Boys Trip

Ryder came begging to go with Ruston to pick up a motorcycle in Tucson. Yes, Tucson, Arizona! They had bid on a motorcycle through an auction. No worries we won't win. WRONG!! They won and needed to go and pick it up. Of course waiting for next week during spring break was not an option. Begging and showing me his grades with a sly smile we agreed that he could go.

Off they went...

Making it an educational trip

Does this qualify as school?

Another exhibit

Hands on

Is he smiling?

Well they made it home in 2 pieces plus a couple of motorcycles. These will join the other projects in the garage. They had a great time with an additional bonus more driving hours. Ryder loves traveling and enjoying the adventures. Let's see if the trip to Memphis is as much fun.

Trying New Things

Actually new foods. Ryder has been bragging about the awesome pizza that Reganne introduced him to. Friday being early out he begged me to pick him up.  Picked him up at the church with a sly grin on his face. Are you hungry? Yes, How about the best pizza ever? Sure, if it's fast. Ok, it must be good with Ryder recommending it. Tell me how to get there... Let's go to Pilot. The gas station? Yep!!

Pilot Pizza

aka gas station pizza

Combination

Pepperoni and Alfredo chicken

The kids were right this was awesome pizza.

Hot & fresh either a whole pie or by the slice.

Give it a try.

Cotton Candy Peeps

What's not to like?

Well, it tasted like any other peep.

Mixed into the sugar coating was the flavoring.

Don't rush out to buy them next year.

They are not tasty enough to buy again.

Another try on rolls.

They look good, smell good, but how do they taste.

Nice and fluffy.

The true test will be tomorrow.

Success!!

These turned out really well.

Now can I duplicate them next week?

Be adventurous with trying new things has been fun so far. Can I keep it up over the summer? Share your ideas of what I can try to broaden my horizons.

2023 UT SC Sr Championships

Utah Short Course Senior Championships is here and we don't have to leave home to attend. This will be Ryder's first time at this meet and I do believe the nerves are kicking in. This is my 3rd year officiating this meet and first year of being a parent.

Let's go have some fun...

Ryder, Dylan, and Josh

More kids and a whole lot of snacks.

They must get their calories in even if its between events.

Love Ryder's face!!

Starting blocks

Good job!!

3rd Place in his heat.

Guess he didn't eat enough snacks.

He is starving. It's lunch time.

Maybe even a nap.

Maybe then he will give me a smile.

These guys are the best cheerleaders,

any kids could ask for.

Paul & Mike aka Dumb and Dumber tonight.

It was a fun meet with a whole lot of swimming. Ryder worked hard and did amazing for this new level of swimming. He dropped time in every event.   

I hope this gives him the encouragement to continue working hard. We are excited to go along on this journey with him.

Event #5    Men 200 Yard IM    88th Place    2:14.43

Event #20  Men 100 Yard Back    85th Place    1:01.00

Event #30  Men 200 Yard Breast    63rd Place    2:32.52

It's now time to relax and recoup until long course starts in April. I'm glad that there is only 10 minute travel times for this one. It's time to relax.

Weird Weather

February usually means warmer weather. Not this year it changes hourly. Hold on for the ride.

Rylee & Ruston

Weekend trip to relax and have a new adventure.

Waiting for Ryder

It's snowing again!

It's even starting to stick.

We need the moisture that if for sure.

It's starting to get really depressing no sunshine.

Another snowy night.

Surprise!!

Is this a spy balloon from China?

Blue skies and hot air balloons.

The dogs let us know they were out there.

Surprise!!

The slushy snow is back.

Ryder is definitely getting more

experience driving the winter roads.

Good Morning!!

It stuck!!

I know it's not much but it's crazy for there to be any

in February. This is January weather that's for sure.

Thank goodness March is close maybe the snow will turn to rain instead of this icy stuff. Then everyone will be worried about flooding.

Utah High School 4A State Championships

The road trip was uneventful for us to Springville  to pickup Grandma JeanAnn. It's a whole lot cooler than at home.  We had enough time to get lunch before heading over to Provo and the craziness at BYU trying to find out where we need to be.

