Garner '23

It was time for our annual trip to Garner State Park! This year we stayed in the main campground, walking distance to the trailheads and waterfront. Should have done it years ago! It was perfect. We were joined by the Leflers, Brooksbys, Whitings (Travis & Mary), Bohmans, and Noldens (just Fri).

FRIDAY

Ryan took the whole day off, so we were able to arrive about 2 o'clock. 

We set up camp and headed to the water. Surprisingly, it was chilly (the water and the air). We played around until dinner. Everyone else showed up after dinner. We were supposed to watch an outdoor movie (Super Mario Bros) but we forgot a cable, and the kids ended up playing charades then flashlight tag.  

SATURDAY

We hiked Old Baldy in the morning. 

The kids decided to trying to set a record, and they made it up in 17 minutes and back down in 6 minutes. Luckily, no one broke an ankle or ran off the edge of a cliff. Afterwards, we headed to the water where paddled, cliff jumped, and wrestled on the largest board. That night we roasted marshmallows and played cards.

SUNDAY

We hiked Crystal Cave alone. Ryan discovered that when Brennan gets whiny, he can tell him stories about his childhood or mission, and he totally snaps out of it. Yay! 

There had been a terrible rainstorm followed by strong winds the night before that had left the Brooksbys soaked. The Bohmans wanted to go to church in a a nearby ward, and the Leflers needed to head home for their other summer travel plans. We hiked it counter-clockwise this year, and I really liked it. Afterwards we got ice cream and headed to the water again. 

Lots more paddling and swimming today. The Bohmans and Whitings joined us.  

MONDAY

We broke camp and got home about noon to lots of laundry and unpacking. We love Garner! Can't wait for next year. 

Spring Recap

Spring Break

Collin & Brennan had YM's Camp the second half of the week, so we just stayed in town. Kate held a lemonade stand with 2 of her friends. 

Collin went ax throwing with the youth in the ward. We went to Boerne Lake to paddle with a group of friends. 

I signed up Katelyn for a St Patrick's Day camp taught by a teenager from church, and she really went all in.

The same day, I let Ethan choose a friend to go to McDonald's with and then play back here at the house. 

Collin also took all his boating classes online so he could drive the jet ski alone this summer. We took Ethan & Katelyn out to breakfast while the big kids were gone too. 

The big boys had a great time at camp. The stayed in cabins, and there was rock climbing, rope swings, paddling, hiking, service, and testimony. I don't know when it started, but whenever one of the kids is out of town, the other kids take their school picture down off the wall and set it at their dinner spot. This was the first time that we had two photos at dinner with us.

Long-Term Sub (2nd)

The first day after Spring Break was the start of my long-term maternity leave coverage assignment in 2nd grade. All in all, it went very well. I always remember all the reasons I love and hate teaching. 

LOVE: student connections, student learning, market days, friendships, dress-up days, lunch & recess with my own kids 

HATE: long hours, never-ending to-do lists, exhaustion, headaches, bad student behavior, poor administration, so many meetings

Soccer

Soccer season coincided perfectly (haha) with me working full-time, and Ryan traveling (3 week-long trips in 6 weeks - Detroit, California, and France). 

To say it was a hard slog would be an understatement. But, we survived! Ethan & Kate both had the best coaches, and it really was a great season. 

They both went nearly undefeated, with Kate usually scoring multiple goals per game as forward, and Ethan blocking many goals as goalie.

Fiesta Friday

Our elementary school hosts a giant party the first Friday in April each year. They rent amusement park rides, and it's a huge fundraiser. Ethan & Kate had a great time, as always, but it was SOOO hot. 

Easter Break

We had off school for Friday and Monday of Easter weekend, so we decided to head up to visit the Allred's in Frisco. We drove to Waco and finally saw Magnolia Silos. We got a few treats at the bakery too. 

And, of course, no Texas road trip is complete without a stop at Buccee's and Whataburger! 

