Easter Week/ Holy Week started our as our return from Spring Break. On Tuesday we colored eggs. Addy enjoyed writing on eggs with the white crayon. Alexa enjoyed seeing how many different colors she could fit onto one egg. They both liked Justin adding lots of glitter to their final products.
Since Justin was traveling to Egypt, I decided to volunteer at church during the one outdoor service. This meant we were invited to church on Saturday night for a pre-Easter event. We enjoyed worship, praying over the chairs and a wonderful meal. The girls mostly ate bread and cheese. Afterwards all the kids ran around the field and had a fun evening.
Sunday morning we woke up early. The girls raced around the house to find more eggs then their baskets would hold. (Time to upgrade their infant baskets) They enjoyed sorting their eggs and even eating some chocolate before breakfast. The girls wore their dresses from the father/daughter dance to church. Once we arrived at church the girls were able to enjoy the bounce houses before anyone else arrived. They then went to their class and had a wonderful service, including games.
After church we went to the Ellinghaus' home for an egg hunt. The kids once again ran around and had a great time. I wasn't keeping close tabs on Addy's sugar intake. She ended up sick at dinner later in the day. Opps! It ended up being a learning experience for her on her personal limits.
Easter was a special day with a focus on Christ. We did make the most of the commercialized part as well. It never quite felt like a holiday having Justin away.
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Saturday, April 6, 2019
Hawaii
Hawaii for our 10 year anniversary has been the plan as long as we have been married. I never imagined that we would be living in California and only a 5 hour plane ride away. I do remember thinking in the early years how strange it would be to have an 8 1/2 year old. That time flew by and I am very grateful that we had the opportunity to go as a family of 4 to Oahu.
After an eventful time driving to airport, we made it on the plane. We have always sat 4 across meaning I sit with the girls and Justin is usually across the aisle. Our flight was early but the girls had a good night rest, so they didn't sleep at all. Instead they played games, watched shows on the TVs, did a tiny bit of school work and watched as the islands came into view. Once we arrived we went straight to the hotel to check in. We walked around a bit, ate dinner and played at the beach.
The next morning we had an early appointment to go snorkeling in the ocean and see sea turtles. The girls enjoyed the catamaran ride. They were excited about snorkeling but a bit overwhelmed. Alexa did not like the cold water temperature. Addy was a bit hesitant about being in the middle of the ocean. The life guard with us offered to put Addy on his board and paddle her around. She LOVED it. It made her entire experience. Alexa preferred laying on the boat and relaxing. Later in the day, Addy and Justin took turns jumping off the boat into the water. Sunday afternoon we hiked Diamondhead as a family. It was so very warm so we can bought ices and a pineapple smoothie to take with us. The girls did the entire thing with minimum complaints.
Monday morning our hotel had an art expo. Alexa took hula lessons and the girls made bracelets from old water bottles. Addy bought a bath bomb that she later enjoyed. That afternoon we went and hiked Manoa Falls. It is a simple walk to a water fall. It is in a rainforest and felt right out of a movie. In the evening we went up with Aly and her family and swam at the hotel pool.
On Tuesday we went to a beach on the East side of the island called Lanakai. It was one most beautiful beach I have ever been to. The girls enjoyed snorkeling off the shore, playing in the sand and being buried up to their necks. We had lunch at a local Hawaiian spot. Super yummy, but so much food. In the afternoon we went to Pearl Harbor. We did the tour out to the Arizona. Addy was bored and fell asleep. Alexa was in shock and a bit sad. After the tour we met up with our friends. The girls were so excited to be together. Maanya even asked for a playdate....
Wednesday morning we woke up very early and went to Hanauma Bay to snorkel. The girls were very brave. I don't think they enjoyed seeing the fish as much as playing in the sand with their friends. After snorkeling we went and had Hawaiian donuts called malasadas. They were yummy and became our lunch. Then we went back to the hotel for the girls painting class. They learned how to paint the Diamondhead scene. Alexa did the night time and Addy did the daytime. We brought home two very sweet paintings. That evening we had a Magic Show at the hotel. The girls were in awe. It was a bit hit for them.
