Tustin Cross-Country City Finals 2023

 Last Wednesday, Ryder had his city finals at Irvine Regional Park.

My favorite part of his race was when he gathered his team to cheer each other on and pump each other up before they ran.  He is the best! 

He came in 5th in has age bracket and we are SO proud of him!

Also, Eden was the cutest time keeper you have ever seen UNTIL people started to cross the finish line and throw up where she was sitting and then she needed to step away for a bit...

We are SO proud of our kids and the human beings that they are becoming!

History burning...

 Last week, one of the Tustin Hangars that was used it WWII for the Navy almost completely burned to the ground. We woke up to helicopters flying low over our house, later realizing that they were with the fire department, dropping water... These were the photos that the Tustin Police shared that day:

This photo came a few days later:

A day or so after the fire, it was discovered that the air was filled with asbestos from the burned particles of the structure in the air, as well as the Santa Ana winds bringing it all over the nearby cities.  The kids school was cancelled on Thursday, making it a 4 day weekend.  We were instructed to stay inside with windows closed and to avoid debris. We enjoyed the forced slowing together.  It, coupled with time off for Veterans Day, made for extra family time. It was scary but I was happy that everyone was ok!

Plans continue to unfold and we are doing our best to roll with it...

It was a historical moment for sure...

Slow...

Today we remember and celebrate Veterans Day.  We have so much that has cost so many SO much.  We stand in gratitude today for their service as we try to honor our veterans of the armed forces and those in the country's wars.  

The observance originated in 1919 on the first anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended World War I and was known as Armistice Day. 

Oh my goodness there has been so many lives given...

So today as we do the things we do and the world seems to be whirling around us, our hope is for gratitude to be at the forefront.

how is he 18?

 This weekend we got to celebrate my nephew Max's 18th birthday.  I still don't know how that was even possible!

Sharing a birthday with our Aunt Kathy is pretty special!

Also my niece is driving... WHAT?!?

We love you Max!

a sunset soiree...

 On Saturday night, we had the privilege of attending an event in support and celebration of Camino Health Center and all that they are doing.  It was a boat cruise in the Newport Harbor.  It was a beautiful night in celebration of an incredible organization! Thank you Elkins for including us!

I love that he will always be my forever date...

Last official games of the season...

 This last Saturday, each of our kids had their last official games of their season...

Eden's team ended on a win 3-2.

Ryder's ended with a tie to our local rival after a penalty kick on the other team.

Such great games!

Now we are on for tournaments...

Ryder's awards ceremony...

 Last week, Ryder was recognized by he is PE teacher for his leadership and teamwork in PE.  It was really special to see that he was celebrated for who he is and we could not be more proud of this kid!

Also, they must be related: