Moving Days

We have had some changes in address in the family.  My Dad finally sold his condo and moved into The Mirabella, an upscale senior community on the south waterfront in Portland.  My sister and I did a lot of work getting him moved but he is now all settled in, complete with all new furniture!  It is a beautiful place and we are excited for his new life adventure.

From the balcony at Grandpa's new place.

Dining at the Mirabella (kid menu)



Complete with yummy dessert!
 

At our house, Jordan moved back home after three years away doing work/school.  He is saving money and making career decisions.  Deiana is excited to have him home even though she had to give up her play room.  Jeremy is in the middle of purchasing a condo and there have been extended delays dealing with HUD, so he has not moved out yet as planned.  So we have a full house at the moment.  At least everyone has full time jobs and extracurricular activities! 


This is the only picture I could get of them.
 

Spring Break

This year we started spring break with a trip to Eugene for the last gymnastics meet of the season.  Deiana did very well and took two firsts and three seconds.  She is now moving up a level and will be working out 12 hours a week! 

After the drive home we headed to the airport for a trip to Las Vegas.  This trip was planned kind of at the last minute so we could go somewhere and enjoy some fun and most of all sun!  Being spring break many places were booked and flights expensive.  We were staying at the Circus Circus, because we thought it would be fun for Deiana.  However the pool was not at all to my liking (I'm being nice here) and the hallway had an unbearable smell.  The rest of the Hotel, and its location were just my idea of a Las Vegas experience.  We made the most of it for a couple days then I got on the Internet and got a great deal on the Luxor, so we moved on up and it was the best decision ever.  Night and day difference!  We then enjoyed the sights and activities on the other end of the strip, and the pool was beautiful.  All in all it was a fun trip  with perfect weather, but the food was quite expensive and for Deiana there was a lot of walking and she seemed overstimulated a lot of the time.  Maybe somewhere more relaxing next year!

You can walk to Treasure Island from Circus Circus!

                                 

Good thing dad can shoot baskets, we got three ponies to lug around!

Need our morning coffee, at least mom does.

                                               

                                                                The beautiful Luxor!

Yes she climbed up here for this shot

Winter Update

I think a blog update is overdue!  We have had a very uneventful winter season this year.  We had a nice Christmas at home, and we did nothing special for New Years, as I had to work.  I have been somewhat lazy and didn't even take many pictures!

Deiana got a Kindle Fire for Christmas, and it has been her favorite thing ever.  So much so that I occasionally have to confiscate it due to overuse. Besides the Kindle Fire Deiana's days consist of school, gymnastics, and socializing with her friends, all of which she loves.

Deiana has been doing great at school, but continues to need help with speech services.  I recently asked the school to add language services to her speech IEP.  This was actually news to me that she was not already receiving language services (I thought it was included with her speech).  It should be obvious to all that she is below age level in this area.  They tested her, and while she is below average, it is not low enough to warrant intervention.  Honestly, trying to get her services has been has been incredibly frustrating if not impossible in the five years we have had her.  I have had to either pay for private help or teach her myself.  We recently had a private evaluation and they couldn't imagine why she does not qualify at school.  She has come so far, and I am committed to helping her reach her full potential!!

There will be some changes at home soon, one son moving out the other moving back in.  Details to follow.

Up next, some more gymnastics meets, and spring break fun!  (More pictures too)

 

Thanksgiving

Fall has gone by very quickly and  Thanksgiving has already passed!  We had a quiet day at home with just Grandpa and our family.  Over the weekend we had another gathering at Grandpa's with cousins, aunts and uncles. 

I tried to get some pictures that I could use for my Christmas Cards this year.  Every year since Jeremy was a baby I have done a photo  card (25 years!)  We have had some family pictures but usually just kids.

 Deiana is still a willing participant in picture taking.  I got some cute shots of her.

 When the boys come out they are not so willing and like to clown around. 

 When I finally get just one shot that is okay, they still don't like it!  They joke about some of the photos  of years past.  Oh well, maybe someday they will cooperate.........NOT 

 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Halloween

Deiana did some trick or treating with her buddies from across the street.  They all have a good time together, and they were able to keep up with her!
She had planned on wearing her pirate outfit from the camping trip, but changed her mind and was a foot ball player.  The helmet was from her last gymnastics meet (Halloween themed) and all of the girls wore the helmets during the opening introductions.
Fortunately for me, Deiana is not particular about costumes or decorations.  As long as there is candy she is good!
After a couple hours of sprinting from house to house, a candy overdose, and fighting off a cold she was exhausted.  Back to school in the morning!

Blazer Game

 The entire gymnastics team recently performed at halftime of a Trailblazer game.  It was a lot of fun for the girls.  They basically just did a tumbling exhibition.  I was trying to get a video but it didn't turn out very well.  I was busy getting the video so I didn't get any good pictures either!  Oh well.

 

 

                        By the way, another first place finish at the last meet!

Blue Ribbon Sweep

 Just finished up the fourth meet of the season.  Deiana got first all around for the fourth meet in a row!  This was however the first time she got first place on all four events!  A very happy day.  Here are some awesome pictures courtesy of Debbie.  She had a nice cheering section with Grandma Lois, Jeremy, Jordan, Debbie and her son Greg.  As well as Jon and me of course.

 Bars, her favorite event!!

 Hard to tell, but this is how they do vault at this level.

 She continues to stay on the beam, her least favorite event.

 Floor is one of her favorite past-times, we watch it every night in front of the TV

Congratulations Deiana!!  Her team also took first place in the meet.  She is still bouncing around the house! 

Gymnastics Meet

 Deiana had her first real gymnastics meet.  She did really well, and ended up first on floor exercise, second on vault, third on beam (her nemesis), and 8th on bars (due to a small error).  However, she was first All Around!  It was very exciting, but she just can't get past her bar routine.  Even by night time she had not gotten over it.  She said "eighth place, are you kidding me? I'm not okay with that!"  Bars is her best and favorite event, so it was particularly disappointing for her.  She really does work and try very hard.    Hopefully she will learn to deal with her perfectionism!  

 A fun time was had by all, and the team took second place in the meet.  Many more fun meets to come this fall.  And many more bar routines!

First Day of Third Grade

Deiana was quite excited to go back to school and be in the third grade.  She got the teacher she really wanted and all of her friends are in her class, even her very best friend Yana.  This is our first day of school  photo shoot. 

I've never seen anyone more excited for school.  I hope this trend continues for many years!  (I can hope anyway)