Who Needs A Fancy Camera?

I often think about blogging but never feel like anything exciting is going on.  Just life....I think maybe its because I don't have the pictures to accompany the events or because the events seem like they are on repeat.   When the kids were younger there were a lot of firsts. Or maybe we did more with the kids.  Now they are all teens and have their own adventures to blog about. Or tweet. Or snapchat. Maybe its because Richard and I have been making our own adventures.  Maybe its because when you pull out the fancy camera the scowls and eye rolls and weird faces and ughs come out.  HA!  Regardless, we are still enjoying adventures down in hot, humid Florida.

Here's a little recap of the summer...in no particular order.

 Gretchen has fully recovered from the hip surgery she had back in February.  She was a remarkable patient and followed the surgeon's orders exactly.  It paid off because he let her start to ease back into dancing in June and she got her full release in August. This was WAY ahead of schedule. She is back with her dance team and enjoyed several days of sleep away boot camp at the beginning of August.  These girls spent their days dancing and their evenings team building and roasting marshmallows around a campfire.  

 They are the sweetest bunch of girls and truly saved the day during her surgery.  They brought over so many meals and bed rest activities.  There were frequent visits and FaceTime calls to brighten her days.  We are extremely grateful for these ladies and their families for their service.

 Our girl, Roxy, or as we call her around here, Richard's girlfriend, got sick this summer.  We noticed she had been a little extra lazy and not really eating as much.  We kept thinking it was because Charlie was gone. (After 14 years, Charlie had to be put down due to some serious back problems. It was heartbreaking.  I miss that little guy everyday.) Roxy ended up getting worse and was having some serious digestion issues.  After several tests and a couple of days at the Vet, we found out she had gastroenteritis and it was quite severe.  They kept her hooked up to fluids and antibiotics to eliminate inflammation.  She seems to be doing better now.  We have her on a prescription food and can not feed her anything other than that. No treats, no people food, etc.  She gives you some sad eyes when you eat snacks now and don't share.     

 Richard and I celebrated our 20th anniversary! Aug 9, 1996... really seems like yesterday. Its fresh in my mind, being in DC getting married and having fun at our reception with all our family and friends.  I can still remember the delicious wedding cake....pound cake, a true southern girl's fav. The past 20 years have flown by but are full of wonderful memories.  Richard truly is my best friend and I am thrilled to spend many more years with him. 

 Dallin spent some time this summer visiting and hanging out with his longtime buddy, Trevor.  This pic is Dallin picking up the little bro, Porter from school.  Dallin had a blast in Dallas and can't wait to go back for more gun shooting, late night burger runs, water parks, sonic runs and fun!

 After living here for 4 years we finally decided to buy season passes to one of the parks.  Our kids all wanted Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure passes, so we have been sneaking away here and there riding roller coasters and people watching.  They had a special pass holder evening this summer which allowed Richard and I to ride some of the more popular rides without the long waits.  The Hulk had just opened up and was definitely thrilling.  Its the lit up coaster in the background.  Of course, we rode all the Harry Potter rides and enjoyed some butter beer ice-cream! 

 On a day to day basis, I really don't feel that old. This is a different story when one of my kids hits a milestone.  This year has been a BIG year for Dallin.  He graduated from high school and early morning seminary.  He turned 18 and registered to vote. Just a few weeks ago he was made an elder in our church.  All of these have been huge events for him and remind me what a fantastic young man he is.  He is currently taking online college classes with BYU-I and preparing for his 2 year church mission.  I am incredibly proud of him.  

 Our 5th nephew and 4th niece were born to Richard's brother and sister-in-law.  They are adorable and loved by so many, especially big sister, Edie.  Nieces and nephews are super fun.  We look forward to our visits with them all. Its one of the downsides to not living in NC with all our family. We don't get nearly enough hugs and kisses as this aunt would like. 

 For the first time EVER I got to get away alone.  I have traveled with just Richard but never flown or traveled alone.   I was able to visit my long time friend, Shannon in TX.  There is nothing like a long talks, big hugs and yummy food to soothe the soul.  Shannon has always been a great friend to have and I appreciate her advice and thoughts.  Friends are the ones who love you despite your flaws.  They make you want to be better and help you find a way to achieve it.  I'm already looking forward to a return trip.  

