Spring Break 2011

Disney Wonder
Mexican Riviera 2011

Spring break couldn’t come fast enough this year.  We had all been looking forward to our Disney Cruise for so long!  Eric’s Mom (Lani, or better known as Grandma G), Sister (Cathy) and Brother-in-law (Steve) were also joining us on the cruise.  We were all ready to leave the Northwest clouds behind for some blue skies and bright sun.

We flew from Portland, OR to Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, April 2^nd.  The Youngs helped us out by taking us to the airport between General Conference sessions.  We arrived at the terminal on Saturday with plenty of time to visit with other travelers and meet the performing musician in the airport rotunda.  He played a few of our favorites and then turned the stage over to us for awhile.  Austin entertained travelers going through security with the sweet sounds of Jim Brickman and then a little Pirates of the Caribbean.

Watch out LA here we come!  I had a hard time when we landed.  The sky looked a lot like it did in Portland.  Luckily, that didn't last long. Saturday night we stayed in a hotel that was near the port so we could board the ship early Sunday morning.  That evening we celebrated Cathy’s 40^th Birthday at a pizza parlor down the street then came back to the pool to watch Tanner battle with the underwater running suit his track coach had let him borrow to stay in shape while on the cruise.  What a funny sight!

Our cruise was a 7-night Mexican Riviera trip.  We left port on Sunday, April  3^rd and set sail for Cabo San Lucas.  On board the ship everything was done in true Disney fashion.  Before we could step foot on the ship the family was announced to the crew and other passengers over the PA system.  “A big welcome to the Sork family.”  We then went through a receiving line of the captain and crew.  From that moment forward you were made to feel like you were the most important person on board the ship.

We had a day a few days at sea between our ports of call.  There was always something to do on board no matter the time of day.  McKenna really enjoyed the Oceaneer’s Club and Lab.  She met a lot of new friends.  Everyday there was some kind of new craft to make and several fabulous activities like Ratatouille Cooking School,  Mad Science with Flubber and a Royal Ball with Cinderella.  It was hard to break her away to do stuff with the family.  She got to take part in a High School Musical play that was broadcast to another Disney Cruise ship.  She also was part of a good-bye production in the big theater at the end of the cruise.

McKenna Performing in the Disney Wonder Friendship Rocks Show

McKenna in the Oceaneers Lab crafting with her friends

McKenna participating in the High School Musical Competition

McKenna's Red Carpet Debut

 

The boys didn’t get as involved in their age group activities.  There was a teen club, “The Vibe,” where they could go hang out, play games, watch movies and meet other teens on the boat.  They had some great activities for the boys to participate in like a Dance Party, Gender Wars, a Basketball Tourney and a “Gotcha” Challenge.  The activities the boys did participate in were a lot of fun.

Tanner and Austin hanging out in the VIBE, the teen club on Disney Wonder

There were a lot of family activities to participate in.  A few that we chose to do were:  Pictionary, Mickey’s Raceway, The Generation Game, Trivia Challenge,  Through the Decades Dance Party, Karaoke, and the Guest Talent Show.  

Building Our Racer
The supplies: a potato, a carrot, 4 wheels and 4 nails

No pressure for a team that has the experience of at least 13 pinewood derby cars behind them.

The race is over, now its time for a snack.

Keri Performing a rap in the generation game - you should have seen the hip hop routine!

Decade Dance Party with the Whole Family

Pictionary Anyone?

Tanner rocking the house on Karaoke Night

Austin performing "He's A Pirate" in the Guest Talent Show 

One night the whole ship was overrun with pirates.  There was a Pirate party all night long on the decks.  It culminated in a large firework show over the ocean.  

The evening shows were spectacularly done in Disney style.  Every night was a different treat ranging from Broadway style shows to standup (family-friendly) comedians and magicians.  How they could transform the theater was amazing.  One second you were under the sea surrounded by bubbles the next you were on a snowy slope with Beauty and the Beast.  Then instantly the theater transforms and you are under a starry sky wishing upon a star and your fairy godmother appears to make your dreams come true.  It was breathtaking.

Of course you can’t talk about a cruise without talking about the food.  We had a week of excellent food.  Tanner ate steak every night and McKenna was pleased as punch with her chicken nuggets night after night.   Carson was looking forward all week to getting to try the lobster (which he really liked, by the way) so it was a big deal when he finally got it. 

