Y Princess Dinner at Kanki...

Tony keeps very busy with Y Princess since he is in tribes with both Riley and Reece this year.  Tony and Reece's fall camp was on 11/4 and the next night 11/5 Riley's tribe went out to dinner at Kanki Japanese Steakhouse.  They had a great time and Riley enjoyed the shrimp and steak at Kanki.

 Riley enjoying the fish tank in the foyer of the restaurant.

 Riley with her friends, Gracie and Julianne.

 Sarah and Riley the chopstick masters.

 Riley watching the chef cook in front of her.

Reece's 1st Fall Outing with Daddy...

This year is Reece's (Diving Dolphin's) first year in Y Princess with Daddy (Bald Eagle).  She has been waiting for this moment for quite some time.  On Nov. 11th, they had their first Fall Outing at a local camp.  They enjoyed an afternoon of canoeing, hiking, climbing a rock wall, playing with friends and a large bonfire at night.  They have a large tribe of 12 daughters/dads and are thoroughly enjoying their time together.

Reece with her friend, Katelyn

Canoeing with Daddy...

Reece reached the top of the rock wall.

 Reece shooting a BB gun.

 Fun in the woods...

The "Rainbow Catchers" Tribe

 Walking through the torches at the Bonfire.

The chief who will light the bonfire.

Another Year Older...

 My birthday fell on a Thursday this year and the day was very busy and normal, nothing out of the ordinary.  I had to get up early to take the girls to school, served Hot Lunch at the girls' school, had lunch with my dear friend Lori, took Regan to flute, helped the girls with their homework and then went to bible study that evening.  Tony had a meeting after work so he barely got home before heading to bible study, so we did not even have a family dinner together.  It did not really feel like my birthday other than my nice lunch with Lori and all the great birthday messages on Facebook.  So, I declared Nov. 2nd would be a birthday do-over.  Nov. 2nd turned out to be a fabulous day for a birthday!  Regan and Riley did not have school so they were home with me all day.  Tony took Reece to school so that I could sleep in.  I did not wake up until almost 10:00 am.  Then, a dear friend from church, Robyn, stopped by with a birthday present for me.  Regan and Riley took me out to brunch at Ihop and we had a great meal.  That afternoon Regan and Tony had somewhere to go and Riley had a birthday party to go to.  While Riley was at the party, Reece and I hung out together and decided to go get Manicures.  It was Reece's first manicure.  Then, we picked up Riley and headed to Buffalo Wild Wings where we met Tony and Regan for dinner.  When we got home from dinner, Daddy and Regan had bought me a cookie cake so we enjoyed that.  It was a fabulous day!!!  I am so blessed by my dear family and friends. 

 38 years old....

 

  Reece waiting for her nails to dry....

Halloween 2012



On Halloween we got together with some friends from church and had Chili for dinner and then we took the kids trick-or-treating.  Regan was a cat, Riley was a pilgrim, and Reece was a pirate.  We had a fun night. 

 

The girls were excited to see the Carlson's...

At one point in the night, the women were behind with the kids and we looked ahead to see all our men chatting (about politics) and oblivious to anything else.   

Papa Doug and Mama Cook's Visit

On the weekend of October 25 - 29th, Papa Doug and Mama Cook came up to spend the weekend with us.  They arrived Thursday night and we all went out to dinner at Brixx's Pizza minus Tony because he had a meeting.  Friday, Reece had off of school so we joined Joe, Abby, Josh, Lizzie and the grandparents for a fun day at the park.    

The grandkids were so excited to see their Papa Doug and Mama Cook!!  However, they were not excited about getting their photo taken.  They are trying to hide from us in this picture.

Riley being silly in her fake glasses. 

Saturday was a full day of sports.  Regan and I ran a race in Danville, Virginia while Tony, Riley, Reece, Mama Cook and Papa Doug cheered us on.  Regan ran the 5K and I ran the Half Marathon; however, our races started at the same time and for the first 2 miles were the same route.  I tried to stay with Regan at the beginning which was a BIG mistake.  Regan came through the first mile in 7:25 and I was right behind her at 7:30 pace.  I should have been coming through at about 8:45 pace, so I was going way too fast.  I was paying for that later in the race.  Regan did exceptionally well in her race and finished with a time of 26:30 and placed 3rd for her age group (14 and under) and 23rd overall (out of 108 runners)!!  I did pretty good too but it was not a personal best.  I ran my race in 1:57:14 and placed 2nd for my age group (35-39) and 59th overall (out of 172 runners).  I am happy with the results since I only had 7 weeks to train and ran by myself.  It was very special having such a wonderful cheering section and for Doug and Cook to see us run.  After the race, we dashed off to Riley's soccer game.  It was a busy and full day. 

 Before the race...

 Regan during our first mile...

 Trailing behind Regan...

 Regan nearing the finish and passing all the men.

 Regan gave it her all and did not let this lady ("cat") beat her!!

 Love this photo...

My cheering section...

Tony was on a bridge taking photos as I crossed the 6 mile mark

Looking good and happy here.  That changed after the 6th mile. 

Heading for the finish line...

Regan receiving her award for placing 3rd in her age group!!!

Nearing the finish and about to pass out!!!  Not looking as strong as Regan did at the finish. :)

Receiving my award for placing 2nd in my age group.

It was so wonderful to have Doug and Cook at our race!!!

Proud mama of her runner girl and that we both placed!!!

Riley giving her all at her soccer game.

Now Riley has a cheering section...

 On Sunday, Oct. 28th the Fernandez men went to the Nascar race in Martinsville, Va.  This was a very special day for the guys, since we were not sure they would be able to go to a race again due to Doug's illness.  God has blessed us in so many ways this past year and we are thankful for His love, provision, protection and healing!  The women and kids also had fun hanging out and catching up at our house.

On Monday, Tony and Joe took his parents to the shooting range.  They had a great time.  I love this photo of Cook!  It was such a special weekend and it was nice to all be together again after a year.