Our summer got off to a fantastic start with our besties in VA!  We love the Most family and are excited to see their family grow.  We can't wait to meet the newest Most arriving in just a couple of months.  When we first met them back in TN, they had no kids and ours were little.  We have lots of pictures from our adventures with them and as we always do, enjoyed our Richmond adventures during this visit. Lots of late nights laughing, playing with kiddos and tasty food.  They introduced us to Sugar Shack donuts and cheap vintage records! True friends lead you to the donuts.  :) 

So even though we rarely pull out our fancy camera, we are still making memories, spending time with loved ones and being grateful everyday for our family and friends.  

Love,

Stacey

HE MADE IT!! Graduation 2016

May 27, 2016 we celebrated, congratulated and got a little weepy as our oldest child, Dallin graduated from Olympia High School.  I'm not going to lie, there were a few days these past 4 years when I could not see the diploma at the end of the tunnel.  Moving to a new city and state at the start of high school probably wasn't the best idea.  Lucky for us, Dallin never gave up, never let a couple of inadequate teachers, ridiculous peers or back surgery stop him.  He is a brilliant child.  He's got a mind like a steel trap.  He craves knowledge and seeks it....(unfortunately, sometimes his quest for learning only applied to the topics he had an interest in).  He finished strong, earning a 4.0 his senior year and we could not be more proud of him!  

Before graduation, we had a talented friend, who happens to be a professional photographer take some senior pictures of him.  She did a great job capturing the things he loves:  his car & junk food, as well as capturing his "mature" side.  We love this kid to pieces.  He makes me smile, he teaches me about something almost every day, he makes me proud and I can not wait to see all the great things the future has in store for him.  

He is taking classes this fall at Valenica College, here in Orlando, while he waits for his mission call for the LDS church.  He won't turn his papers in until after his birthday (July).  He says he wants to stay stateside....I think he is nervous about the potential food choices outside of the US.  Once he returns from his mission, his plan is to attend NC State.  (GO WOLFPACK!)  Whatever he does and wherever he goes it will be an amazing adventure!  

We love you Dallin! 

Congrats Grad! Class of 2016! 

 Cheetos, candy and soda! 

Hawaiian shoes 

 Hoonigan Tees

 Senior parking spot...the evil M (Mazda)

Proud Parents! 

So, 3 years later....

There's nothing like a little neglect and denial to get a girl blogging again.  We left TN and I never blogged again.  HA!  Time to start anew.  Where to begin? My kids are all HUGE!  All 3 are taller than me...and obviously smarter than me.  Just ask them, they will tell you.  Here's the low down: 

Our girl, Gretchen, is now 12 and 1/2 years old.  She is currently in 7th grade and homeschooled.  As we all remember, middle school is tough, socially, emotionally, academically and it was time to take control.  She is a happy girl now.  She is also a dancing machine.  She dances 6 days a week at Ready Set Dance and is on the competition dance team.  She loves it and pretty much dances all day around the house, the store, the church...anywhere with a floor.  She loves all things that have to do with make up, clothes, shopping, youtube, dance, music and Vampire Diaries.  She brings laughter and uncontrollable giggles. Seriously, once she starts you can not stop her. Its contagious!  She is our family sweetheart. 

Parker, 14 1/2, is now the tallest in our family and continues to grow daily.  At last check he was over 6 ft tall and still growing.  He absolutely hates having his picture taken.  You have to sneak up on him .This is his first year of high school and early morning seminary.  Like his mom, he'd be a much bigger fan of late night seminary.  He is also currently being homeschooled and loving it.  Dallin takes him to seminary and dad or I pick him up.  He may be a quiet kid but when he does talk he's a smart one.  He is super witty and very quick with comebacks.  He's a great problem solver, maybe because he spends more time watching and listening.  He is a lover all things xbox.  His current favs are Destiny and Battlefield.  He is about to start driver's ed and has requested a 69 Impala or a Corvette.  

This kid in less than a year will leave for 2 years on his mission.  Dallin, 17, is a senior in high school.  He does have early release daily, so senioritis isn't so bad.  Everyday I look at him and think how fast time has flown by.  Everyone says it but until you experience it and look into the face of your grown child still remembering the chubby cheeked kid...it just doesn't hit home.  He is our resident "ask the expert".  He remembers everything he hears and reads.  When my kids ask me something, I refer them to Dallin.  If he doesn't know he will by the end of the day.  He loves all things cars, with an extra dash of electronics.  He still only has eyes for NC State after high school and his mission, which makes his mom proud and happy.  He has been working for the last 6 months at a doctor's office as a office assistant/file manager.  He loves it and the free lunches from all the drug reps!  He's an amazingly talented kid and can do anything he puts his mind to.  