Thursday we drove to North Shore. We started at Turtle Bay with swimming and snorkeling. I enjoyed taking the girls out as the water was warmer and they were more comfortable. After an hour or so we moved to Sharks Cove. We saw lots of neat things in the Tide Pools. We snorkeled and came very close to a shark. It was overwhelming for me. The girls didn't seem too concerned by him. After lunch we went to Waianae Falls. The movie Jimangi was being filmed. We didn't have much time to be nosey so we didn't see The Rock. We did make it to the falls and all swam out under the waterfall in the rain. I hope its a moment the girls will remember. If we ever go back to Oahu, It will be on my list to see again.
Thursday evening we had our Luau. We were greeted with shell necklaces and drinks. The girls and I made flower bracelets and coconut leaf head pieces. The chief had a preshow that included climbing a tree. There was the traditional roasting of the pig (which we glanced over). We booked our tickets very early. I was able to get us seats in the front row. It made it such a great experience for the girls. They both really enjoyed the fire dancer and even the hula dancers. Our host was Glenn Mederio's. He sang "Nothings Going to Change my Love for you" as Justin and I danced. It was probably the highlight of the trip for me. Alexa went on stage for a quick dance competition. I could have gone to the Luau every night.
Friday morning we had an activity that Justin found for us. It was the Pirate Adventure. The girls were given eye patches and bandanas. The had to solve clues on the boat to find the location of the treasure. Once we were there they pulled it up onto the boat. They had pirate swords and went to battle with the crew. The girls LOVED it. It was Addy's high light for sure. That afternoon we went and got out traditional family ornament. In the evening we went out to a hibachi restaurant. So yummy but sad since it was our last night at the hotel.
Saturday morning we all decided we want to go back to North Shore. We stopped at the Dole Plantation on our way. It was neat to see all the pineapples that we enjoy so much. Outside of the train ride, we didn't see much else. I did get some yummy corn before we found a shrimp truck for lunch. After lunch we went to Waianae Beach. The waves were unsafe for most of it. The big drive to go there was so Justin could jump off the rock. He did and even got thrown around in waves for awhile. We have wonderful videos to remind him why he was so sore. Afterwards we went to get shaved ice from Masumoto. It was highly known for the best shaved ice on the island. I felt a little under impressed but it was still fun to do. The best thing about it was the cost. It was the first "cheap" thing we did all week. After we had our treat we went to the airport. We spent 2 hours in the United Lounge eating dinner and relating. Our flight was a red eye. The girls slept for most of it and for the 2 hour drive home.
Hands down the best Cox vacation to date.
After an eventful time driving to airport, we made it on the plane. We have always sat 4 across meaning I sit with the girls and Justin is usually across the aisle. Our flight was early but the girls had a good night rest, so they didn't sleep at all. Instead they played games, watched shows on the TVs, did a tiny bit of school work and watched as the islands came into view. Once we arrived we went straight to the hotel to check in. We walked around a bit, ate dinner and played at the beach.
The next morning we had an early appointment to go snorkeling in the ocean and see sea turtles. The girls enjoyed the catamaran ride. They were excited about snorkeling but a bit overwhelmed. Alexa did not like the cold water temperature. Addy was a bit hesitant about being in the middle of the ocean. The life guard with us offered to put Addy on his board and paddle her around. She LOVED it. It made her entire experience. Alexa preferred laying on the boat and relaxing. Later in the day, Addy and Justin took turns jumping off the boat into the water. Sunday afternoon we hiked Diamondhead as a family. It was so very warm so we can bought ices and a pineapple smoothie to take with us. The girls did the entire thing with minimum complaints.
Monday morning our hotel had an art expo. Alexa took hula lessons and the girls made bracelets from old water bottles. Addy bought a bath bomb that she later enjoyed. That afternoon we went and hiked Manoa Falls. It is a simple walk to a water fall. It is in a rainforest and felt right out of a movie. In the evening we went up with Aly and her family and swam at the hotel pool.
