Family Reunion 2011

Say the word family reunion and most conjure up images of "older" people and lots of casseroles. However, this is one family reunion that we have come to look forward to. Many of my very extended cousins in my mom's family meet up every two years at Lake Murray for a weekend of outdoor fun.

Unfortunately, this year we had a scheduling conflict; after some discussion and a little girl begging, we decided that Delaney and Rick would go to her state softball tournament.

So, the boys, dog, and I all headed to Ardmore on our own. Baylor worried that I might not be able to drive that far by myself!
























It was 100+ outside when we arrived, but the boys were ready for a camp fire. Jax also thought that this was the "our" wood pile that we had collected two years ago.




















Considering the warm temperatures, we spent time by the pool. The boys really enjoyed the weekend adventure. Uncle Patrick and Aunt Julie took them for a round of putt-putt golf and they spent lots of time being boys outdoors. They especially enjoyed spending time with Justin.

Aunt Glenda tried to get everything in line for our next reunion in 2013.























The wind actually kept us from building a fire so we had to use the grill for s'mores.

For the Love of Softball

When you play SEVEN games in one day, not to mention the summer heat, you have to truly love the game. The Diamond Divias played two games in the morning for pool play, earning a second seed for the tournament. We left the park a little after noon to eat and then returned around 1:30 for our 2:00 game. From 2:00 on the girls played 5 straight games. For the most part, we were playing "fresh" teams, who had some sort of break. Even when it would look like the girls were down and out, they would come back.

During our fourth straight game, we were down by five runs, and up for last bat. We tied up the game, but had two outs on us. Another girl hit a single and then Delaney was up to bat. Even though she hadn't struck out since the first game of the day, I still was very nervous for her. She ended up hitting a double and then the girl following her hit the ball to knock two runners in, to win the game. The beauty of it was the girls had no idea what was on the line and were just playing ball. I love the innocence and the fact that they can just continue to have fun and play ball without the pressure.

Delaney did her fair share at playing catcher and didn't complain once. Honestly, she was still going strong in the last game. Our girl is turning into quite the softball player. You can just see the determination in her eyes to make a play.

We finished third and couldn't be more proud of these girls for their determination and perseverance.

Recital 2011

This year was Recital Rewind, featuring favorite dances over the past 20 years. Even though she dances throughout the year, there is still a different sparkle about her recital night. I love watching all of the girls perform. It just keep getting better every year.

Car Wash

Wind Beneath My Wings

Group performance: Raining Men

And because it's the best of the past 20years and a crowd and dancer favorite, Thriller. I've gotten my use out of this $5.oo costume.

Achievement

I can't say enough of how proud I am of all three of my children this year. They've all carried straight A's for the year in reading, math, spelling, and language. We were once again blessed with just the right teacher who brought out the very best in each of them. They all worked very hard on their math facts and AR goals and recieved awards.

Jax and Delaney were able to attend a field trip to Incredible pizza for being a top reader in their class (Jax came from behind to beat Baylor by a point. He was determined to earn a spot to Incredible Pizza). As a reading teacher, I know all the research and thoughts for and against Accelerated Reader. However, I can see it's value in motivating young students. While my kids enjoy reading, I do think it pushed and motivated them.

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After Little Olympics, we returned to the school where the top three students were recognized in each first grade class for AR Achievement. However, we were pleasantly surprised when they announced that Delaney was not only the top reader in her class, but the entire first grade. She was also quite surprised and very pleased to accept her additonal award. For a reading teacher mama, that's close to the academy award! J/K. I can't say as I can take much credit. While, I sometimes have to encourage/nudge the boys along in reading, she motivates herself all on her own. Once again seeing so many of my "own" students struggle with reading, I am extremely grateful that my own children have experienced early success with reading. When it comes down to it, I really don't care how many points they earn in AR, as long as they find joy in reading.

Back in class, Mrs. Davison presented some fun awards to each student. Jax and Baylor, along with their friend Layne received the "3 Muskateer" award for being inseperable. Delaney earned the "life saver" award for always being willing to help.

As I sat in their classroom, I just couldn't help but think how fast this year has flown by.

Little Olympics

While the kids have been busy with end of the year field trips and activities, we haven't been able to attend much. However, we both were able to make it the the First Grade Little Olympics, which was a lot of fun. Each student competed in 4 events: baseball throw, 30 yard dash, ball dash, and obstacle course. Previous to this day, they held qualifications and a student(s), with the best time ,in the three leg race, wheel barrow, and sack race were chosen to represent their class. Delaney represented her class in the girls 3 leg race and sack race. Jax represented his class in the boys 3 leg race. I think the crowd and student favorite came at the end during tug-of-war. Mrs. Davison's class fought hard for a second place finish.

Jax ended up with 3rd place in the 3 leg race, 3rd baseball throw, 3rd in 30 yard dash, 6th in obstacle course and 8th in big ball dash.

Baylor placed 2nd in the 30 yard dash, 5th in big ball dash, and 6th in baseball throw.

Delaney earned 1st in sack race, 1st in obstacle course, 1st in baseball throw, 1st in 3 leg race, 2nd in 20 yard dash, 3rd in obstacle course, 8th in big ball dash.

They are already looking forward to Second Grade Olympics!

Easter

Yes, Easter was a month ago, but my lap top was down, I was busy, and pretty much just neglectful when it came to keeping this updated. So, here's the belated Easter highlight. What should have been a warm beautiful sunny Easter, turned out to be cold and wet. While we missed some of the outdoor activities, the kids had a blast playing with their cousins

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Girls weekend in Dallas

The first weekend in April, Delaney and I embarked on our first girls trip to Dallas. Delaney's dance group scored probably a once in a life time opportunity to perform at a Dallas Mavericks game. She was to perform on Friday evening but when in Dallas, one must shop so we invited Carole and Grace to come along for some fun girl time on Saturday.

I won't lie. Friday was a bit stressful. I realized how much I have come to depend on my navigational expert and security person in general, I call my husband. We had to arrive at the American Airlines Center very early so the girls could rehearse. It also meant, it would be Friday rush hour. In an attempt to avoid the traffic, difficulty of navigating downtown and parking, I opted to take the DART rail. It seemed easy enough on paper but in reality maybe not the best choice. At one point, we had to switch rails downtown which was a bit confusing and then let's just say we met some very interesting people along the way. I'm not one to be concerned with safety, but maybe because I was with my little girl, I was definitely feeling a bit insecure about our situation. Let's just say I was continually praying for our safety.

I didn't get the best of pictures or video. Upon arrival, I realized why our tickets were so cheap. We were WAY up in the stands and they actually performed to the other side. The performance groups combined and performed Thriller and did an awesome job.

Saturday, we enjoyed some outlet shopping. I learned that Delaney is a complete natural. Of course it was really fun to hang out with one of my oldest and dearest friends, but I also enjoyed shopping with my little girl who is growing up more and more with each passing day. She also enjoyed shopping and some one-on-one time. I am so thankful that God gave me a precious girl and I see lots of fun girl weekends ahead in our future.