Ninja as....what else, a Ninja!
Gambit chose to be "Dark" Vader
My little Zebra!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Happy Halloween!
We managed to trick or treat this year with dry skies, despite the forecast calling for rain. The boys had fun, as always, and ate too much candy, as usual. Between a school Halloween party, a ward Halloween festival, and carving pumpkins, I was pretty much done with the holiday by the time Halloween actually rolled around.
Ninja as....what else, a Ninja!
Gambit chose to be "Dark" Vader
My little Zebra!
Ninja as....what else, a Ninja!Gambit chose to be "Dark" Vader My little Zebra!
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Picture Time
There is a tradition in Antonio's family that all the boys get their picture taken in an old sailor outfit at about 2-3 years old. This outfit is 50+ years old and all the boys have had this done. It's very cool to see all the picture hanging up in Mammie's house.
A few weeks ago it was Rocket's turn to have his pictures taken. He's never sat in a picture studio before, but I wasn't really worried because he likes people and he doesn't have a problem smiling for me when taking pictures. Boy, did I underestimate that kid! Not only would he not smile for the camera, he wouldn't even walk onto the set. We bribed him with a bunch of skittles which worked (barely), but then the actual photographer was not able to be in the room or he would start screaming. She had to take a remote for the camera, leave the little room, we would get Rocket set up, and the poke our head out and tell her to push the remote button, then we all went to the monitor to see if the picture was somewhat useable. It was quite the production! In the end, we got a picture where he's not even smiling, but the look on his face is priceless and very much captured his personality. These are a few pics we caught before his appointment.
A few weeks ago it was Rocket's turn to have his pictures taken. He's never sat in a picture studio before, but I wasn't really worried because he likes people and he doesn't have a problem smiling for me when taking pictures. Boy, did I underestimate that kid! Not only would he not smile for the camera, he wouldn't even walk onto the set. We bribed him with a bunch of skittles which worked (barely), but then the actual photographer was not able to be in the room or he would start screaming. She had to take a remote for the camera, leave the little room, we would get Rocket set up, and the poke our head out and tell her to push the remote button, then we all went to the monitor to see if the picture was somewhat useable. It was quite the production! In the end, we got a picture where he's not even smiling, but the look on his face is priceless and very much captured his personality. These are a few pics we caught before his appointment.
1st Place!
Ninja entered an art project from school into a county fair and he won 1st place! His picture was called "Jungle Tiger". Great job, Ninja!
He turned 6!
I keep telling him he cannot grow up, but Gambit isn't listening and celebrated his 6th birthday in September. This kid is awesome. He's so happy and full of life that its contagious. He loves to make people laugh, he's very stubborn, and he has a very sensitive heart for the feelings of others. He has an amazingly big imagination and loves animals. I'm so lucky to be his mother.
Steven Y Dayley Memorial Ride
I've mentioned before that Antonio has taken up a new hobby of road biking. He really enjoys it and there are many friends he has around here to ride with. One man who had a big influence in getting Antonio on a bike is Steven Dayley. They spent time riding the hills around where we live and Antonio benefitted from this mans charisma and example. On May 19 on this year, Steven was struck and killed by a car while riding his bike in a large community event called "Reach the Beach." Antonio had originally planned to participate in this ride with Steven and other friends, but chose not to because it was also Rocket's birthday.
The loss of Steven has been deep and painful. He left behind a wife, 5 children, and many grandchildren. He was well loved and well respected as a local leader of our church. He was happy, strong, kind, and a blessing to those who knew him. Last year, Steven had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Through the summer he endured grueling rounds of chemo and radiation therapy. In September of 2011, Steven and 30 of his friends (including Antonio) celebrated the end of his cancer treatment by going on a 54 mile bike ride around a mountain in our area.
This year, on September 9, Antonio and I participated in the same ride with 50 others as a memorial tribute to Steven. Antonio had gotten me a road bike earlier this summer and I had slowly been working on getting in shape and increasing my mileage. Before this mountain ride, the longest I had ridden was only 17 miles. I was determined to finish this ride (a ride that included 18 miles of constant uphill climb, sometimes very steep) in honor of Steven and his friendship and influence in the life of Antonio and me.
I did. While I was near the end of the pack (I wasn't last!), and while every part of my body hurt, I could say that I rode every mile of that route. I felt amazing at the end! Antonio and a few of Steven's sons where the coordinators of the event, and they plan to do this every year to honor the memory of a man who had a great impact on the lives of many.
Steven Dayley and his sweetheart. Just a few weeks before the accident.
Ready to ride!
Uncle Gee came and rode with us.
The loss of Steven has been deep and painful. He left behind a wife, 5 children, and many grandchildren. He was well loved and well respected as a local leader of our church. He was happy, strong, kind, and a blessing to those who knew him. Last year, Steven had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Through the summer he endured grueling rounds of chemo and radiation therapy. In September of 2011, Steven and 30 of his friends (including Antonio) celebrated the end of his cancer treatment by going on a 54 mile bike ride around a mountain in our area.
This year, on September 9, Antonio and I participated in the same ride with 50 others as a memorial tribute to Steven. Antonio had gotten me a road bike earlier this summer and I had slowly been working on getting in shape and increasing my mileage. Before this mountain ride, the longest I had ridden was only 17 miles. I was determined to finish this ride (a ride that included 18 miles of constant uphill climb, sometimes very steep) in honor of Steven and his friendship and influence in the life of Antonio and me.
I did. While I was near the end of the pack (I wasn't last!), and while every part of my body hurt, I could say that I rode every mile of that route. I felt amazing at the end! Antonio and a few of Steven's sons where the coordinators of the event, and they plan to do this every year to honor the memory of a man who had a great impact on the lives of many.
Steven Dayley and his sweetheart. Just a few weeks before the accident.
Ready to ride!
Uncle Gee came and rode with us.
It was gorgeous!
I wanted to fall over right on the pavement, I was so tired.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Labor Day Hike
Once again, Antonio and various members of the family went on their Labor Day hike. This year was Gambits first year and he loved it! He only carried his pack for just a part of the hike, but he did manage to hike everything on his own, they always have such fun hiking, fishing, and getting dirty. Rocket and mama had a great weekend together, too.
First day of school
Ninja and Gambit were very excited for school to start a few months ago. Gambit especially because he's finally old enough to ride the bus and go to school with big brother. I really love Gambit's kindy teacher (the same one that Ninja had) and so far, Ninja's 2nd grade teacher seems to be really good for him. Both of the boys are very academically bright and enjoy the challenge of school.
Ninja - 2nd grade
Gambit - kindergarten 
We've managed to get a good routine in the mornings. Now that I'm working I'm forced to get myself up and dressed along with the boys. No more heading to the bus stop in my pajamas! The big boys love riding the bus and I love that it stops right in front of our house. Rocket loves when the bus pulls up, but is disappoints every time it pulls away and he's not on it.
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