RAL Basketball Awards

The RA Long Basketball team had their awards banquet tonight, and Jillian received several, including the Coach's Award, the Scholar Athlete Achievement Award (for 4.0 GPA), the Outstanding Scholastic Award (for team GPA average greater than 3.5), and a Varsity Letter.

Jillian is 15!

Well, technically she turns 15 tomorrow, but we had her birthday party tonight. Lots of family and friends came for cowboy chili, beef stew, chicken tortilla soup, cornbread, and salad, followed by Mom's chocolate cake (below) and ice cream.

Bridget helped put together a quiz about Jillian:

She received lots of thoughtful gifts from everyone:

And we got lots of quality Kennedy time:

Guadalajara B-day Dinner

The calendar was too busy this week, so we took Jillian out for her birthday dinner at Guadalajara tonight. Of course, she wore the sombrero and the staff sang to her.

Afterwards, we went to Baskin-Robbins for dessert.

Women's History Month Play

Bridget was the narrator for a series of short vignettes about famous women, starring neighbors Hazel and Ila. She also manned the lighting (dimmer switch).

Bridget: "Our play included Frida Khalo, Florence Nightingale, Anne Frank, and Maria Tallchief."

Getting Some Vitamin D

It hasn't been often that the sun has been out and warm enough to go outside, but today was the day ... the kids went outside, joined by the neighbor girls, to play some volleyball, basketball, football and hopscotch.

Erika's B-day Party

We celebrated Erika's birthday (and return to teaching) last night, and got lots of quality Kennedy time ... she was smiling and laughing almost the entire evening.

Presidents Day Volleyball

We made it a little family trip to Eugene and Springfield, Oregon, to watch Jillian play with her LC Elite 16's volleyball team. The first day started slow, but ended with one of their best matches against Spiketown, earning a 2nd place finish in Round 1, which put them in the top 16. The second day was a little rough, as well, finishing 3rd in pool. Bracket play had them winning match 1 but dropping match 2, to finish 10th overall out of over 40 teams. Jillian had a fantastic tournament all-around, serving near 100%, making tough digs, and providing beautiful sets. Here's a couple pics:

Walking Tour

We had a couple hours til game time, so we walked to the 5th Avenue shops in Eugene. Bridget got a special treat when we found the Smith Family Bookstore (a "mini-Powell's") that had books floor-to-ceiling. It was actually overwhelming for her, but she did settle on two books to take home.

Afterwards, we treated ourselves to Handel's homemade ice cream:

Crowded Bed

At our hotel in Eugene for the Presidents Day Volleyball Tournament, the girls slept in one bed while Tor slept on the pullout. For the girls, it was just like old times when they shared a bed. Tor joined the girls in the morning to help wake them up.

BJ's for Pizookies

After Sunday's volleyball games, the team went out to BJ's Restaurant in Eugene for their world famous Pizookies.

Roots Basketball Camp

For an early birthday present, Grannie and Papa Bob signed up Tor for a Roots Basketball Group Skill Development camp. He attends 4 days a week for 1 hour, through mid-March.

His friend (and teammate) Evan was also there. Tor said he had fun after the first session.

February Power League

Jillian traveled to Mountain View HS on Sunday to play in the February Power League. It was a tough day of being close but not winning ... despite that, the girls still played hard and stayed positive.

Jillian got some work as the 5-1 setter for a couple matches, and did well running the offense.

High Point Novice

Bridget won this bridle bag for earning high point in novice Western Equestrian at the February Winter Woolies. She was riding Handsome, since Gracie was still sore (she's going to the vet tomorrow).

It was nice enough to catch some rays between rides with Noel and Lindsey.

STEAM+R Fair Night

Olympic Elementary put on an evening program with six STEAM (and Reading) activities this past Thursday. The girls tagged along with Tor to see if any of the Olympic staff members would remember them.

Ukulele Club

Tor goes to Ukulele Club after school once a week, learning chords and how to tune it. They let everyone bring a ukulele home to practice.

Aunt Julie's B-day Party

It was a packed Sunday, starting with Kennedy's baby dedication at the Castle Rock Christian Church, followed by our own service at Grace Lutheran, then ending with Aunt Julie's birthday in Castle Rock:

The birthday song was more pathetic than usual, but that was offset by lots of quality Kennedy time:

Good Luck Girl

Cousin Kennedy came to watch Jillian's final home basketball game ... the second win of the season, defeating Fort Vancouver. We all got to hold Kennedy, and she was locked into watching the game.

4.0 GPA

Jillian had a strong start to her freshman year, notching all A's and a 4.0 GPA for the first semester. And that was with two honors classes (English and Geometry) and a pre-AP (Biology).

December Student of the Month

 Bridget earned recognition from Monticello Middle School:

"Congratulations to our December Students of the Month. They were selected for following our 4 Bs of behavior. Being Responsible, Being Respectful, Being Safe and Being a Learner."