2025 February

Leila - Volleyball and more Volleyball 

Leila had two tournaments in February. This club season has challenged her in a good way. She wants to play the outside hitter position but is playing on a 16s team (meaning older girls with more experience) and is sitting in the 3rd spot for out side hitting. To get to the 1 or 2 spot she needs more reps, more practice, and more individual coaching. We're seeing improvements each week, but are planning to set aside money for her to do more 1:1 coaching. 

These tournaments are no joke. They are allllll day. 6am - 7pm sometimes. 1-day, 2-day, and sometimes 3-day tourneys. The mental stamina it takes as a parent ahahahahh is a real thing! Trying to say the right things to keep your athlete focused, motivated, and locked in is tough.

There are so many things that are over stimulating or compounding:
- the non stop sound of whistles and girl's cheering/screaming
- the smell of swass in the building that increases as the tournament progresses
- the constant battle to find parking, then not wanting to leave if you do get good parking
- dragging all the things to your court (chair, bag of food, etc). 
- Securing a good spot to watch or film the game
- Expensive food at the concessions stand


But it's all worth it! I love...
- the conversations with Leila before, during, and after. 
- seeing her push outside of her comfort zone and proving to herself that she can do hard things. 
- seeing her develop as a player and a person. 
- watching her confidence grow 





Aljay and Salani go to Wally's wedding in Cali

We made a last minute decision to fly Aljay out to Carlsbad for Wally's wedding. We had been talking about it but didn't have the funds for it. But then the blessed state tax returns came in just in time. So we booked the flights for him and Lani, and reserved a rental car. Lahvjal got a hotel room, so they were set. 

Aljay had so much fun taking Lani on this trip. As you can tell from the photos, little miss California had a blast! She was soooo spoiled! I don't blame anyone who wanted to spoil her, she's the best travel partner. So happy she got to live her best life.

For Valentines day Aljay took her to Sea World. She came home with her new favorite plush friend, rainbow dolphin lol








Valentines

For Valentine's day I decided to put some effort into our dinner. I grabbed some dollar tree decor, Britt helped set up and made the dessert, and the kids enjoyed it. We had appetizers, made personal pizzas, and then ended the night at the rec center. Simple and fun. Everyone's favorite Aunty Penny joined us later that night. 




Saleima's Junior Jazz

I was late in signing up Saleima for Junior Jazz basketball so she ended up on the waitlist. Luckily, a spot opened up and she got to jump on a team for the last half of the season (4 games). She's been having fun learning the basics.



Other Fun Things



Aunty Brittany treated us to a movie :)
Watched Captain America on President's Day (holiday)










We spoke in Sacrament meeting.
Aljay and Salani were still coming back from Cali
so it was just me and the 5 kids speaking. All 5 kids prepared talks,
and still left me with 25 minutes..hoiiiiiiiiii





Saleima and Viiga made Joseph Smith's First Vision dioramas at Activity Days and then did a FHE lesson using the dioramas. Ian, Peyton, Pa'i, and Ina joined us :)

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