On Tuesday we went to a beach on the East side of the island called Lanakai. It was one most beautiful beach I have ever been to. The girls enjoyed snorkeling off the shore, playing in the sand and being buried up to their necks. We had lunch at a local Hawaiian spot. Super yummy, but so much food. In the afternoon we went to Pearl Harbor. We did the tour out to the Arizona. Addy was bored and fell asleep. Alexa was in shock and a bit sad. After the tour we met up with our friends. The girls were so excited to be together. Maanya even asked for a playdate....
Wednesday morning we woke up very early and went to Hanauma Bay to snorkel. The girls were very brave. I don't think they enjoyed seeing the fish as much as playing in the sand with their friends. After snorkeling we went and had Hawaiian donuts called malasadas. They were yummy and became our lunch. Then we went back to the hotel for the girls painting class. They learned how to paint the Diamondhead scene. Alexa did the night time and Addy did the daytime. We brought home two very sweet paintings. That evening we had a Magic Show at the hotel. The girls were in awe. It was a bit hit for them.
Thursday we drove to North Shore. We started at Turtle Bay with swimming and snorkeling. I enjoyed taking the girls out as the water was warmer and they were more comfortable. After an hour or so we moved to Sharks Cove. We saw lots of neat things in the Tide Pools. We snorkeled and came very close to a shark. It was overwhelming for me. The girls didn't seem too concerned by him. After lunch we went to Waianae Falls. The movie Jimangi was being filmed. We didn't have much time to be nosey so we didn't see The Rock. We did make it to the falls and all swam out under the waterfall in the rain. I hope its a moment the girls will remember. If we ever go back to Oahu, It will be on my list to see again.
Thursday evening we had our Luau. We were greeted with shell necklaces and drinks. The girls and I made flower bracelets and coconut leaf head pieces. The chief had a preshow that included climbing a tree. There was the traditional roasting of the pig (which we glanced over). We booked our tickets very early. I was able to get us seats in the front row. It made it such a great experience for the girls. They both really enjoyed the fire dancer and even the hula dancers. Our host was Glenn Mederio's. He sang "Nothings Going to Change my Love for you" as Justin and I danced. It was probably the highlight of the trip for me. Alexa went on stage for a quick dance competition. I could have gone to the Luau every night.
Friday morning we had an activity that Justin found for us. It was the Pirate Adventure. The girls were given eye patches and bandanas. The had to solve clues on the boat to find the location of the treasure. Once we were there they pulled it up onto the boat. They had pirate swords and went to battle with the crew. The girls LOVED it. It was Addy's high light for sure. That afternoon we went and got out traditional family ornament. In the evening we went out to a hibachi restaurant. So yummy but sad since it was our last night at the hotel.
Saturday morning we all decided we want to go back to North Shore. We stopped at the Dole Plantation on our way. It was neat to see all the pineapples that we enjoy so much. Outside of the train ride, we didn't see much else. I did get some yummy corn before we found a shrimp truck for lunch. After lunch we went to Waianae Beach. The waves were unsafe for most of it. The big drive to go there was so Justin could jump off the rock. He did and even got thrown around in waves for awhile. We have wonderful videos to remind him why he was so sore. Afterwards we went to get shaved ice from Masumoto. It was highly known for the best shaved ice on the island. I felt a little under impressed but it was still fun to do. The best thing about it was the cost. It was the first "cheap" thing we did all week. After we had our treat we went to the airport. We spent 2 hours in the United Lounge eating dinner and relating. Our flight was a red eye. The girls slept for most of it and for the 2 hour drive home.
Hands down the best Cox vacation to date.
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Ski Week
The girls were requesting a snowy vacation for ski week this year. Last year we did a cruise so I felt I should find something at least cold for them. We decided it was the perfect time to head to Chicago to visit Great-Grandpa. We woke up very early for a 6am flight. The girls have become amazing travelers. They help with bags, carry their boosters and wait patiently whenever need be. Our flight had some great tail wind, we landed after only 3 hours. Megan picked us up and took us to Grandpa's. The girls were so excited to see their cousins. That evening we went out for dinner for Megan's birthday. The kids enjoyed riding in Megan's "Fun car." That night they even tried to have a sleepover downstairs. Addy came up when she started having night mares. I was glad to have someone to cuddle with.
