:: ASCD Conference :: Anaheim

Last week I traveled to Anaheim for the annual National ASCD Conference.  I learned more about my role with Washington State ASCD and had the opportunity to meet many leaders in other states who have the same role that I have.  It was a wonderful opportunity to learn as an educator and leader.  Unfortunately, my phone rang right as I stepped off the plane, Kenzi got sick at school ... then Erich was coming down with something ... welcome back to reality ... conferencing was a nice break!


I was hoping for more California like weather, it didn't rain but it was on the cooler side 67- 70 degrees most days.


The WSASCD crew!


Inside the convention center where all the booths of various curriculum companies and programs were being sold...it was fun "trick or treating" for pens, note pads and other various items.  Emi and Kenzi were excited about the pens that doubled as a stylus.



On Sunday WSASCD hosted a reception.



We took one day to spend at Disneyland.  This is my all time favorite ride ... although it's not quite the same without the girls :)

2nd Grade Music Concert

Emi loves including Nathan in her school activities -- we love having the Fernando's join us!
They took this selfie on their own after the concert.

Nathan 3rd Grade -- Emi and Hanna 2nd Grade

Spelling Bee

Proud parent alert!!!

Kenzi and Emi participated in the Spelling Bee this year at their elementary school.

Both girls did an awesome job spelling in front of an audience...I am so thankful that they have the opportunity to do this at their age!  Kenzi is definitely hooked and wants to participate again next year...Emi, I think is on board too.  I think she surprised herself with how fun it was!


Kenzi's words - cake - spy - picky -


Emi's words -initials - voyage - wistfully - quality - microscope -

Cookie Time!

Emi really LOVES cookie time.  Thank you to everyone who supported our Brownie in her cookie sales this year.

Kenzi's 6 Year Well Child Check Up

Kenzi had a great well child visit this afternoon.  She continues to grow and we are so thankful to have two healthy daughters.  Before heading into the appointment there was no sign of snow --although it was in the forecast for later that evening -- we were surprised to walk out of the patient room where there were no windows to find that it had snowed a few inches in just a short time!



Kenzi was SO happy and ate snowflakes all the way to the car -- the snowflakes were SO big! --


We even got stuck and Erich had to put on chains...it was nerve wracking as cars were slipping past us.  Had we known it was going to snow we would have driven Erich's truck, I was really regretting the mini van at the moment!



We ended up making it to my parents house for Monday night dinner, just a little later than usual.

Spokane Winter 2017

At the end of mid-winter break we took a special trip to Spokane to meet 2 sweet babies.  Erich's cousins both had babies within 3 months of each other.  Christin and her husband Josh had Alex (3 months) and her sister Rebekah and husband Blake welcomed Calli Jo (3 weeks).  It was so wonderful to see both their families and of course snuggle these sweet, sweet babies!  As you can tell Emi and Kenzi enjoyed the babies too!  We look forward to seeing them again in June!

Kenzi turns SIX

I remember how everyone told us that our kids will grow up before our eyes...well...it is very true.  Our baby turned SIX ... we love her spunky personality and ability to come to quite mature conclusions.  As you will see, Kenzi had a wonderful birthday celebration with her family and friends.


Kenzi on her actual birthday!  {She requested pho for dinner and enjoyed a cocoa mousse for dessert}


Making a wish!


The birthday party crew!  So thankful to have friends celebrate our birthday girl with us!


The trio!


Kenzi and Kasen relaxing after the party...


These 2 decided to have a spontaneous sleep over and woke up happy and ready to build a fort!


Kenzi wanted a beta fish for her 6th birthday and of course Gung Gung and Po Po wanted to be the givers of this fun gift!  She picked out a baby girl and finally decided on the name Moon.