Best of Show...

Ever see this movie???


Well if you haven't, you should, because it's hysterical. I watched it on a flight to China a couple years ago, and I found myself laughing out loud with my headphones on.

Today we took our dog-loving girls to the Seattle Dog Show, at the suggestion of one of my coworkers, and let me tell you, the makers of the movie did not exaggerate the characters at all! I'm not sure who was more entertaining, the dogs or the people. As we pulled up in the parking garage the girls were so excited to see all the dogs walking towards the events center. Nearing the entrance, Jaelyn exclaimed "I'm freaking out!"

The girls thoroughly loved walking around and petting their favorite breeds and learning about some new ones. However, we had a difficult time deciphering why one dog won over another when they look exactly the same. We all especially enjoyed watching the agility competition. Below are just a few of the many dogs we stopped and conversed with...

Kaia's personal favorite breed, Samoyed

A cute Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever the girls loved on.

A rare Peruvian Inca Orchid....cute for a hairless dog!

A 220 lb. Bull Mastiff

After seeing one in person, Jaelyn decided she now likes the Chinese Crested dog.

Hanging out at Safeco Field at lunch time

Two of the Beagles my friend showed.

My coworker Liz got one first place.

Max, a National Champion Duck Toller, getting ready for show (Jaelyn shot this one)

We all fell in love with the Shiba Inu, who looks just like a miniature version of our old Chow-German Shepard Nikita (Kaia snapped this one).

 

Between getting up early and the thrill of it all, the girls were a little bushed on the drive home....

Season's End....

Despite the snow that fell this morning, it seems that most of our winter activities are coming to a close. Along with high school wrestling finishing last weekend (although Josh started club wrestling this week), the girls had their climatic school performance this week, and their first ever basketball season came to a close.

Even after seeing the performance, I'm not sure of what the title of the second grade performance was, or even exactly what it was about, but the girls were very enthusiastic about it. Jaelyn, who was a raccoon, pulled off her one line without a hitch: "Hey, what's up???" Such a star:)  Kaia declined the part she was offered, because she had three separate lines to memorize. Funny how she is the most dramatic of my four kids, but the shyest when it comes to actually performing up front. The girls loved singing the songs they have been practicing for a couple months now, and I have to admit I have heard Mike whistling some of the catchy tunes around the house in the days since.

The girls doing an Oscar-worthy performance of being asleep. They are over the left shoulder of the bird; Kaia squished in the center, Jaelyn in front of her (click on photo for a better look).

Photo session afterwards. Jaelyn made her own raccoon ears:)

Saturday was to be the basketball tournament, but we had a bye the first round, and then we played a team that beat us earlier in the season, so we only had one game. The whole family was there cheering the girls on, and Kaia even made one of the only two baskets our team scored. Although Kaia missed this  basket, I do love the confidence she exhibited. They learned a lot about team work over the course of the season.

Team Lightning Bolts (girl power!)...

Next stop track, soccer, and gymanstics. To be continued...

Tacoma Dome....

We spent a good portion of our weekend in here, but the sky definitely did not look like this! Picture in your mind dark gray and rain, and you can see the dreary weather we had to dart to and from the car in. Actually it wasn't really a dart, more of a marathon, as the parking was horrendous this weekend. Not only did they have all classifications of wrestling together, but the state gymnastics tournament was going on in the exhibition center next door. To top it off, they removed a parking lot to put in an auto museum, so parking was even more of a premium. I feel sorry for the local neighborhoods, as the spectators had to find spots a long distance away and make the trek to the Dome.

Enough about the outside though, as the main action was on the inside! Here's photos of Josh for his first match on Friday...

Yep, he pinned the kid! Next that night he came up against the eventual state champ, but held his own, fighting the full three rounds. He needed to win his next match to guarantee a top 8 medal, but despite leading in the second round, he ended up getting pinned. Josh was disappointed, because he had actually been dominating the kid, but thus, this is how wrestling is sometimes. Now it is only inspiring him for next year, as he is all ready to start working out this week for freestyle season!

Below is a shot I took of most of the wrestlers and fans from Oak Harbor. We had one male and one female each take home a third place medal. With five boys and one alternate qualifying for state, with none of them being seniors, the boys are excited about the prospects for next season. I am proud of them all, but especially the many long hours and dedication Coach Dad puts in, and the leadership and discipline that Joshua displayed this season. Great job guys!

State Bound...

So proud of Josh tonight, as he finished second at the Regional Tournament. But what makes me even prouder than that is the good sportsmanship he modeled tonight, along with his dad/coach. Josh lost 14-15 at the buzzer, as a result of a very controversial call. I had thought he won, or was at least tied, and was completely shocked when the other guys arm was lifted. I learned later that the play-by-play announcer for the streamlined (winNW.com) version of the match declared Josh the winner too. Of course, Coach Crebbin immediately went over to the scorers table for clarification, but Josh and Mike displayed nothing but positive sportsmanship when the referee did not change the call. No bad mouthing, no throwing of head gear, no punch walls, all of which I have witnessed by other wrestlers in similar situations. I'm hoping that it just sparks a bit more fire in Josh heading in to the state tournament at the Tacoma Done next week.

Coach Crebbin and Coach Farmer after a tough loss.

On the podium....

Sweater Shorts Day...

Yep, my hunka-hunka husband looking hot on Sweater Shorts Day! What, you've never heard of Sweater Shorts Day? Maybe that's because he and three of his childish math teacher friends decided to wear matching outfits to school today, declaring it Sweater Shorts Day. Let's hope this fad doesn't catch on...

 I think his Vibram Five Fingers shoes really make the outfit, don't you?

Second Time Around...

Remember this photo from last year?

That was taken last year at Districts, after Josh took second place. Well check out the shot from this year. Josh looks much less tired, and the grins are even bigger, as Josh placed first this year:)

Josh was down 3-5 in the second round, after getting out of a near pin in the first period. Josh was a good boy listening to his dad coach when he called shouted out a move, and Josh pinned the guy. I took this shot just moments before the mat was slapped.

Couldn't wipe the grin off his face until this photo...

Guess it's a requirement to not smile when you are with a group of boys:) Now on to regionals next weekend...

Who Needs Girl Scout Cookies...

That's right, who needs Girl Scout cookies when you can have these amazing homemade gourmet cookies (and ALL of our proceeds go to a good cause compared to theirs). Once again we are selling cookies to raise money towards the Chaoyang, China orphanage. This year's are Valentine themed; hearts, lips, and flowers. Red, white, pink, or zebra pattern:) You can pick them up before Feb. 14, or pay a little extra to have them delivered on the big day (unless you are reading this from off island...sorry)! She/he will love them you even more than flowers! 

Add caption

We can personalize your cookies other than "Hot!"

These are photos from last year's Easter cookies, so you have to imagine them in Valentine colors. Also, flower bouquets can be on sticks.

Please leave a comment if you are interested in supporting the cause. Thanks!