B-Ball, Ward Party Stress and Music

Jens' team played the boys' team for their last game. She looked a lot more comfortable and less hesitant than her first game. She even made her "oh no you didn't" face when a boy tried to push her.

The important thing is they all looked good in their jerseys.

Baby Luca is like DeA's little squish ball.

DeA and the primary were in charge of the ward fiesta and she was just a little worked up worrying about everything. It turned out to be a great party. The music was banging, it was really the best part.

We found out on Monday and Rock and Ryker had a concert. Ryker even had a solo.

Rock also did great playing the sax, but no solos at his age for some reason.

 

Birthdays and Real Life

Rock is a big 14-year-old and celebrated it with diabeetus.

Ryker had a game the night before a day off from school, and he convinced Rissa to bring her kids down to cheer him on.

Luca Baby was pretty excited to see some hit and slashes.

Jens is loving basketball; her first game was a big deal and she played great.

She wasn't sure exactly where to go or what to do all the time, but she said that she loved every minute.

Rock's hair might be getting a little too long

Ryker had his first tournament over President's Day weekend while Rock was in Spokane with DeA at his own tourney. Ryker tried really hard to check someone so hard that he drew a penalty, like Rock did two years ago, but just couldn't find someone small enough.

DeA discovered the joys of cooking with noise cancelling headphones and a sappy soap opera.

Luca baby is pretty chill...for now.

Ryker chose pizza instead of a freak shake. It's more greasy but less diabeetusy.

He was pretty excited for his presents, like a cut-resistant glove.

And a silicon breakfast sandwich mold.

He made a McGriddle with it.

 

Puerto Vallart Part 6: Bucerias and the Final Days

The sea lions and dolphins were in Nuevo Vallarta which was about 2/3 of the way to Bucerias. Bucerias was the little town that DeA explored a lot last year. We started with DeA's favorite restaurant, El Gordo's.

It's right on the beach, with the sun setting behind us.

"Dad, is this where you took the picture of Mom last yeah picturer?"

"Yeah, how did you figure it out?"

There is a guy on a horse like in that picture"

We walked over to the plaza where the churro guy was last year. He wasn't there, but another cart was there. Ryker and Dave had been looking forward to churros the whole trip, but especially after the poor experience with the gringo churros earlier in the week.

They passed the taste test, especially the cajeta filled one. 

There was a Nicaraguan family selling pineapple tamales. I had never had a Nicaraguan pineapple tamale, and I just had to try it. It was kind of open, and then the nice lady torched it with blowtorch to caramelize the pineapple. It was freaking delicious. I wasn't even hungry and I couldn't stop eating it.

The churros were so good, Dave and Ryker went back for seconds.

The kids wanted to play pool every night, while the adults sat around, watched 90s music videos and had ice cream. It was a fun way to finish the evenings. Jim Crocky finally made and appearance on one of our last days. The kids were impressed.

Ryker's wart randomly fell off one day. Looks like that will save us at least a co-pay next month when he was scheduled to visit a dermatologist. 

He kept ordering a chocolate milkshake at every restaurant. He was disappointed that Mexicans didn't know how to properly make and American milkshake. Finally, he discovered the perfect milkshake at a Canadian owned restaurant. 

Rock picked up a Hawaiian shirt and Dave couldn't stop himself from making fun of him. He called him Magnum, like Magnum PI, and other fun stuff.

The maid had fun with Jens' stuffed animals.

Schnookums looked good by the pool.

Magnum discovered that the waiters don't ask for payment, only for your room number. The kids started ordering drinks and eventually nachos and burgers.

We had a hard time finding good fried ice cream (dessert was a priority and constant effort during this trip). The Canadian owned place with the milkshakes came through again.

It was awesome have Mama Zista and Papa Dave with us. We are all glad that they decided to meet us!

The boys were too busy trying to catch an iguana to pose for a picture.

Jens loved her hair all week

We checked out at noon, but the cab didn't show up until 12:45ish, so we played a few rounds of Uno

Alaska was a cluster during check-in. It was a clown show, and we had to hurry to our gate. We did settle in, and other than the mask-obsessed flight attendant, we had a good flight. We even got to see Whit and Stewie's new house.

Jens' hair was pretty epic after she and DeA and Mama Rae took out all the braids.