Party(ies)

Gator wanted to have a birthday party where they could play all the elementary school PE games.  Like a parachute, scooters, dodge ball and jump rope.  I had planned a family dinner to celebrate, but she also planned a friend party Friday night.  I went in and out of the gym, but I didn't think she would want her mom being there taking pictures, and she failed to take any, so there are no pictures of her friend party.  She said it was so much fun, a lot of friends showed up, and there were donuts and Dr Pepper. All the things needed for a fun party.  Then last night we had a family dinner.  We took all the same games, and they were a riot.  We made pasta for dinner, had ice cream, and everyone write a letter for Gator tell her how much they love her.  Her friend Averee got like 30+ letters from her friends, and I worked on the family.  It was such a special gift as she gets ready for graduation and moving to Idaho for college, she'll be able to take all the letters with her and always see how loved she is.   

3 Adult Children

 Gator is 18!  It is crazy to think that I have 3 adult children.  I don't remember this from when the boys turned 18, but during the night (right after midnight) I received 3 emails from doctors and Apple stating that my daughter is now an adult and on her own record.  I took a couple hours off work and went to pick up Gator and we went to Kneaders for breakfast, she's already made a dating profile online, Brady's mom made her and some friends lunch, and she's got 2 parties planned for the weekend.  Happy Birthday Gator, keep rolling with the changes that are coming this year, there is a lot in store for you.  Thank you for the awesome daughter and friend that you are. 

Night to Shine

 Gator and Brady went to the Night to Shine again this year.  Their group was a little smaller with Brady's brother being on his mission, but that meant that Gator got to be buddies with Brady and crown him "prom king".  

Super Bowl

I'm glad I got this picture of us before we went in, because as soon as the game started there was not as many smiles.  The Patriots finally made it back in to the Super Bowl, but after the way they played tonight, I am not sure how.  It was a terrible game all the way around, but the company was great, and so was the food.  I just wish the Patriots would've shown up.  

Senior Sweethearts

 Another "last" for Gator😢.  She went with a group of friends tonight to the Sweethearts dance.  We did another scavenger hunt activity for their day date today.  I'm not sure if there are any pictures from that or not, I was lucky to get any of the evening I think.  The pictures are the last thing any of them think of.  I am grateful Gator has had a year full of fun experiences and memories.  3 1/2 months and she will be graduated and ready to leave high school behind and begin a new life in college.  I refuse to think about that yet. 

Happy Birthday Davis

I went out to dinner with Davis tonight for his birthday.  He chose The Pie.  Gator couldn't go because she is home prepping for a colonoscopy tomorrow, still trying to figure out her gut.  Davis turned 23 today!  Never has the saying "the days are long, but the years are short" rang more true as I watch my kids grow and turn another year older each year.  

Weekend Away

 I've never liked January.  It is a gross, long, boring month.  So I planned a long weekend down south to a balloon festival.  We stayed with my dad, and traveled back and forth from Washington to Toquerville.  This festival was my least liked one of the 3 I've been to.  The location wasn't great, and the balloon glow didn't happen on Saturday night, and that is usually so fun to go to.  We got stuck in the parking lot (rude people) and had to readjust our plans a couple of times.  Saturday morning was fun.  The balloons were late launching, and we stood in line for 2 1/2 hours waiting for the rides  to start, but that was really cool.  I had bought us tickets for a tethered ride, and it was really short, basically up and down, but it was still fun to give it a try.  After the morning stuff, we were going to go back to my dads and wait for Josh & Rachelle to drop off Eli & Millie.  But with the car being blocked in, we had to come up with a different plan.  We walked to DQ, got a treat and dad & Dianne came to us and we went to lunch.  Gator took a nap in the car while we walked around to the few booths, but it wasn't very organized or fun so they went back home and we planned to stick around and wait for Josh & Rachelle to drop off the kids to us.  They were going into St George for the night for their anniversary, so we took Eli & Millie around to the festivities, and planned on going to the balloon glow that didn't ever happen.  We finally just left and sat in the mess of the parking lot and went to get dinner.  So we still had fun.  Then on Sunday Gator & I took the kids to St George and we stayed there for the day hanging out, swimming, and going to dinner.  Today we drove home, (stopping at the Beaver Creamery) and now have to prepare for the week of work ahead.  January is over half over so that is good, we are just in an ugly, awful weather pattern of inversion and disgusting air pollution.  We haven't had any snow this year, it is going to be a scary summer water wise.  

In a hot air balloon.  This was fun! 

Flashbacks to when were here in the fall.  That corn maze wasn't too impressive either, it's okay, we've tried twice with this location, I don't think we'll do any other festivities there though.  

No balloons, they were just puffing their fire.  I was so sad.  I love the night balloon glow.  

Senior Swim Season

 I haven't posted very many pictures (if any) of Gator's swim season.  She has been still fighting some sickness and problems, so she hasn't been to every practice, but she is just about done with her senior season and she has gotten better with her times.  I'm glad she tried swim last year, it fits her and she's always been fun to watch swim.  It is her long arms and legs, I think she looks the part.  And she has found some of her best friends through swim, I know she keeps up with it more for the social part than the competition part, and that is okay.  

No way we are here.  Her last home swim meet of her senior season.  My 3rd and final to graduate high school, it is just so unreal.  

The seniors (and a couple juniors) all went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner after the meet.  

When she first started last year, she couldn't get the hang of the dive off the block.  She has come so far in that alone.  

At the senior swim meet, they ended with some fun relays.  This one they swam with a huge tshirt on then the team had to switch the tshirt to another member and so forth until the whole relay team had swam.  It was hilarious.  And Weber joined in all the fun, which I thought was cool.  That would never happen in football or basketball.  

They had to start this relay with a cannonball, some just did a belly flop, but it was fun.  

And after both teams jumped into the pool and had a little party!