Itinerary for the trip.

Yummy BBQ

Loaded baked potato with brisket on top.

I could only eat 1/4. Dave will have dinner for tonight.

In the zone.

We find the right building by following the crowds.

We arrived just in time to cheer on our team as they entered the building.

We got a hi

As he entered the locker room. He is in his zone.

Warmups

Everyone is packed into this pool space.

The pool is nice

The seating was simple.

Not very big and put as many people as possible into the space above.

Huge scoreboard

In a crowded space.

Take your mark

Showing off his muscles.

Crazy boys

Ryder does he ever smile for the camera?

Not much space to relax.

Sol photo bombing again.

Ryder & Tearsa

Club kids attending different schools.

They all cheer for each other.

Their home!!

They are all exhausted, tired, and hungry.

Our team did really well Desert Hills Boys Team took home 3rd Place behind Crimson and Cedar City.

Event #4    200 Yard Freestyle, 1:59.49, 18th Place

Event #18    100 Yard Backstroke, 1:01.48, 13th Place, Preliminaries

Event #18    100 Yard Backstroke, 1:02.05, 14th Place, Finals

Awesome job for his freshman year.  It is now 2 weeks to prepare for club state championships.

We are so proud of his accomplishments during this swim season. It's been tough to do both high school and club.

Time to hit the road!!

Bright and early the kids all had to be to school with their bags packed. Please don't forget any of your gear. Do you have your suits, goggles, caps, and warm clothes? Of course is Ryder's reply. I had to beg and plead to take warmer clothes that t-shirts and shorts. No amount of convincing could change his mind. Let's hope he doesn't freeze to bad.

The bus looks pretty good in 

the morning light.

Confetti Cannons

Thanks to all the mom's taking

pictures and then sending them to those of us who couldn't be there.

Lunch on the go.

Panda Express

Plenty of calories that every swimmer needs.

It was quiet at home tonight. I got a few text messages letting me know that he was ok. He was having a good time. I knew that by 9:30 he would be out for the night. We are headed up tomorrow morning. The actually meet doesn't start until late afternoon for the 3A schools.

Preparing for High School State Championships

This adventure is all new to us. We are all really nervous for this big adventure. Soccer Moms have nothing on the Swim Moms for celebrating their kids. I am not sure if there is a designated team mom or if everyone jumps into help. The text messages start to flow for sweatshirts, treats, decorations, and food assignments. I jumped into help anyway I could and it became crazy trying to keep it all a secret from Ryder. The boy is nosy and  can't stop asking questions.

The bus

The school rented the luxury bus for them to travel across the state.

We just had to make it special for them.

Turned it into the "party bus".

Thunder Bolt Quotes

Parents were asked for inspiration quotes.

That was a little hard for us to decided on just one.

Go H2O's!!!

Talented mom!!

They painted the outside with the school colors.

Looks Awesome!!

In the dark.

Let's hope we can surprise the kids. Now I have to keep my mouth shut until in the morning. 

It's A New Month

Welcome February!! A belated Christmas gift of upgrading our iPhones. They will throw in an Apple watch for $5 per month.  Well my Fitbit is almost 4 years old and it still works fine. Ryder quickly reminded me that new technology is always better. I went along and will give it a try.

Testing the Apple Watch vs Fitbit.

The Apple has a whole lot more bells and whistles.

They both count my steps.

They show my steps & activity are pretty equal.

After wearing both for a week I conceded.

The new technology is better to track my fitness goals.

Sunday dinner

The rolls turned out a little better this week. Yummy for dinner

Dry and crumbly by day 2.

I will figure this out eventually.

I am open to suggestions.

Look who I found.

Hiding in my closet is never a good sign.

We couldn't find any evidence of what she had done.

Maybe it was warmer and quieter here.

It's a heart attach.

Grandma JeanAnn deserves it.

The youth really love to spoil her in her ward.

We have slowly moved into February. It won't stay quiet for long the DHHS Swim Team is headed to Provo for the High School State Championships.