NorCal Awards Night

The last weekend we were in California NorCal held our annual Awards Night. This night is one of my most favorite and most dreaded nights of the year. I love it because the entire NorCal Volleyball Club community gets together to celebrate the season we just had. Its so nice to see everyone together in one place. Each team dresses up in a different theme, we all eat a nice dinner, raffle prizes are won, and awards for the season are given out to the players, teams, and coaches. I despise this night because I have to run the entire show. In other words, I am standing up on stage with a microphone for about 3 hours!!! For those of you that know me well, you know how painful this is for me. I can not stand all eyes on me, so I really dread this part of the night. My only saving grace this year was that Mckaley does not mind being on stage at all (Tyler's genes apparently). She stole the show and took a lot of attention off me thankfully by wanting to stand up on stage with me the entire time. Although it was difficult to get her to not want to talk in the mic, it wasn't so bad having her there playing with the balloons or being held by me. All in all, I think the night went pretty well. Numerous parents and players thanked me for having it and said what a wonderful job we did with the presentations and the organization of the event. A big thanks to Terry, Robyn, Kristen, Heidi, Jan, and Fred for organizing and making it such a success.

Above is a picture of all the NorCal seniors and coaches behind them doing a dance to "All the Single Ladies". We call this dancing with the seniors :-) All the seniors got together and planned a dance for the coaches to perform. It was hilarious. Great job to the class of 2010.

Above is my little cousin Devin. Well she is not exactly so little anymore as she graduates from high school this year. I am so proud of her. Not only is she an amazing setter, but she is a wonderful girl as well. After graduation she is heading to Sonoma State to play there. It has been so much fun getting to watch her grow up. I remember babysitting her when she was young pushing her little sister Kelly around in her walker and I also remember her first tryout for NorCal 12s. She was a stud back then and continues to be. My only regret is never getting to coach her. She is the type of athlete every coach dreams about coaching. She is serious about the game, about getting better, and does her best in every practice and game. She is a very 'thoughtful' player and I love that about her. I can not wait to see how she does at Sonoma and the many years after that! Congrats Dev!

Horseback riding

My mom gave Mckaley a huge treat while we were up at the lake. She told Mckaley that she would take her to the equestrian center to go horseback riding. Mckaley was so excited. She got a brand new riding helmet and boots and a private instructor to teach her the proper way to ride. The horse she rode was Scout who was a very gentle and beautiful horse. Mckaley was very happy to ride and is looking forward to her next trip out there to see Scout.

Time with the GGs (Great Grandparents)

My kids are so incredibly lucky! Not only do they have both sets of grandparents actively involved in their lives, but they also have a Great Grandparents who get to see them often. While we were up at the lake Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Nowak (Ggma and Ggpa) were there to spend a few nights with us. It really was a special time having them and their dog Buddy around. Mckaley especially talks about them often.

My Grandma has a special way with infants. It is such a treat to get to see her interact with them. Every time I watch her with my kids, I learn something new. She did have five girls of her own, so its no wonder she gets them so well.

Living in a hotel room

The only thing I like about living in a hotel room is the maid service. Other than that, it stinks! Thank Go I have my parents to help me out. I would be lost without them. This picture pretty much sums up the experience:

Above is what we call "The Block". It prevents M from jumping on Michael while she goes crazy in the hotel. Its now a standard defense move :)

M singing sweet lullabies to Michael before his nap.

Keegan and Mckaley wresting and looking at pictures of Charlie on his phone. Thanks for entertaining her Uncle Keegs!

NorCal Volleyball

While on our trip to CA, the kids and I saw a TON of volleyball. I want to give a big congratulations to the 6 teams that qualifier for Nationals this year. It is the largest number of teams we have ever had qualify and I am so proud of the players, parents, coaches and directors for making it happen. Here are a few shots of us in the gym:

Mckaley and my dad cheering on the 16 Black team!

While there, I had to coach a few teams. I was running around (looking like a dork!) with Michael in tow. It was a pretty funny site if you ask me! At one point, I heard a fan of another team say "Wait, I know she is the director, but what team does she coach for anyway?"

Pops and Keegs just being goofy.

Keegan and Michelle on the sidelines

The girls: Jan, Terry, Robyn and myself

Trip to CA

We had a pretty long trip to Ca this past month. We were there for a total of two and a half weeks. It was Michael's first trip out there and I went with both kids by myself. To be honest, I was a little nervous about how it was all going to go. I was especially nervous about he plane ride and the airport experience. I know those of you that know me well are chuckling right now because I usually say how easy it is to travel with M and how relaxed I am while traveling, but throwing Michael in the mix really had me thrown for a loop. I had way more bags than usual and no idea how he would do. I've got to say, the kids were AMAZING! I really could not have asked for better travelers. They were patient with me as I lugged bags around, they were easily entertained on the flights (MC slept and M colored and watched videos), and they were well behaved in the hotels. A big thank you to my kids for being so wonderful on the trip!

Miracle of Minds

Right before Michael Caden was born, I decided to take Mckaley out of all-day preschool and keep her at home with me while I was on maternity leave. I thought that the time together would be good, especially because her world was about to be flipped upside down with the arrival of baby brother. Anyhow, right around that time my friend Jenna was telling me how much she just LOVED her daughters preschool. She was only there twice a week for three hours each day and so I decided to let Mckaley give it a try. Well let me tell you, this place is a hidden gem! I can not express how much I enjoy taking M there. She never has any problems leaving the house to go and she comes home exhilarated every day. It takes me about 15-20 minutes to get her there, but she talks about what she did at preschool the entire way home. Its great! The only bummer is that they break for summer :( which is actually not too bad because we travel so much, but I was sad to see her at her last day of school. Below are a few pictures of this preschool. I'm telling you guys, if you live in Gilbert- bring your kids here!!!! They will be challenged and loved like crazy!!! Thanks for such a great recommendation Jenna.

Little Red (above)

Little Blue (bellow)

Just the other weekend, they had a special day called Celebrate Creativity. Each student took home a bag full of artwork. Once at home, they shared each piece with their parents and told us all about it. We then made a science board to display all their artwork for the event. At the event, the students proudly showed off their art, sang a few songs for the parents, made a recyclable piece of artwork , and then we had a picnic lunch while raffle prizes were announced. It was a wonderful day to celebrate all that the students and teachers had done. This is just one of the many ways that the teachers go above and beyond to make this school so special.

Kadie Watson is in the afternoon class, but we got to hang out with them this weekend. Thanks again for the recommendation Watsons!

Mckaley at her last day of preschool for the year. She is showing off her cards that she made for Ms. Wilkins and Mrs. Wilkins. She loved having a mom and daughter teach her throughout the year. She thought it was very cool! On the last day of school they had a water day, so the students all dressed in their suits and got to play in water and do a slip n slide before snack.

Thanks for a great end of the year Miracle of Minds!