Laurie was so excited to finally bring Carson his lobster and show him how to shell it.
They both were looking forward to this night all week!

Our wait staff was the best!  Laurie and Edwin were fast friends.  We still miss them.  They really took their time to get to know each of us and extra time visiting and joking with us.  Edwin would have a riddle for us each night and we would bring him some.  Laurie kept McKenna so happy because of his ketchup bas-relief art.   I think that is why she kept ordering chicken nuggets.  She wanted to see what else he could do.  

Edwin teaching the gentlemen how to make paper roses for their ladies.

Each night Edwin had a new riddle for us to solve, or some trick to show us.

Edwin (from the Philippines) and Laurie (England) were almost like family by the week’s end.  There were a few tears shed when it came time to say good-bye to them.

Our ports of call were just as exciting as our days on the ship.  Our first port, Cabo San Lucas, we trecked off the boat to a local resort and spent the day by and in the beautiful pools at the pool bar and along the ocean.  We practically had the whole resort and staff to ourselves.  Eric did a lot of research up front and found this place rather than book something with the cruise ship or right off the dock.    We were able to get away from the crowds and enjoy the sun and sand.  Pool volleyball was a highlight especially since Eric, Keri and Cathy creamed Tanner, Austin and Carson.

In Puerto Vallarta we all booked a Pirate boat excursion.   It was a fun way to spend the day.  We were entertained and waited upon by pirates.  They took us to a beach where there were many activities to participate in:  snorkeling, kayaking, speed boat activities, a treasure hunt and beach games.  We even ate pirate food (it was quite good) down in the galley of the ship. 

 

Because of some unrest in Mazatlan, we were not able to make that port of call and ended up going back to Cabo San Lucas.  We took this day to mingle with the natives.  It is nice that Eric can speak Spanish it allows us to travel outside of the tourist area a little and get a better feel for the culture.  We tried to get Tanner to use a little of his Spanish, but he was too embarrassed.  We spent time looking at the local architecture, found a local school to view, visited with local artists, and did some souvenir shopping.  A trip to Mexico wouldn’t be complete without trying the local cuisine.  We found the best place for a mole meal.  I wasn’t a fan of the dish before this trip, but I am now.  We were serenaded by a mariachi band and learned firsthand about the song, La Cucaracha.

We have memories to last a lifetime from this trip.  It was a great way to spend our spring break!

The Union High School Chamber Choir

As many of you know Tanner’s Chamber Choir from Union HS was recently invited to attend the MENC Conference (The National Association for Music Education – Northwest Conference) in Bellevue, Washington this past week.  They were invited as one of four high schools in a six state area (Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming) to perform at this conference.  It was quite an honor.

Following their 7 song performance, they received a standing ovation that continued until they were well out of the room. The audience felt the music and messages they were trying to convey.  Their sacred songs brought tears to many in the audience and their Indian piece had jaws dropped in utter surprise and disbelief.

Tanner has been involved in this choir since his sophomore year, which is quite an accomplishement.  The choir consists of 33 students (mostly juniors and seniors) chosen by the director, Mr. Iverson, through an intense audition process.  Tanner acknowledges his training in the piano has given him a great advantage (I think I even have gotten a few "Thank you, Mom, for making me do it.").  These students meet in class everyday during the school year and are also members of the Select Men's and Women's ensembles.  They all have had advanced training in sol-fege, sight-reading, and rhythm reading.  Besides their class hours, these dedicated students have rehearsed up to five hours per week outside of class time for two months leading up to this performance.

Tanner's choir is not new in the spotlight.  They have received many awards and honors.  For example, they have placed in all categories in the State Solo and Ensemble Contests since their formation.  Last year Tanner helped the Select Men's Ensemble win 1st place at the WIAA State Solo and Ensemble Contest for the third year in a row.  They are hoping for a fourth win this year.

We are the U!

Valentine, Be Mine!

I think one of the traditions my kids look forward to the most in our home is our Valentine's Dinner.  I started this years ago as a way to teach my kids proper table manners, and they have really enjoyed it.  I usually send my family a special invitation inviting them to a formal valentine dinner.   In the beginning we focused a lot on the basics like chewing with your mouth closed and saying please and thank you.  From there we advanced to where to put your napkin, which fork to use, proper table conversation, etc.   We even had a dance after dinner one year where we taught proper dance etiquette.  Lots of fun memories!

