Last Disneyland trip

When I moved back up north last November, I convinced my parents (who had come down to help me pack and move) that they needed to go to Disneyland since it had been almost 15 years since they were there. Gaby and I had annual passes and after going so many times in 2 years, believe it or not, we had grown somewhat bored of Disneyland. We were both very excited to share the fun experience with people who hadn't been in so long. Of course my camera ended up getting packed, so I snapped a few shots on my phone. I just recently transfered them to my computer and wanted to get them posted.

Changes

This summer we've had more changes than I was ready for. Gaby turned 10 in June, finished 4th grade with 3 A's and 2 A+'s, and started 5th grade today. On Tuesday she got an expander and 4 braces on her top and bottom front teeth. She should have everything on for about a year. I have to crank the expander daily for 2 weeks, then she goes back to the orthodontist to check her progress. She was in great spirits until she tried to eat. As some of you may know, Gab is very sensitive to how things feel, therefore she is having a very hard time feeling food get stuck in her braces when she tries to eat. Besides that, her teeth are sore, food also gets stuck on the expander, and her tongue is scraped up from trying to swallow and hitting the expander. Presently her diet consists of soup, soft bread, jello, yogurt, and oatmeal. She is also taking Motrin regularly. I keep telling her it will get better as she gets use to it but she doesn't seem too encouraged.
Before...

After...

We're moving!!!

So, as we were out and about running errands last weekend I found the perfect place to move in to. I wasn't even looking, we just happened to stop right in front of it. It's very affordable and in a fabulous location. Don't ya'll get jealous now...but here's a pic...

And these


are my new neighbors...see what I mean about great location!


*Disclaimer - since you can't hear my voice dripping with sarcasm, I just want to clarify that this is a joke. I saw this for rent sign on the tree and thought it was hilarious. I hope you can see the humor as well.

Gab's breakout rock video

So, my little sunshine has major aspirations of becomimg a rock star...and who am I to crush her dreams? She asked for and got a guitar for Christmas a couple years ago, and would love to take lessons but I'm not sure I can work that into my budget as she doesn't want to give up gym, and wants to be on the swim team as well. Someday we'll work it out, but until then...
We went to Livermore last weekend for the state championship meet for her gymnastics, and since my step-parents (not really, but I'm the Camilla they never had :)), the Coolbears, live about 5 minutes away from where the meet was held, we had to take advantage of the great opportunity and spend the night with them. Being the wonderfully fun dream-makers that the Coolbears are, they helped us make Gaby's first rock video. Thanks to Kayla and Rosemary for being awesome back-up dancers, Mary for her mad drumming skills, and David for his videoing and editing to make it a masterpiece. And Ian, we're gonna suck you in next time! Without further ado...here it is, (Oh, and enjoy the free video, I may have to start charging after this goes public)

Gaby's new blog

Gab was at a friend's house last night and this friend has her own website, so she decided it was time she have her own blog. I am making it private, since I'm sure there will be many pics of her friends, so please send me your e-mail so we can invite you to follow her blog...if I haven't already.

Gab's trip to the living history center

The 4th graders at Gaby's school went to another school in our district that has this awesome little log cabin and pioneer-type activities. They made butter and cornbread, panned for gold, made ropes, and learned about indians and blacksmiths. They also sang some songs and played games. Gaby is lucky enough to have a Gaga (my mom) that chose to share the experience with her.

Reno meet

Gaby had a meet the beginning of March up in Reno. She had to be there by 8 am on Saturday, so we opted to drive up there the night before and stay @ the glorious Boomtown. Most of the other families chose to do the same, so there was no shortage of kids for her to run around with. This was the first time we have stayed at a hotel for a meet so it was so exciting for Gaby. I think she enjoyed playing in the snow and at the hotel more than she did the meet, but that's alright. She "interrupted" (messed up in the middle and the judges stop scoring at that point) during her tramp routine, but was 2nd place on tumbling and double mini! The scoring actually got messed up at the meet, and 1 of her 2 passes for double mini was not entered, so she was actually given a 5th place ribbon. We found out on Monday after the meet that she really was 2nd. It was her best meet so far this season. Next stop, state in Livermore!

Gab's mad skills

At her Auntie Debbie's request, here are some videos of Gaby doing some of her trampoline skills. The quality isn't the best, these were taken on my digital camera, not a video camera. As soon as I get some tumbling videos I'll post those as well. Enjoy!

Gaby's first meet this season

Gaby had her first meet for the 2009 season last weekend. She got 1st place for tumbling

4th for double mini...double mini is similar to vault in artistic gymnastics because they run up to it and do some type of flipping and/or twisting off but instead of having a table or horse to push off of, there's just a smaller, ramped trampoline. so they do one skill (flip, twist or just a jump) on and another off. i think she's getting ready to do a barani off on this one which is a front flip with a half twist.

and she was 5th on tramp.

she did great and had a blast. this meet was held at her gym and i'm not sure if she had more fun competing or selling raffle tickets, handing out awards, and running around with all the other kids the rest of the weekend. the front row below is the portion of her gym that competed in the same session as her.

Christmas pics

I'm using my move right before Thanksgiving and training for a new job as an excuse for not getting out Christmas cards this year. I actually have them in my possession but haven't sent them out yet. If I don't get to it in the next week or so, here's an idea...




Can you tell how freezing we are?

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone enjoyed their New Year's celebrations last night. Mine was spent with two 9-year olds and my parents! Hmmm, maybe one of my New Year's resolutions should be to get a life. Anyway, here's to a great 2009 for all of us.

Gaby and Anna waiting to pop their poppers until the stroke of midnight
Happy New Year everyone!