Sweet Sixteen

Kels and Lil' TK turned "Sweet Sixteen" on 12/29. Ang planned a surprise party that actually worked! Friends of the kids helped send out invites via text and everyone was at the WowZone on time...even to the point of the funny uncles text-bombing Ang to find where they were.

Friends and family enjoyed supper in the private conference room and then went off to play games. Laser tag was the popular choice as was bowling.

A way-too-big cake helped to end the celebration on a sugary high note. The next day, Kels and Lil' TK took their driver's license tests and both passed!

What a great way to end 2013.

 

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

Winter Sports 2013

Winter has arrived at the Shack. Brutal cold and winds are reminding us that we live in the land of extremes here in Minnesota. With the cold comes Winter Sports for Kels and Lil' TK - and by association, Ang and Big TK as well.

Kels has become a hockey fan and is looking forward to spending her winter months cheering on the Scarlets at the local ice rink. The team has started the season 2-0 with some big wins and everyone is saying this is the year for them to make a run at State. She was recognized at school as a "Shining Scarlet" with a small awards ceremony and continental breakfast. Shining Scarlets are nominated by the teachers each quarter. Kels was nominated by her Phy Ed teacher for her leadership and positive attitude.

Lil' TK was voted in as one of the Captains of the Wrestling team. He is the youngest of the 4 Captains and is looking forward to good season improving his strength and skill. The team is young but does have someone for every weight class which means they won't be losing points to forfeits. December will be busy with home meets on Thursdays and out of town tournaments on Saturdays in addition to practice on the non-meet week days but the practice is good and the meets are fun.


Having a son voted Captain means Big TK and Ang will be busy planning the food to feed the hungry wrestlers after each home meet, the big youth tournament in January and the end of the season banquet.

With all the sports and awards going on, Ang has not had the time or motivation to decorate for Christmas. This year Christmas Eve will be much different as God-Daughter, Katerbean, will be visiting her Grandmother in Oregon over the holidays. This will be the first Christmas Eve without Katerbean...but the kids are getting older and changes are bound to happen.

Right after Christmas, Kels and Lil' TK turn Sweet 16. The holidays are always such a hectic, but exciting time of the year. You'd think by now Ang would be more organized and ready for the chaos...

*´¨)¸.• ´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

The Birthday

Ang turned the dreaded 4-0 on January 28th. It was a great day despite the negative connotations. The entire crew met up with Ang's brother and his wife for lunch in the cities. Longtime friend, JM, joined the crew as well. Jake's City Grille in Eden Prairie has great food and that special "Jake's sauce" that makes everything taste better.

Later, the crew returned home to a small gathering of friends and family for cake and ice cream. C-Munster, Tedna and Katerbean brought Ang a bouquet of beautiful roses. For Ang's 30th...they brought 30 carnations. Ang is digging this tradition...


Big TK, Ang and Shi went out for a bit after the festivities at the shack ended.

All in all...there really wasn't anything to dread and it was a great birthday.

*´¨)¸.• ´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)

(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

and still MORE basketball...

Kels and the 7th Grade West Red team have been improving and winning tournaments. Click the blog title to watch the Championship game at the Coon Rapids tournament which was played the end of January.

The team got trophies for each player, a bigger trophy for the coach and pink championship shirts with "We're so good, YOUR mom cheers for us!" on the back. It was a great weekend...the girls worked hard.

Lil' TK sprained his ankle at school basketball practice and has been out of commission for the last week. A visit to the Athletic Trainer at West High School helped to get a therapy program in place so that he can rejoin his school and traveling basketball teams as well as get ready for Royals baseball tryouts.

Big TK and Acoustic Inc. have been out and about entertaining bar patrons with their fun and light acoustic show.

Lil' TK and Kels turned 13 at the end of December. The most exciting part? They could put their real age on Facebook! In addition to all the sports programs they are involved in, they are both doing well in school and seem to enjoy participating in FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) with some of their fellow classmates/team-mates.

The winter in Minnesota is reminding us all that it is definitely in charge. Supposedly the Groundhog did not see his shadow and spring is just around the corner....but considering how much snow is out there, it will take until the 4th of July for it all to melt! There is concern that flooding will be an issue when all the white stuff does start melting. Fingers crossed that preparations are in place to keep the damage to as minimal as possible.

*´¨)¸.• ´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)

(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

Merry Christmas

Big TK won the "most excited about their gifts" designation at Christmas Eve with the family. Underwear, socks and t-shirts brought about the glee. Lil' TK and Kels were thrilled with their gifts and seemed to enjoy having Aunt Jackie, cousins Jacob, Cary, Teresa and Kate along with Gramma Nita hanging out at their home for the festivities. As usual there was too much food but the mood was cheerful and relaxing.

Santa made his appearance bright and early Christmas morning surprising Lil' TK with a real guitar of his very own and Kels with the "Bearpaws" boots she's been wishing for.

Next up for the Kopp Crew...birthdays! Lil' TK and Kels turn 13 this year.

Teenagers. Yikes.  

*´¨)¸.• ´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)

(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love