Winter Activities

I started this post over a week ago, but have failed to continue to work on it.  Our winter activities are coming to a close and soon we will be into baseball and softball!  We have been pretty busy with everything and will hopefully enjoy a little downtime for a few weeks.  I don't think I've updated anything for over a month again, and of course, we have fit a lot in.  Owen hasn't wrestled in anymore tournaments, but he has continued to enjoy going to practices whenever he can.  Gracie's basketball season is done and she had so much fun this year!  She improved so much since last year when she started the season not even knowing which side of the girl she was supposed to be on playing defense.  We have worked a little more on the house, but there's still so much to be done.

Nick finished the railing for the stairs, so we are safe now.  It just needs to be sanded and stained.  We have also been busy getting more trim done.  We just have 10 doors left to trim out, then we can get all of it painted.  Most of the baseboard on the main level is done.  As soon as it gets nice out, I'm sure Nick will get outside to finish the porch.

Trying a little volleyball.  Gracie has gone to a couple open gym sessions for volleyball and has been asked to compete in a tournament next weekend.  She won't be able to do the regular season because of dance, but she seems to catch on pretty quickly.

Owen's hair.  He has had it cut since this picture, but oh my, it was long.

Basketball season.  Gracie's team ended up with a record of 12-2.  They were fun to watch this year.

Good job boxing out!

A little fishing....in a pond that I'm almost certain has no fish in it.

He's very patient.

Fun in Florida

Waiting to board the plane.

Keeping her occupied while waiting.

Gracie found Gramma's cat.

Owen loved the lego store at Disney Springs!

Owen didn't remember a lot from when we were here almost 3 years ago.  We also went to Rainforest Cafe', which they both went to, but didn't remember very well.  Owen and Gracie weren't nearly as afraid of the fake crocodile our front this time.

Owen watching the crocodile move.

Gramma and Gracie

Owen still fits on Daddy's shoulders.  I remember when Nick could get one kid on each shoulder and walk around.  Gracie is just too big now.

Hiking at Hillsborough State Park.  We saw an alligator here, and Nick and Owen got pretty close to it.  I'll have to find the picture that Nick took and add it later.  This was a fun afternoon.

Gracie selfie

Owen being silly with Grandpa.

The Beach

Despite the cooler temperatures and not so warm water, the kids still had fun at the beach.  They played boys vs. girls keep away for a really long time.

Tony threw Gracie in the water.  Brrr!  It was only about 60 degrees.

Gracie posing on the beach.

Norm is demonstrating his balancing skills.

Of course, Owen had to chase some birds while we were there.

Owen got to work right away putting his new lego set together.

It wasn't a long trip, but so nice to have a little bit warmer weather.  The kids swam in the heated pool every day that we were there.  It was great!  We also got to see Deb and Norm's new house that is really close to the ocean.  That will be where we stay the next time we visit!  

Since then, we have been to Iowa to visit Grandma Jeanne.  During our brief trip, we also fit in a little shopping and a visit to Wells Fargo Arena to watch the State Wrestling Tournament.  We had so much fun seeing our Ballard people!  Gracie found the managers and Owen found a former high school wrestler to jump on.  They both enjoyed smoothies and dippin' dots.  I may have spoiled them a bit that day, but it was well worth it. I will add more pictures when I get a chance.

Yesterday was pretty warm, but really windy.  The kids went out to play with the horses for awhile.  Owen was the only one who could catch Dancer (after Nick and Gracie had worn her out).  I'm not sure what he's going to do when he gets to big to ride her.  She has been perfect for the kids.  Gracie and her friend Hayden rode Sonita while Nick led her around the pasture.  It was a fun afternoon!

Up next weekend is volleyball for Gracie.  I hope it goes well!