Mammoth

Since Taylor was off to Europe for spring break, we let Allison choose a destination to get away for a few days in between State Cup weekends.  She chose skiing in Mammoth and invited Carson to join. We stopped at Erik Schat's Bakery in Bishop on the way up

 and arrived in Mammoth just before the sun went down. We stayed at the beautiful Village Lodge for easy access to the gondola, plus dining and shopping options without having to get in the car.

We took advantage of the hot tubs too and loved all of the snow Mammoth has received in this record year.  Employees think there will be skiing until August!

We walked around the village and got dinner the first night and then up early each morning for 2 days of skiing.

The weather was warm, crowds were light and the snow was ideal!  I stayed on the green runs at Schoolyard Express the whole time and was done by noon each day. I'm about ready to retire my boots and skis, but the rest of them skiied the days away!

Matt said Allison has really become quite the skier and he took her on some tougher runs each day.  She loved it!

  Carson and Allison really enjoyed their time together...skiing, shopping, building snowmen, hot tubbing...I'm glad she was able to bring a friend!

When we arrived, we learned that some of our friends from soccer were also up in Mammoth staying in a cabin.  They invited us over for drinks and games on Tuesday night.  The snow in the neighborhoods was incredible on our drive over!

I spent much of Wednesday at the lodge enjoying this great view and chatting with Jen, who wasn't skiing.  The temp said 44 degrees, but it felt like we could have been sunbathing!

Wednesday night, the adults all met for dinner in the village.  We celebrated Brandi's birthday and really enjoyed everyone's company.  Allison and Carson enjoyed going out to pizza by themselves and having some down time in the room.

We woke up to snow Thursday morning and did some quick shopping before heading home.  Grateful for the time away!

State Cup

Grateful that these girls enjoy each other because State Cup was a little rough this year. First off, we got stuck with Lancaster as our venue and then we were short players and only had one sub for the weekend.  Our girls battled, but didn't advance with a 0-0 tie, 0-2 loss and 1-0 win.

We stayed the night and had a team dinner at the Texas Cattle Company...slow service and ok food, but they had the KU game on!

Their season has come to an end, but hoping they will be together again next season!

Graduation Photo Shoot

This remarkable young lady is approaching graduation day.  The years have flown by, the months of senior year went even faster and I just booked her one way ticket to Kansas.  My emotions get the best of me far too often, but the love I have for this kid and the excitement I have for her future keep me in check.  

So grateful for my friend Jill for capturing some lovely pictures of my sweet girl.  Here are some of my favorites that we aren't using for her upcoming graduation announcement.  How pretty is she?

St. Patty's Day

I got a little sentimental thinking this will be the last time I make Taylor a green lunch.  I guess care packages will have to do!  Macy spent the night last night so she was excited for all things green today!

Matt met Charlie and the boys down at Killarney's this afternoon for the annual St. Patrick's Day festivities.

Charlie reunited with his friend from last year and was up to his usual shenanigans!

I joined them later on for a few drinks

and dinner at Uncle Bob's and stayed to play designated driver.  Cheers!

Idyllwild

Matt and I had a rare Sunday with nothing on the calendar.  The weather was beautiful and he was in the mood for a drive to Idyllwild.  We first stopped at Lake Hemet to check out a possible camping site for Spring or Fall.  Looked good to me!

We had a nice lunch sitting outside in downtown Idyllwild and then ventured a little further to Lake Fulmor.  It was a quaint little lake right off of the main road with a nice walking trail and perfect spots for fishing.

We did a short hike to some waterfalls and just took some time to enjoy nature!   

We had a fun day just the two of us!

Beach Friday

 Half day at school on Friday?  Let's go to the beach!  I called in sick for the afternoon and headed down to Oceanside Harbor to get a bonfire pit. Taylor and her friends picked up lunch and met me down at our spot and Leslie brought a car load of Reanna's friends too!  The Seniors battled the Freshman in volleyball, they played some paddle ball and swam in the freezing water.  

Leslie and I relaxed, chatted and took a walk along the jetty before the sun went down.  Sure beats working!

 As the sun set, we built fires in both fire pits and I just cherished every minute with all of these kids.

 As senior year is coming to an end, their friendships seem to be getting stronger.  I can tell they are feeling the countdown too and I felt blessed to sit by the fire with them, make s'mores and listen to all of their stories.  What a great group of kids!!

Soccer Banquet

 Tonight we celebrated the Great Oak soccer teams with a  banquet at Faulkner Winery.   It was decorated in the theme of Dr. Seuss's "Oh the Places You'll Go".

 Our PSG parents did an amazing job!  We had a delicious buffet dinner and a DJ, before each team was recognized and awards were given.  We were are so proud of Allison's accomplishments this year!  She was recognized as the only freshman on the Varsity team, maintained a 4.0 GPA and is involved in multiple activities on campus.  The season helped her grow so much as a player, despite the ambulance ride and hospital visit!

 The 2 beautiful Varsity goalkeepers (and neighbors too)!

 Freshman friends...Riley, Macy and Allison

 Best buds and next year's Sophomore class Presidents!