The First State Robotics Meet

AJ's Robotics Team qualified for the State Meet in Colorado Springs. We just got back this morning! It was quite the experience, as there were a TON of teams in this huge gymnasium. It was neat to watch AJ, and also watch my own school's team. AJ's team had quite a bit of drama and teamwork issues, which was unfortunate but also a growth opportunity. They did have a wonderful time playing in this huge pool at the hotel. We were super lucky to have Grandma and Grandpa FLY  into Colorado Springs and join us. We are super lucky! 

AJ's team is still headed to Nationals and we are hoping that they can work hard to work as a team!

Good lessons.

Mom

South Padre Reunion

We went on a getaway to South Padre for our 4 day weekend a bit ago. There were many highlights:

• Reunited with all 3 of my siblings and it had been close to 4 years ago that last time we were all together.
• I got SOME solid time hanging with my new niece Enid. She is just the best and it was so fun hanging out with her. I also love giving my brother and SIL a break:) AND AJ loved playing with her which was super fun to see.
• I WAS not in crutches -like last time. This was the best! I could jump waves (even though it was freezing), I could go crab hunting, I could climb stairs without wanting to die!
• We made some epic sand castles!
• My Grandma and Grandpa were there-and I got some solid time hanging out with them. I wore my Grandma's mother's ring, and we took a picture of both of us with the rings on. TALK about SPECIAL!
• My Grandma told Russell that he looked "fine without his shirt off." This gave the me and the aunties quite the chuckle!
• Grandpa told me "You have a nice family, Megan." I told him the same:)
• We had a little less than 40 people there, which is a SMALL gathering for us. This was nice though to catch up with my family!

Love,

Mom

Band!

THERE'S AJ!!!! He finally got to attend his band concert! Last time he had to miss because he was quarantined due to COVID. The whole family  was able to make it, and even John/Barb were able to attend. I was so proud of AJ! If he was nervous he hardly showed it. He played percussion so he was constantly moving around and changing instruments. He played snare drums, the bells, and even got to play the gong. He told me that playing the gong was scariest moment of the whole thing! He even said he messed up a few things, but I sure couldn't tell. I was so darn proud of him!

Go AJ!

Love,

Mom

Coaching

Oh boy! So Ryker had a few friends that were looking for another team to be on for basketball this season. I had asked Ryk previously if he was interested in joining basketball and he had told me no. However, this latest time he said, "YES!" I was stoked and said, "I'll coach you, if you want!" He was all about it! So we had all 3 boys sign up and then we waited to see what was going to happen. Covid was still roaring, so we were unsure what this season would look like, but hoped for the best. **I also happened to get Covid during the season! Crazy sauce. 

I ended up being the head coach, and luckily got a great assistant coach that helped me SO much! As crazy as the season was, I learned a TON! I learned that it is way easier to have practice planned, than not. So everytime I had wrote up a practice plan. I had to say that I am super grateful for a long-time friend, Drew, who helped me get started. My dad also helped me tremendously, and even wrote up a few plans for me because I was completely swamped. I learned patience, and sometimes I demonstrated patience than other times. I learned how to support Ryker, and at times this was so easy. He made me promise that I couldn't kiss or hug him during basketball. BUT at least twice he came up and hugged me during practice and a game!

We did lose all of our games. We learned patience as a team, as some players were dedicated basketball players, and some weren't. This was tricky and I worked hard to not have a divide form. I had 3 rules for our team: Work hard, have fun, and be a good teammate. I do believe that every kid learned something. I found out that I'm the coach that doesn't sit down! HAH! Never ever did I know that:) But now I do! I talked a bunch on the sideline-did they hear me? Who knows. 

I would definitely do this again, assuming my kid(s) would want me as a coach:)

Good stuff,

Momma

Intentional Time

Awhile ago I decided to go on some dates with the kids. It is always something that I want to do, but life gets busy. So.....we finally did it! I gave them some notice and really wanted them to pick out what they wanted to do.

• Ryker- He was so sweet and asked me, "Mom-what do you want to do?" I told him, "Nope!" I wanted him to pick what he really wanted to do. So he asked about a movie and then we found one  that started in 20 minutes! We hurried out the door, threw some food down our throats, and enjoyed watching Spider Man in the theatres with 4 other people! Ryk said multiple times, "Thanks Mom!"
• Dempsey- She decided that she wanted to go to the painting place. I love that she likes going there, because it's one of my favorite things to do. She usually paints some animal and LOVES throwing on polka dots.
• AJ- AJ saved enough money for an Oculus and was waiting patiently for it to arrive. I noticed that Target had one in Greeley. I offered to drive there with AJ as part of our data, and then we could go grab some dinner! He was stoked and we did it! He was brave and asked the Target person to open the locked box with the Oculus. He said numerous times, "Thanks Mom. Thanks for driving me."

It was really important to me to get away with each kid, as things have been a bit stressful lately. I want each of them to know how important they are to me, and THEY TRULY  are the best kids around.

Love, 
Mom