Sea World/La Jolla Family Trip

We haven't been to Sea World in a few years and I decided it was time to go back. We planned an end of summer Family trip. Sadly, Mason chose not to come so he could clock more hours at work before school started back up. We missed Mason but we did have a fun short weekend trip. We got some much needed beach time (including unintended close up encounters with a sea lion) and plenty of playtime at Sea World. Sea World has always had a special place in my heart. We have taken all of our kids there since they were very young. It's just a magical place it has fun for all ages. April's absolute favorite things at sea world was riding the swing ride. 

We played in La Jolla Cove and really enjoyed watching the Se lions be very active jumping and playing with each other in and out of the water. We liked watching until one particular sea lion decided to jump up on the rock we were sitting on and literally kick us off "his spot" Haha Poor Noah got snapped at and with in inches of that sea lions mean mouth. 

The kids were so fun on the beach. At one point they let Ron and I go paddle board in the ocean while they babysat April and played on the shore. I love when my kids hang and play with each other.

Summer REC Water Polo Team

Mason and Noah both got to play together for Mesa High Rec team this summer. I LOVE going to their games and watching them play. We pause club waterpolo so they can participate. Weekly games every Saturday morning is so awesome to watch and participate. During club season we have to travel out of state if we want to watch the boys play in a real a waterpolo match/tournament. And I REALLY enjoyed watching them play together, they definitely had quite a few amazing plays every single game. Mason and Noah are really getting pretty good. I was pleasantly surprised at Noah's skills this season he had a lots of playtime and I think one of the highlights from the summer was when Noah outscored Mason in the Kino game. He texted me and Ron to brag about it haha! All season long at the practices I could hear their coach repeatedly labeling Noah as the favorite. During one of the practices Mesa High Team was scrimmaging against each other my boys were opposing each other and the life guard reffing couldn't figure out who the call was against Mason or Noah. Schuyler the head coach yells from across the pool "It was Mason's fault. Noah is an angel" LOL I thought that was pretty funny.

Mason has crazy endurance on the "field" the entire season he played most games the whole time. I'm not sure how he does that. I would drown for sure. I sure love this sport and I'm so proud of my boys. We went in the the water polo tournament ranked #1. Sadly, Mesa High ended up finishing in 4th place overall. The season didn't end exactly how we expected or wanted but it was really fun and I'm so proud of them. 

Noah Jr. guarding

 

So so so proud of this kid. He worked really hard serving at the pool as a junior guard this summer. He was awarded this at the end of the summer. Noah is so kind and hard working, I’m always happy when others notice and see what I see in my children. 

Callie's Synchro Competition

In Synchronized swimming at the end of the summer program they compete in two different main events the Duo/Trio Meet and the team competition. Callie was assigned to a Trio group. This year was a little different because she didn't get to pick her group and we were sad when we learned her and Aliah would not be competing on the same team. That said, Callie enjoyed making new friends and working hard on her routine. Her Trio group had so many complications this season. Between all the individual family vacations and reoccurring ear infections for Bella they did not get to completely practice their routine one single time all together in the water before the competition, not a single time. So crazy right?!?! Poor Bella had horrible ear infections all season that would not resolve so she had to practice on land the entire time. Callie and Autumn practiced as much as they could together with Bella watching. I'm so impressed with these girls pulling off a medal even with all those issues. They ended up placing 3rd overall in the competition I think there was about 20 Trio teams she competed against. Such a fun but REALLY REALLY long night.

The last and final competition of the season was their team competition. The Mesa Pool team size was so big they had 2 different teams for the competition. This time she got to compete on Aliah's team! Her Mesa Team got 2nd place out of all the Mesa pools. There's 8 pools in Mesa and each pool had 1 or 2 different teams. She was so happy with her 2nd place medal. 

Faler Family Reunion 2022

This summer for the Family Reunion we went back to the Cabin in Heber. We had so much fun and the weather was amazing. Hours and hours spent playing board games, card games, volleyball, yoga, late nights, yummy food and great company probably a little too much Mafia (I still can’t believe how many cumulative hours the kids played Mafia) AND a little too much Heart and soul at the piano. We look forward to this every year and I’m so glad everyone makes an effort to show up. Although we did miss Madison and Tanner. 

Notes for next years reunion: 

• I need to lift more weights to prep for holding Nathan in my arms
• Bring water toys/paddle boards for Willow Springs day trip
• Someone HAS to beat Mason at Egyptian War
• Bring a real volleyball