Mr. Rabbit Man!

It's been a full day since Mr. Rabbit Man joined his new family.

He lived at House Rabbit Resource Network (http://rabbitresource.org/) for a about 2 years before Sydney found him. He was one of the few that she was introduced to on their website. It's a non-profit made up completely of volunteers who love bunnies.

Back in May 2011, Syd began a campaign to get a bunny (http://ryan-ortiz.blogspot.com/2011/05/subliminal-message-bunnyplease.html). It pays off to be persistent. She never gave up on her quest. When it came down to it, Syd did all the research and filled out the application once we gave the "ok". She found a cage, all the supplies to make the bunny happy, figured out what food he would enjoy, helped move furniture in her room, everything. (okay, not everything she was present when all the furniture in her room was getting moved to accommodate the pretty big new habitat for her little critter) even if she didn't actually do the moving.

Kiley loves that her older sister has a bunny and has offered to help take care of MRM.

The puppies may meet him next week. Syd thought it would be better not to scare him right away.

Colin's Hope Tri - Kiley's First Ever

Kiley was so excited about doing this event. A few weeks before we ran through transitions. She was great the whole way. She says she loves swimming the best but I can see her doing really phenominal on the bike and run too.

Courtney helped her through through the transitions and I took some pictures.

We are really proud of her first effort in this very cool sport.

Club Jollyville

She's on the team!!!

This past weekend sydney went to a tryout for middle blocker. I don't think she was at all nervous about it but Courtney and I certainly were.

Syd hadn't really practiced this summer and had petty much decided she wasn't going to play. When we found out the team she was on last year was not going to have a U14 team Courtney looked around for another option. She found Club Jollyville. Such an outstanding program. It's very mature and we believe it will increase Syd's skills and build a team mentality that she has lacked in the past. 

When we arrived I thought the whole team would be present but instead it was the Club Director, the U14 coach, and one other strong blocker who was trying out for U15. 

The other girl was a strong freshman volleyball player that was the only one to make the JV team at Westwood. Syd stayed with her every step of the way. Syd was obviously tired towards the end but we talked about that before the practice so I knew she was ready when her muscles to start giving out. 

She powered through and after the tryout  they were both offered a spot in the club. I was ecstatic!! So proud of our super strong, super tall athlete and role model for her younger sister. 

2014 Club Jollyville tryout

Firsts

Kiley is getting ready for her first triathlon. I'm super excited. This past Sunday she did her first brick workout at distance. I wasn't sure how well she would hold up but she is strong. After a strong 25m swim we took a short break and did a bike / run transition. I was particularly impressed when her side was hurting and she powered through the run. Great job cutie pie!

Syd is growing so fast. It's really funny that I have to look up to her now. She has started soccer practice and is trying out for her second year of club volleyball with a different organization. With everything going on outside the house, I asked her to make dinner for the family while Kiley and I were out training. She made the most excellent spaghetti dinner with a broccoli side and some yummy rolls. She is so dependable these days. This summer our little independent girlie also saved up to buy herself a Mac Air. So proud of her dedication persistence and willingness to help out the family. 

Jake is having a great start to the year. It may not seem like a big deal but it is to us and probably to him. He's doing his homework when he gets home from school. Twice, this week alone, he has asked if I could come back later because he was reading or trying to finish a paper. I didn't say a word. I left the room and gave him the space. Like I said, maybe not a hug deal for your teenage boy but huge for ours. He seems to have a renewed fire for getting things done. Sure he still games a lot and is mostly in his room but I see him working with a desire to do well like we haven't seen before. 

So happy for out kiddos and what they are doing with their time!!

First day of school, CCE - 2014