Friday, March 15, 2013

Vamos Rafa!

To say I have an slight obsession with Rafael Nadal might be an understatement.  Of course, just by taking a look at the guy you can see why he instantly caught my attention and was an early favorite of mine.  However, the more I read about this guy and the more interviews I see, I am convinced he is so much more than a good looking Spaniard who is an amazing tennis player.  He seems to have been brought up by a wonderful family who have taught him to be a great champion, have humility, not seek the spotlight, how to have some class and to value family and friends. 

Every year in March he comes to Southern California and I was determined to get out to the desert this year to see him in person.  My first attempt was a classic fail when I went out on Monday only to miss his practice and then not get to see him play due to his competitor dropping out.  So I was fortunate enough to have the 2nd chance to try again on Wednesday.  Take a look at how I spent my day.  Ultimate success! 






 





This is probably one of the few sporting events I have ever been to without a media pass, and I am certain had I had one I would have ended up meeting the guy and getting a photo with him.  Gotta get my husband to start doing some tennis matches!

Feis Fun: Early 2013

Going into 2013 Sarah's goal was to get out of prizewinner and the "grades" and into the preliminary champion level of Irish dancing.  Secondly, she wants to dance her best at her first Nationals this summer.  Regardless if she recalls, because the competition will be very tough, she wants to dance well and enjoy the experience.  And finally, she wants to recall at Oireachtas again and hopefully place higher than 15th.  We are happy to say and so proud that she has accomplished goal #1 and will be competing as a preliminary champion at her next feis in April.  Here are some highlights from the feisanna so far this year.

Feis in the Desert, Chandler AZ - January
 1st Place N/PW Slip Jig Special U9

Feis Orange County - February
 1st place N/PW Treble Reel Special U9

Feis Rinnce Conejo Valley, Westlake - March
 5th N/PW U10 Slip Jig Special
5th N/PW U13 Treble Reel Special
8th Junior Tramore U13 Reel Special
14th St. Patrick's Day U13 Special


Ski Week in San Antonio

 There is actually no skiing in San Antonio, but since we are not ski people, we decided to head down to S.A. and visit Opa and Myrtle.  Daddy was in Daytona and the girls always have such a blast visiting the city.  It really is a great place for families and kids.  February is actually a pretty mild month and the Stock Show and Rodeo is in town.  Here is a look into our time there!

First thing we did when we landed was head down to the river walk.  It was a perfect 70 degree day so we had a little Mexican food at Casa Rio, one of our favorite spots, and enjoyed the afternoon.  The girls got ice cream and we enjoyed walking around.
 



We then went back to the house.  Lauren with her Opa.

The next day we headed out to the Stock Show and Rodeo.  I remember growing up going every year to this.  For 2 weeks you can go and see all the animals, ride the carnival rides, and see a rodeo every night.  The girls don't get much of the country experience I grew up with so I thought this would be a great activity for us to do.  They LOVED it.  They had fun seeing the animals (although Lauren refused to walk through the cattle barn.  She about passed out from the smell!) They enjoyed the rodeo, too!  Sarah was a bit sensitive to the calf roping and any competition that involved strangling or wrestling an animal, but she is my very sensitive, free spirited California girl, so  I wasn't surprised.  On a related note...she has often talked about going vegetarian because she can't stand the thought of the animals being killed, but then she always says, "But bacon is so good!"  I have to concur.  So is Thanksgiving turkey, steak and lobster, and that good ole In n Out burger!

For our next outing we headed out to Natural Bridge Caverns and Wildlife Ranch.  This was a new experience for all of us and I HIGHLY recommend it.  The animals at the wildlife ranch were amazing and you can get super close to them and feed them.  The caverns were also way cool.  Lauren was a little afraid to go into the caves because they were dark, so Myrtle stayed above ground with her.  Sarah on the other hand, loved it and it was really awesome!

The last day we went to Gruene for a little shopping and Landa Park in New Braunfels so the kids could play a little.  Great little park that is even better in the summer. Here is Opa with his grand-daughters.

One more night was had eating out for Mexican food.  This time we went to Mi Tierra.  A San Antonio landmark.  Great food, atmosphere, bakery, and it NEVER closes! 

Flying home....oh look,  you can see where our house was when we lived in Riverside from the plane!  Next to that reservoir. Almost ready to land!





Valentines Day 2013

I am a little behind on blogging.  I blame pinterest.  So I am going to attempt to catch up!

Valentine's Day this year was so super fun.  As tradition goes I made the girls breakfast for dinner and we had chocolate fondue for dessert.  I set a pretty little table complete with roses and gifts.  Daddy was out of town working again this year, so he had special gifts for them.  New dresses! 


Judging by the look Lauren's face...this might have been the last year we do the chocolate fondue.  She didn't love it this year! 


Sarah also had her Valentine's Cotillion.  It was so cute and she had so much fun!



We had lots of fun preparing for the day.  Homemade Valentine's for Sarah's friends and heart shaped cookies to give as gifts!  Such a fun day! 

Daddy and I were even able to get away for a little retreat to Terranea the week before for a little R&R and spa time!

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