February 2024

February started off with Kelly's testing day for his black belt in Hapkito.

Grand Master Lee visited his gym for this event and participated in the testing and ceremony for advancing to blackbelt.

The students, including Kelly, demonstrated their knowledge of various formations, moves and techniques. (I am not sure that I am using the correct terminology for all of this).

Riggs enjoying a snowy trail outting.

Riggs loves to go for rides

snuggle with anyone

light up the night and go for a walk safely

In February I was able to travel to Phoenix for a work conference with our first grade team, principal and the other instructional coach. We were delighted to find wam sunny weather hitting the high 60s to mid 70s. February was perfect timing for a warm sunny getaway.

After a long day of learning we headed to dinner and then the Footprint Center for a Suns games.

We were there over Valentine's day.

I enjoyed a few early morning runs exploring downtown Phoenix.

Was able to get a picture with and a signed copy of Anthony Muhammad's recent book The Way Forward.

Another star of the conference, Luis Cruz, favored us by letting us get a picture with him.

A different part of the city in the wee hours of the morning.

Ellie received her driver's permit and spent many Sunday's out practicing driving.

We took a weekend afternoon drive up to Preston, Idaho to visit the new burger drive in.

Riggs enjoyed the drive with us and loved his pup cup.

The rest of us enjoyed our burgers and fries.

The food was really good and we highly recommend.

lazy dog

Some deer along our cold walk.

Weekend long run in the cold.

Waiting for Kelly to get home in his favorite place to wait.

January 2024

Happy 2024

What better way to ring in the new year than working on your big boy toy.

Rigg snuggles are the best.

Riggs and Stanley snuggles

Actually this was Stanley getting ready for a nail trimming and everyone waiting and ready to talk to our favorite missionary.

Riggs and Kelly out for a walk. Riggs is all lit up for safety.

Celebrating two whole decades of this kid. This 10 year old picture popped up on my memories. A year ago we got to talk to him on his birthday. This year he is so in to the missionary work that we wondered if he even knew it was his birthday. We just hoped he had a moment to celebrate this milestone occasion.

When you ask to go outside and everyone forgets about you.

Haha. The story of our lives in the winter.

Got to talk to our missionary, but not on his birthday. Looks like summer where he is at.

Got to celebrate my birthday with a day off from school, the benefits of sharing a birthday with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Got to start it with my friends up Providence canyon.

I never thought living an extra mile away would keep me from this canyon but it has.

Some deep snow up the canyon.

Happy 46th Birthday to me!

Then I got to end my big day on another trail for a sunset stroll with Kelly and Riggs.

dress up time with Riggs

More January Riggs' snuggles

He's such a big baby.

Another season of club volleyball started in January. This year Ellie played with Club V where she got to play with many of the girls that she played with during the high school season. This club is new in the valley. 

Fun snowy outing for Riggs. He is always excited to find a stick.

And that was a wrap for January. It consisted of a few birthdays and volleyball.