We had dinner and played cards on Friday night with the cousins. On Saturday, we went to Grady's soccer game and had Hutchins BBQ (our Dallas fave!). We also swam in the hot tub. 

On Sunday, Ryan & Megan sang a duet in sacrament meeting (new version of Gethsemane).  

We drove home late on Sunday evening, so Ryan could work and I could get the laundry and house clean on Monday. And, ok, maybe those LONG Texas road trips actually sometimes need TWO Buccee's stops, haha.

It was a great trip. I love how well the kids get along with their cousins! 

2nd Grade Musical

Kate was a seahorse in the 2nd Grade Musical, doing a little partner swing dance. It was super cute! 

UTSA Spring Football

We went to the AlamoDome (first time!) to watch a UTSA Spring Football Game. Unfortunately, it was a scrimmage against themselves without any commentators and super boring, so we didn't stay long. The ice cream afterwards was a big hit though! 

Group Date Nights & Family Game Nights

We have a group of couples (Leflers, Hoffmanns, and us) who are going on group dates together. The first time we went axe-throwing (last summer?), but this spring we went to Chicken & Pickle. It's a restaurant with a bunch of pickleball courts. We were in charge this round, so we rented a court and then ate together afterwards. They are great people, and we love spending time with them!

 

As a family, we have become good friends with the Noldens. They have 4 boys and love to play games and cards. About every other month, we meet at either our house or theirs for pizza and games. It's noisy and super late, but we really enjoy our game nights with them.

3rd Grade Space Project

As Ryan traveled the world and I taught 2nd grade and did ALL THE FAMILY stuff, Ethan had a space home project to complete. I literally took a picture of the instructions, and texted them to Ryan in... France? He was across the world, and I told him this was HIS. I wasn't going to spend my iota of energy or brain space on it. He needed to plan with Ethan, purchase the supplies, and complete the requirements. 

I love it! It is soooo Ethan - utilizing Lego - AND it didn't cost a penny. Win-win! 

Daddy-Daughter Dance

This year's Dance (Katelyn's favorite night of the year!) was neon-themed. They went to dinner beforehand at BJ's, and Kate ALMOST ordered something other than chicken strips. They had the time of their lives! 

6th Grade Track

As a 6th grader, Brennan had the chance to do one track meet against the other 2 middle schools within our town. He ran the 100m & 200m hurdles and did really well. He took first in the 200m and 5th in the 100m. He is looking forward to a full track season this coming spring. 

Texas Hill Country Flower 5K

Mother's Day weekend I got a group of women together to run/walk a 5K in Fredricksburg. It was great fun! There was flooding the night before - and we almost decided not to go! - but I'm so glad we did. It was overcast with a light breeze (it could have been humid and 100 degrees!). Crystal, Genoveva, and I ran the 5K, and Heather and Amanda walked it. The tacos afterwards were delicious, and Crystal even placed 3rd in her age group and got a medal. Fun morning with good friends! 

Summer Swim Team

Swim Team, despite being a summer league, actually began that last week of soccer. Yeah, as if we didn't have enough going on. So, not only were we finishing out soccer and the school year, but we also had swim team practice every night. And, to make things trickier, Katelyn - despite only having minimal ear pain - got a ruptured ear drum at school the week before the last day. Luckily, I had barely finished my long-term job, so I was able to pick her up and get her to the PromptCare immediately. 

Last Day of School

Katelyn finished up 2nd grade with a Hawaiian party. Her teacher has decided to stay home with her kids next year, so we are sad to see her go. She was such a great influence on Katelyn, encouraging her to lead her class by example.

Ethan finished his 3rd grade year earning the "Smart as a Tack" award from his teacher. His teacher has decided to take Katelyn's teacher open spot in 2nd grade, and I am so sad that Katelyn can't have her too. He had a great year too. 

And here they are all ready for 3rd & 4th grades after getting off the bus on the last day. ;-(

But first, SUMMER BREAK!