  Carly got braces today.  We were actually going to hold off until later in the year, but when we got word that their prices were being raised we decided we’d move on it now to save some money where we can.  Ka-Ching $$$$

As we were getting the low-down on caring for her new accessories one of her brackets popped off.  The assistant told us that having a bracket come loose was most likely in the first 2 weeks.  They glued it back on and sent us on our way.  We decided to stop at McDonalds before heading home so Carly could eat something before she’d start to feel the pain.  First I gotta say how strange it felt to be eating at McDonalds – not that I’m against feeding my kids McDonalds, but as it turns out we haven’t eaten anything there since last summer when we were traveling – just an interesting fact I wouldn’t have thought of unless it had felt so odd.  Can’t say I’ve missed it at all.  Anyhow, as Carly was eating her burger another bracket popped off – so it was back to the orthodontist again. We were worried about her having to put in a mouthgaurd the next morning for her lacrosse game, but she dealt with the discomfort during the next few days beautifully.

March 21:  I have a friend that introduced me to the wonderfulness of French macrons.  When she offered them up at a RS auction in January I knew that was what I wanted win.  When I did she even let me choose the flavor – I went with raspberry and she didn’t disappoint.  Anyhow, we’ve been talking about making a field trip up to Lady Yum a macron bakery in Kirkland and today we made it happen with a fun group of ladies.  We ate a delicious lunch beforehand and then dessert. 

Not very often I have to get a sitter, but this excursion was worth it.

March 25:  Drew has been able to take off his clothes for months now (thus putting on his pajamas backwards) Today he took off his pants, got out the wet wipes, laid down a diaper and then positioned himself just perfectly on said diaper.  Um, do you need your diaper changed Buddy?

March 25:  Tonight was Jason’s first Pinewood Derby.  Carly was invited to participate last year and Justin refused to be involved stating he still had another year before he had to deal with derby cars so Carly and I (with the help of the LeeMasters) created her awesome minion car.  This year, Justin was ready to accept his role as assistant derby car creator and he and Jason (with the help and tools of a ward member) got Jason’s car ready for the races.

Neither Jason nor Justin had any expectations so the evening was totally chill and the whole family had a great time.

March 26:  Carly is playing lacrosse again this year and was excited to have two friends playing as well.  There were enough girls to create two teams for her age group and as luck would have it the other two girls were assigned to the black team and Carly to the red team. Another disappointment was that once again half the games fall on Sundays this year.  Thankfully, the girls all practice together. Today Carly’s team had a bye, but the black team needed a few extra players so Carly was able to play in Seattle alongside her friends.

Turned out to be a great game for Carly who scored FOUR goals.  Hopefully she’ll have a few more games she can play black.

March 26:  Jason has wanted to take me out on a date for a while now.  I told him he’d have to plan it all out and that he’d have a budget of $20.  This afternoon was our big date and he was excited for us to go to the movies to see Zootopia. He was a little nervous to have to be the one to ‘buy’ our tickets at the ticket booth.  We were the first ones in the theatre and got the best seats in the house.

After an enjoyable movie Jason decided we could share a slice of pizza and frozen yogurt at Costco to use up the last of his date money.  I hope my boy asks me out again soon – I had a great time!

March 28:  FIVE years ago today we moved to Snoqualmie – for our anniversary we visited the beautiful falls after FHE.

I shared this picture below on Instagram with the following: “Five years ago today we moved to Snoqualmie.  We primarily moved for a better commute and hoped the rest would happily fall into place.  Without a doubt it was one of the best decisions ever!” 

Seriously LOVE where we live and my crazy crew.

March 29:  Years ago I saw a picture of a tree painted in a little girls room on the internet and fell in love.  I saved the image with the hopes that some day I would make it happen.  Today was the day!  Camden offered to come help and I was so grateful for the extra hands and we had a great time.  I still have some touchups to do, but I LOVE it!  I’ll be sure to share the final product when it’s finished.

March 31:  Justin is participating in his second Spartan race in April and in addition to training for the obstacles he continues to run several days a week.  He shared this picture from his run this morning.

There are very few things I miss about running – this view is definitely one of them!