The theme of this blog is "almost-back-to-normal". With the introduction and the availability of, the Covid-19 vaccine, we were able to get back to more in-person events and activities. No, it's not back to what we used to think was normal, and the mask is a regular part of daily attire. But we get to go back to doing some of the things we enjoy with the people we love. Yay, science!
Last day of school
Parks said goodbye to her unusual. one-for-the-history-books, 4th grade year and was ready to take on summer and soon 5th grade. She's got big plans with that career choice.
Saying a real goodbye to Ash
A piece of our heart graduated high school and jumped on a plane to Tennesse! There were many tears and hugs saying goodbye to our bonus daughter - as she was on her way to chase and conquer her collegiate cheer dreams. As a University of Tennesse cheerleader, she continues to be a total rockstar, and we couldn't be more proud of this girl. Go Vols - and we miss you terribly Ashlin!
But can you take the heat?
Late June brought record-breaking 100+ degree heat to the valley. Nothing a few friends and a pop-up in the river couldn't fix!
Gearing up for the 2021 - 2022 Cheer Season
Year three for our little cheerleader! Parker, once again, is on two teams (Flash Y2 and Blaze J3). We started of the season with masked-up in-person stunt and choreography camps. We celebrated their hard work (in the heat) with popsicles, water balloon fights and a llama!
CHEERs for summer
New teams, new and old teammates, all friends. It couldn't be all hard work in the gym. We cooled our teams down and "funned" them up at summer parties. Blaze at the river, Flash at the pool.
Fourth of July
Happy birthday 'Merica! Red, white, blue, beverages, and cute cheerleaders in the water!
Summer camp - it's back!
She got to go back to Camp Silvercreek overnight camp!! She may have had to wear that mask, but that didn't stop the fun! These three were in the same bunk...history repeating itself, as they were all at Camp Greider three years earlier.
Sco Ducks
We got invited to join friends at an Oregon Ducks game early in the football season. These people know how to tailgate and do football - 7:00 a.m. beer pong, breakfast burritos, cheering on the Ducks and having a fantastic time. Thanks for the invite, Gangitanos!
First day of 5th grade
The big dogs of elementary school - she's now a 5th grader. Not only a leader in grade, but Parker expanded her leadership as a member of the SOAR Team (school leadership team) and a member of Choose to Include leadership program. I'm so proud of this kiddo, who, although has been at this school for three years, has only been IN the school with people for about a year (the rest virtual). Parker isn't as familiar with the teachers, staff, and students, but these leadership opportunities were important to her and something - she - wanted!!
The Choose to Include leadership program (I believe) is a new program at her school where 5th graders apply and a select few are chosen to spend time with students in the DLC (development learning center). This is a beautiful opportunity for students to learn from and connect with others who aren't the same. I am at such peace knowing Parker's heart is in the right place. Never lose that baby!
Braces off
After 30+ months of mouth metal, Parker and I are both braces free! Now there is room in her little mouth for her baby teeth to fall out, and more to grow in - only to put the next round of braces on. I love her little toothless beautiful smile!
COVID rears its ugly head in our home
This year for my birthday, Corey actually got the gift - the gift of COVID. I woke up ready to celebrate, and quickly changed gears to arranging schedules for quarantine.
Corey had some mild cold symptoms, but enough for us to test him at home. His symptoms didn't get severe and didn't last long, thankfully! He spent the next few weeks isolated in his man cave (don't promise him a good time), while Parker and I found entertainment in crafts, movies, and whatever else we could do to take our minds off of missing a birthday, school, cheer and human contact.
We honestly had the best tribe behind us - those dropping off treats for the family, the multiple people who did what they could to help me celebrate from a distance (thanks for the wine and cinnamon rolls Valerie!!), those who sent activities to keep Parker busy (Carol, I'm talking to you!), the mystery person who sent Crumbl that was immediately devoured and thoroughly enjoyed. And although Parker missed her first 5th grade field trip, her school and teacher went above and beyond to ensure that Parker to join school online.
In the end, we made it through. While I'm sure Corey loved food being delivered to his door throughout the day, I'm sure he was thankful that he couldn't actually taste my cooking. He actually became tired of watching TV and being stuck in his man cave. It was a happy day leaving quarantine - and finally getting to snuggle...the dog.
Fall y'all
Goodbye summer, hello fall! Time for flannels, puffy vests, corn mazes and the pumpkin patch with Grammie and Papa!
Halloween
Our first Halloween in the new 'hood. All of the Warner's dressed up to participate in the neighborhood costume parade and then Parks and I went on to trick-or-treat among our new neighbors. (Corey stayed home to hand out candy to 100's of costumed children.) Safe to say, there is no shortage of candy around these parts.
Thanksgiving
Last Thanksgiving, we were stressing out and navigating through making an offer and buying a new house. This year, we were able to relax, raise a glass to those memories, and enjoy gluttony with the family.
And the annual tradition continued...finding the perfect tree for Grammie!
'Tis the (cheer) season
The season has begun! We held our kickoff celebration in November - a prelude to our first competition in December. Our athletes looked FANTASTIC on that mat with those big smiles.
The American Championships were held at the Portland Convention Center - our girls showed us what hard work and heart can do in a routine. Parker's teams placed first (Flash) and third (Blaze). All of CCA teams earned spots to compete at the regional summit in Anaheim at their first comp!! An amazing start to the season...I can't WAIT to see what the rest of the season will bring. Competitions my run and look different - but a mask will never stop this cheer mom from cheering on her girl.
Ho ho ho and snow
We didn't have to worry about packing up 15 years in a house this year...rather we were able to enjoy our first Christmas in our new home. It has been over 15 years since we have had a full-size tree in our home. When we bought this house, we immediately assigned the Christmas tree corner and couldn't wait to fill it 12-months later.
We spent the actual holiday at Grammie and Papa's - Christmas is always perfect at the river...especially when we are extra spoiled with the scene setting snow.
Parker-isms
"Vintage is just rustic and old. That is just old." -Referring to my "old" Amazon Kindle
(Parker) "That’s Raven from Ravens Home". (Mommy) "That’s also Rudy Huxtable from The Cosby Show." (P) "But Raven's Home was super popular." (M) "So was The Cosby Show." (P) "I doubt it."
"Careful, that’s my face. It’s too beautiful. It’s my money maker." - Play fighting with daddy
Parker poses
Just being Parker
One More Warner is 10.5 years old!
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