The next day the kids were able to play in the snow. They were both excited to shovel, make snow angels and throw snow at me. It was definitely a high light of the trip. Later in the afternoon we went to my Dad's cousins house for an ice cream party. The kids ran around and used up some of their energy. Addy was able to meet the other Addie. That night the kids played games before heading to bed (upstairs this time).
The next morning Megan's family left. We spent the day playing in the snow. We made a snow man and a snow kitten. Grandpa took us to the store to get food and then we spent the evening play games and doing puzzles.
The flight home was a bit more eventful. Our flight was delayed, and then pushed up to leave on time. The winds were against us this time. Our flight ended up being over 5 hours. The girls did well but of course were ready to get home.
Once we got home, we were greeted by Justin and Grammie. The girls spent the next three days playing with Grammie. They had such a good time. We went out for ice cream, and to a bird sanctuary. Addy even cried when it was time for her to leave. I promised she would be back again.
The next day the kids were able to play in the snow. They were both excited to shovel, make snow angels and throw snow at me. It was definitely a high light of the trip. Later in the afternoon we went to my Dad's cousins house for an ice cream party. The kids ran around and used up some of their energy. Addy was able to meet the other Addie. That night the kids played games before heading to bed (upstairs this time).
The next morning Megan's family left. We spent the day playing in the snow. We made a snow man and a snow kitten. Grandpa took us to the store to get food and then we spent the evening play games and doing puzzles.
The flight home was a bit more eventful. Our flight was delayed, and then pushed up to leave on time. The winds were against us this time. Our flight ended up being over 5 hours. The girls did well but of course were ready to get home.
Once we got home, we were greeted by Justin and Grammie. The girls spent the next three days playing with Grammie. They had such a good time. We went out for ice cream, and to a bird sanctuary. Addy even cried when it was time for her to leave. I promised she would be back again.
Friday, February 1, 2019
Egypt
The Cox girls only saw pyramids and sand storms through countless hours of video chats with Dad. However, the month was note worthy and worth getting on paper.
The first week Justin was gone, Alexa had soccer try outs. It was single handily the most stressful week in the last few years. Crazy, right? Something so minor like second grade soccer compared to the real life adult issues we have dealt with sound off. However, bare with me. This week started with our new routine of getting everyone out the door by 7:20 every morning. There is no back-up, no, oops I will bring it to you at school, and certainly no sick days allowed. Somehow we managed to get to school and work every day for a month. Yes, I am tooting my own horn.
We are so blessed to have our Nanny, Jena. She makes sure the girls are where they need to be after school and even gets their school items put away. Monday morning that first week she took Alexa to try outs. Alexa did great. We were so pumped! Alexa is great at a lot of things.. sports aren't typically one of them. She of course wants more then anything to stay with her friends and have fun. This isn't the normal 8-10 weeks of soccer. This is 12 months of training, tournaments, parties and then the season in the fall. (Big deal stuff in the eyes of an 8 year old) After the second day of try outs we began our wait... and waiting... and waiting. On the third day I was feeling the gray hairs pop through my scalp. (I have actual evidence of this) I called the coach. After a discussion I don't wish I relive, Alexa had a spot on the team. Crises diverted, onto the next big deal.
A couple months back I did the math and realized Alexa was going to be 100 months old soon. Addy and I surprised her by decorating the house. She was so excited. It is silly and doesn't have significant meaning. However, in our house we choose to celebrate life whenever we can. For 100 months I have been blessed with the sweetest daughter I could have ever asked for. She was more then I could have imagined a child would be. I pray that she knows her own worth.
Addy plays B-Ball now. She was asked to play on a team with her friends a few months back. She instantly said yes but made it clear she had no idea what basketball was. Her first practice she stood under the net and took a ball to the face. Once she had a bit more time to understand what was happening she started to really enjoy it. Addy's strengths include arguing with the ref on technicalities, making team chants on the bench, lots of water breaks and defense. We are focusing on the last one the best we can. She understands if she wants her team to win, she needs to get the ball from the stinky boys as quickly as she can. She hasn't quite gotten the strength to make a basket yet. She does put up a fair number of attempts. It's been a fun experience for us all. However, if I was betting person... I would put my money on soccer.