This year I had just finished reading the book, Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas.  I loved how the main character in the book kept history alive by storytelling.  I realized I don't tell my kids enough stories.  I talked to Eric about this and we decided to make this night a storytelling night about our families history.  Eric put together a little quiz about our courtship and marriage to see what the kids knew about us.  How did we meet?  What was our first date?  When did Dad try and kiss Mom for the first time?  How many times did Dad propose?  How long did we date before we got engaged?  The kids loved the answers, but most of all the stories that went along with them.  It made us real to them, not just Mom and Dad.

My valentine gave me these gorgeous roses
with a sweet card saying he still had the biggest crush on me,
then to show me he took the day off work
and helped me prepare for our dinner.

Since this night I am trying to tell more stories about my life and the people I love to my children.  I hope it will help them understand who I am and build strength in our relationships.

Happy Birthday, Austin!

January 28th
15 years
Austin’s birthday was a big deal this year, so big they cancelled school for the day.  Not really, but we used the day off to celebrate this amazing young man!

Austin woke up to find a wrapped gift, sitting on the doorstep for him.  One of his best friends had a dance competition she had to leave for early in the morning, but she wanted Austin to know she was thinking of him on his special day.   She knows him well – who could go wrong giving Austin food for a gift, and sugared cereal at that?!  This was the first of many pleasant surprises from friends and admirers. 

One of the big items of business today was for Austin to get his driver’s permit.  He is enrolled in Big John’s driving school, so we must get him behind the wheel.  We went to the department of licensing and then to the church parking lot to practice.

With all that work and stress of driving in an empty parking lot and then home on the real road, Austin worked up quite an appetite.  I took him to Red Robin for his birthday burger.  He also needed an appetizer, freckled lemonade and ice cream Sunday.  Look at how happy he is!

Because of Austin’s busy schedule this month (driving class three days a week, mutual and indoor soccer the other two with sports conditioning a few days a week after school) it was really difficult to plan an official party.  But Austin wanted to get the family together to share his birthday dinner and mud pie.  We learned a lot about Austin in our getting to know you game.  Did you know that over his 15 years Austin has had 7 broken bones, played on 6 different soccer teams, and he wouldn’t tell us how many girlfriends he has had or currently has.  One thing we do know, we all love Austin and appreciate him being a part of our family.

Winter Vacation

We LOVE winter vacation:  A little break from sporting events, lots of time to spend with the family, life just slows down a bit and it's nice.

Even Mom can find time to sit and read a bit during winter break.

Before Christmas Tanner and Austin went with Grandma Marsha and Emily to Disneyland for their "Teen Disney Trip."  It was a "teen trip"  because the magic of Disney for a teen is different than experienced as a child or an adult.  Tanner, Austin and Emily were able to see and experience things in their fullness, things they will never experience again at any other time in their lives.  For example, who other than a teen will break the record for the most consecutive rides on Splash Mountain.  These crazy teens rode Splash 14 times in a row without getting out of their log.

Only teens will wake up at 6 in the morning to go get the coveted, much sought after Disneyland candy canes that are made only during the holiday season then stay the entire day and shut down the park.

Disney's Handmade Candy Canes:  A Hot Commodity at the Candy Palace
With limited batches made during the holidays, only the most dedicated park guests get to try this Disney treat.

Austin got sick and spent an entire day of the trip in the hotel room, wishing he was home with his mom.  I am sure it was from eating all the unlimited food in the concierge lounge.

During their trip California was experiencing the biggest rain storm it has seen for years. It gave the "teens" the run of the park.  No one in their right mind, but a Washingtonian Teen would be out in that and enjoying it. Everything came home soaked!   I wish I had pictures to post of their experience, but they didn't take any.  No worries, I am sure the boys will remember this trip forever.

After Christmas we had Emily come and stay with us for the week and New Year's Eve celebrations.  During that week we decided to take everyone up to Mount Hood.  We rented a cabin at the Cooper Spur Resort where we spent time playing in the snow, eating and gaming together.  The next morning we got up and went skiing and snowboarding.

Day is done, we had so much fun!

This was McKenna, Carson, and Emily's first ski/snowboarding experience.  By the end of the day we were all pooped, but everyone had a really good time, learned how to get on and off the chairlifts and had some great runs in the fresh powder left from the recent storms.