Conquering the Course.

 Sid has been working with Bailey on agility training.  She has set up several courses in our yard.  She looked on the internet and found an indoor dog agility course nearby.  She asked if we could sign up for a session.  She was curious to see how Bailey would do.  The first time through, he was a bit uncertain.  I think 'distracted' would be a better word, as there were so many new sights, sounds and smells.   Once Sid was able to get him focused, he did amazing.

The ball pit took the most effort to get him into, but he did it!

The ramp did not seem to phase him at all.

The tunnel was much longer than the one we had at home.  Sidney found a good strategy.  She would toss a treat into the center of the tunnel, then run to the other side and call Bailey out.

It was so much fun to watch them both at work.  Bailey was exhausted after about 20 minutes.  Sidney was very pleased with how well he  did.

Denver Dance Convention.

Kendall and I traveled to Denver in January for her first dance convention.  Her team did not compete, so the convention was optional for them.  We flew down early on Friday.  One of her team members and her mom were on the same flight, so we joined up and took the light rail from the airport.

For me, it was a very relaxing weekend. The weather was beautiful.  It was cold, but gorgeous and sunny.  I took a lot of walks and even found a nearby yoga class to attend.  Competitions were going at all hours, so we got our first exposure to how much hard work these dancers have put in.  The dances were amazing!

Kendall had two full days of masters classes and auditions.  She was exhausted, but happy.  

One of the evenings, we rounded up the team girls that were there and went out to Dave & Buster's.  

Teenage girls, what more is there to say?   It was the first of many fun weekends!

A Welcome Regonition

Kendall has been working very hard this year.  It has not been easy, as many parents can attest to.  It feels like many students lost a year of schooling during COVID.  Kendall pivoted to Gem Prep mid-year last year, but her math curriculum has been tough, as the ride was bumpy for awhile.  There have been a lot of late nights, but she has kept with it.  It was nice to see that her instructors recognized her perseverance with a Scholar of the Week award.  She has a lot on her plate right now with dance, school and work.  However, she continues to press on!

A Delicious Idea.

 Sidney has been enjoying churros from one of the fast food restaurants lately.  She asked me if I thought we could make some of our own in the air fryer.  I found this really great recipe online.  She and I went to work making them.  The dough was very easy to prepare.  Then you put it in a piping bag and lay out on a baking mat.

After letting the piped dough refrigerate for an hour, we placed the in the air fryer.

After about 10 minutes in the air fryer, we pulled them out and rolled them in cinnamon and sugar.

Oh my goodness.  They were delicious!!!

The Finer Things

Sidney and I decided to venture out to A Way With Clay.  It had been pre-pandemic since our last visit, which means we had not been there in about two years.  I had forgotten how much fun it was.  We spent the day visiting with each other, and our friend Judy, who owns the shop.  It was great to get out.

I painted a cute little bowl.  I think it is supposed to be a dog dish, but I will use it for holding keys and jewelry.  Sidney painted a mug with a horse picture.  This is her second horse mug.  The first one is quite large, so this one will be good for her daily chai tea.

One of the nurses that had taken care of Kevin is friends with me on Facebook.  I have always enjoyed fresh cut flowers.  They remind me of something beautiful and frivolous, somewhat like a luxury.  This all started when Kevin and I were dating, and he would buy me flowers quite regularly.  She had purchased some supermarket flowers and put them in three separate bowls.  It was a beautiful idea.  So, my mom and I went on a thrift store hunt.  I found this gorgeous tray and three mismatched clear vases.  Then I purchased some Albertson's market bunch flowers.  I must say it is gorgeous and brings me so much joy.

That Wall, Those Puzzles, One Puppy Free to the Next Owner:).

The other night, I was in the dining room working on a puzzle, when I heard a ruckus in the other room.  Then I heard Sidney shout, "Seriously, how can one dog do so much damage?"  I reluctantly got out of my chair to see what had happened.  As Sidney explained it, Bella flew through the air to play attack Bailey.  Bailey jump out of the way and Bella proceeded to fly - directly into the wall -  head first.  She dented the aluminum corner strip, which caused the dry wall to crack.  Holy smokes!  It is a wonder she is not doggy concussed.

I really have nothing to say. She is crazy.  We love her.  She is crazy.  Does anyone want to borrow her for 18 months?  

This picture is one of the puzzles that I got to finish.  One of the puzzles that she did not manage to eat before completion.  So far, she has eaten two of my puzzles and one of Sid's.  We do not like her some days, but we love her all of the days!

Shopping at the Mall...Again.

The girls have entered the partially independent phase of their teenage years.  I say partially, because they do not yet have the ability to execute most things on their own.  Shopping at the mall is one of those examples.

Kendall and Abby wanted to go to the mall.  Kendall drove us all down, as she is required to have an adult in the passenger seat.  I dropped them off and drove home.  About 20 minutes later they asked me to come get them.

Here is the kicker.  When I arrived, I learned that they really just wanted a ride across the street to a restaurant.  In their defense, the temperature was in the single digits.  To their credit, I was expected to eat with them.  As I felt irritation scratch under the surface, I paused a moment.  Here is my teenage daughter and her friend.  Inviting mom to eat dinner with them...in public.  My irritation faded.  I need to cherish these moments.  Even if she is held captive by needing an adult in the car, she is rolling with it.  These moments are becoming more precious.

The following week, Kendall and Sidney also wanted to go on a mall date.  I dropped them off, while my mom and I had our own separate date.  They sent us these pictures to catalog their fun.  Gotta love these MC Hammer style meditation pants.

Oh and this.  I hesitated to post, but again, this blog is for them.  This is a memory they created together.  A trip to the mall with your sister, trying on clothes you have no intention of purchasing (including a trip to Victoria's Secret) and laughing along the way.  I LOVE THIS!