Rugby! Alexa finished her first season of rugby. Such a fun experience. She learned something brand new and wasn't afraid to make a mistake. She even played her first outdoor game in downpouring rain. Not many San Diego kids can say that.
There were more birthday parties then I can count. The girls are in the sweet stage of life where everyone is friends with everyone they have ever met or even just shared room air with. In turn it means weekends packed with bowling, pedicures and birthday cake.
The last big thing this month was Lego League Expo. Alexa's team, the Coyote Astronauts competed for the second year at Legoland. The kids did a great job and showed huge improvements from last year. Afterwards we rode rides and played with our friends. It was the first year that the second graders were able to ride rides alone. They are getting so big!
After a busy month, Justin made it home. At the time it felt like a very long time. In the grand scheme of things, it was just a blink.
The first week Justin was gone, Alexa had soccer try outs. It was single handily the most stressful week in the last few years. Crazy, right? Something so minor like second grade soccer compared to the real life adult issues we have dealt with sound off. However, bare with me. This week started with our new routine of getting everyone out the door by 7:20 every morning. There is no back-up, no, oops I will bring it to you at school, and certainly no sick days allowed. Somehow we managed to get to school and work every day for a month. Yes, I am tooting my own horn.
We are so blessed to have our Nanny, Jena. She makes sure the girls are where they need to be after school and even gets their school items put away. Monday morning that first week she took Alexa to try outs. Alexa did great. We were so pumped! Alexa is great at a lot of things.. sports aren't typically one of them. She of course wants more then anything to stay with her friends and have fun. This isn't the normal 8-10 weeks of soccer. This is 12 months of training, tournaments, parties and then the season in the fall. (Big deal stuff in the eyes of an 8 year old) After the second day of try outs we began our wait... and waiting... and waiting. On the third day I was feeling the gray hairs pop through my scalp. (I have actual evidence of this) I called the coach. After a discussion I don't wish I relive, Alexa had a spot on the team. Crises diverted, onto the next big deal.
A couple months back I did the math and realized Alexa was going to be 100 months old soon. Addy and I surprised her by decorating the house. She was so excited. It is silly and doesn't have significant meaning. However, in our house we choose to celebrate life whenever we can. For 100 months I have been blessed with the sweetest daughter I could have ever asked for. She was more then I could have imagined a child would be. I pray that she knows her own worth.
Addy plays B-Ball now. She was asked to play on a team with her friends a few months back. She instantly said yes but made it clear she had no idea what basketball was. Her first practice she stood under the net and took a ball to the face. Once she had a bit more time to understand what was happening she started to really enjoy it. Addy's strengths include arguing with the ref on technicalities, making team chants on the bench, lots of water breaks and defense. We are focusing on the last one the best we can. She understands if she wants her team to win, she needs to get the ball from the stinky boys as quickly as she can. She hasn't quite gotten the strength to make a basket yet. She does put up a fair number of attempts. It's been a fun experience for us all. However, if I was betting person... I would put my money on soccer.
Rugby! Alexa finished her first season of rugby. Such a fun experience. She learned something brand new and wasn't afraid to make a mistake. She even played her first outdoor game in downpouring rain. Not many San Diego kids can say that.
There were more birthday parties then I can count. The girls are in the sweet stage of life where everyone is friends with everyone they have ever met or even just shared room air with. In turn it means weekends packed with bowling, pedicures and birthday cake.
The last big thing this month was Lego League Expo. Alexa's team, the Coyote Astronauts competed for the second year at Legoland. The kids did a great job and showed huge improvements from last year. Afterwards we rode rides and played with our friends. It was the first year that the second graders were able to ride rides alone. They are getting so big!
After a busy month, Justin made it home. At the time it felt like a very long time. In the grand scheme of things, it was just a blink.
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