This guy is the love of my life.  He keeps me grounded and calm and focused.  He makes me laugh every day, even in the midst of trials.  He is the most hardworking person and does so much to serve others. He gives 100% at work, at church , to friends and at home. I'm not convinced he hasn't found out how to squeeze a couple more hours out of the day.  He loves an adventure, a long drive with the windows down, a great meal and to spend time with our family.  He loves the FL sunshine, puffy clouds and warm winters.  These days, the kids are convinced he now has a favorite child....

Roxy! We have rescued pets before but this girl was the best decision we've made in a while.  It took some convincing on Parker and my parts.  Bringing a pit bull in the house, no matter how cute, is brave.  This girl is the sweetest, most loving animal I have ever met.  She greets you at the door.  She loves hugs and kisses.  She is loyal and smart.  I don't know why her previous owners gave her up but they were FOOLS!  For those of you wondering, Charlie is still around, almost 13 years old, and Buddy, our persnickety cat is still around.  He and Roxy have a typical sibling relationship.  Roxy wants to play, Buddy wants to smack Roxy, Roxy chases Buddy, Buddy lays in Roxy's bed and drinks her water....you know, teasing. 

And yes, Roxy has narcolepsy, sleeps on every surface in the house and loves pillows.  

So, life in sunny FL is good.  We are enjoying the sunshine, the beaches and the weather. We miss our friends and family spread around the country.  As for me, I am busy with the homeschooling, dog walking, being a mom type stuff.  Life is good and we are blessed.  There have been answered prayers and tender mercies all around.  

Until next time,

Stacey

Its Time to Say Goodbye to All Our Friends

We had a little going away party for the kiddos.  By little I mean 2 dozen kids all laughing, roasting hot dogs, melting s'mores and having fun. It was great night to have one last evening with all the gang! I am so thankful the kids have made such wonderful friends while we have been in TN.  We are leaving with tons of awesome memories of sleepovers, movies, gym meets, school day parties and events, museum days, scouts, backyard campouts, birthdays, swimming and fun times.  Hoping we see them all soon!


Parker and his buddies

A little wrestling

Dancing

Nerf Wars

Games

LOTS of drinking

Dallin and his buds & budettes

Group Dance-off

Gretchen and the girls

HMS Christmas Band Concert

Dallin getting ready for his solo part in the "Bugler's Holiday".

Part of the trumpet section ready for their debut.

His band buddies after the concert. Carter, Jesse, Julie, Dallin, Best and Miguel ready to head out for their icecream celebration.

Dallin had his Christmas concert last week. The 8th grade band played a mix of Christmas tunes and band music for their song selections. Dallin loves the band, playing the trumpet and his band buddies.

1st Piano Recital

Gretchen started taking piano lessons in April of this year. She absolutely loves to go see Ms. June and I never have to remind her to practice. She plays a great Jackson 5's ABC and we love to hear her play Rocky Top. She had her 1st piano recital this past Friday. She seemed a little surprised when she found out people would be watching besides us, but I assured her it was everyone's families. She played the Star Wars theme song and O Christmas Tree (which was a last minute change up). She decided on Monday to switch songs so its a little slow. She did a great job and we are so thrilled that she is growing a talent.

What October Held for the Hopfer Gang

October is ALWAYS our busiest month. It always has been and if it ever slowed down, I honestly would not know what to do with myself. We have had 3 out of town gymnastics meets, 3 out of town band competitions, 4 football games, 6 birthday parties, Halloween festivities, 5 showings on the house-(which clearly was not enough but enough to make me clean it ALL the time), a jam packed work travel schedule for Richard and all the regular practices, hw, meetings, cleaning, cooking that comes with a family. We managed to squeeze in lots fun and laughs, family pictures by our bestie, Neal, and lots of photos of the events. I blogged a little today, so catch up with us.

Fall Break Fun at Gentry's Farm

This is one of my favorite places to go with the kiddos each year. Something about it makes for a super laid back, relaxing fall fun day at the farm. My kids never get tired or too old for it either, which makes it even more fun. This time we went for Fall Break with our buds and made some more great TN memories.

My favorite 10 year old

The boys waiting for the hay ride.

One day I am going to buy a cow...and not to eat, just like a pet cow. So, I guess I should get out of a neighborhood., huh?

The gang enjoying another perfect fall day in TN.

Every hay ride must end in a pumpkin for my biggest pumpkin head....and the little pumpkin heads too. Gentry's has the a great selection of pumpkins: big, med, small, super tiny, orange, white, yellow, green and even flat. Love It!