5th Grade Music Program

Well it is that time of year again, time for the music program. This year the title was Dateline:Rock and Roll "The Hits of the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, and 2000." The children sang a lot of songs with hand movements to go with them but for some reason the one that has been in my head ever since is "Rhythm Nation." I have no idea why but if you see me around town and wonder what I am thinking that is probably it.  

 Kaylee is so focused she cannot even crack a smile. I suppose that her focus worked because she did not miss a beat.

 Time for her speaking part.

 Anna & Kaylee

Us with our sweet girl

I am so proud of Kaylee and cannot believe that 5th grade is almost over.

Gymnastics Performance 2013

Last Friday was Campbell's end of the year gymnastics performance. She has been looking forward to this night and was so excited to show off her skills. I have to say that I was really impressed with how far she has come since September.

 Look at that backbend!

 Performing her round off.

 A little swinging on the uneven bars before her dismount.

Perfect performance with her shining medal!

I am so proud of Campbell and the way that she has stuck with gymnastics this year and given it her all.  I think she was pretty proud of herself too judging by the look on her face.

Family time with some Express Softball

A few weekends ago Cary's sisters made the trip from Oklahoma with three of the five cousins to see Kaylee play softball. We were so excited to have them here and they picked a great weekend because Kaylee had two games to play. Express ended up with a 1-1 record for the weekend. I am always so happy to see Kaylee doing something she loves so much. After the games we enjoyed having a cookout before they made their way to Austin to visit more family. Thanks again for making the trip, it meant more than you know.

 Landrea, Chiara, Cane, Colt, Chenna, and Kaylee

Our family, glad we got one picture together in this season.

Fort Chadbourne Field Trip

This year the 2nd grade field trip was to Fort Chadbourne in Bronte, TX. Fort Chadbourne shows how frontier life was in the mid 19th century with artifacts, re-enactmants, and a lot of history. The first weekend in May people come to show different ways of life from that time. It was so interesting to see their talents and knowledge from that time frame.

 Campbell and her sweet friend Ella on the hayride.

 One of the many longhorns.

 A small herd of buffalo were also present.

 Rylee, Campbell and Ella

 The girls in one of the tents listening to how they use to start a fire with flint.

 One of the sweet ladies showing how to knit and crochet.

 Campbell petting one of the many horses ridden by the soldiers who were present.

 The soldiers getting ready to light the cannon.

 The firing of the cannon. They fired four at the same time. It was amazing to see the precision required to do this.

 The girls learning the process of washing clothes. It will definitely make you appreciate a washer and dryer.

My sweet girl playing in some of the fort ruins.

We had such a fun time together and we did not even make it to everything that they had there. Our family may have to make a trip there next year to take it all in together. Luckily for us the temperature was just right so we were not burning up so that made the day even more enjoyable. I am so thankful for days like today when I can go on field trips with my sweet girl.

Dara Maclean and Casting Crowns Acoustic Concert

Well we finally took the girls to their first concert. They were both so excited to be there! We could not have picked a better concert. Dad Maclean and Casting Crowns delivered an amazing acoustic show. The talent in the room was incredible and the praise to the Lord was something that I will never forget. 

 Miss Dara Maclean singing some of her hits "Suitcases" and "Free".

 Casting Crowns

This Christian group is so talented and in touch with the Lord. They told stories about how they came to be together, where the name came from, some background behind the songs, and other personal stories. You really felt like they were your friends and you were just having some praise time together. The most interesting thing to me was that several of the members of Casting Crowns are in ministry positions at their own church Sunday through Wednesday so they only have concerts Thursday - Saturday. Each Saturday night at the close of their concert they get on planes to travel home to be present at their churches to minister on Sunday morning. They believe that is their first calling. Amazing! What a wonderful group of God led people! If you ever have a chance to catch a concert, especially the acoustic one, don't walk- run to get tickets. They sang some of my favorites; "If We are the Body", "East to West", "Delivered", and "Praise You in this Storm" just to name a few.

At the end of the night we all left the auditorium with hearts filled with praise and gratitude. This was the perfect first concert for the girls. Thank you Dara Maclean and Casting Crowns for sharing your gifts with us.

Express 2013

Well, over the past month softball has been in full swing for Kaylee. This is by far her favorite time of year because softball is her favorite sport. Once again, Cary is one of her coaches and this year they have moved to the select team category so the competition is more challenging which is good. I believe they are the only team playing that is not a year round select team. We have only played a few games but so far we are holding our own with a record of 2-2. All the girls on the team are super sweet and seem to really love the game.

 Kaylee is playing in the position of catcher this year and she loves it. Our girl likes to be where all the action is when she plays. By the second game of the season she was calling pitches for the pitcher without Cary even realizing she could do that. She told him she could tell where the girls batting were swinging and standing so she knew which pitch would strike her out. What?? That is so over my non-sports brain. Needless to say, she is having a great season so far.

Here is our all star making a great catch. I love to watch her doing something that she loves so much. Thank you Lord for the joy that Kaylee gets out of softball and time with her friends. 

Happy Easter 2013

Well, once again another holiday snuck up on us. As usual, Cary was in the middle of tax season so my parents graciously came to our house to celebrate the festivities with us. We had a wonderful time together filled with church, an Easter Egg hunt, shopping, a date night with friends, and a home cooked lunch for Easter. I am so thankful for our Savior and the gift of family.

 Campbell, Papa, Kaylee, & Nana

 Our silly girls!

 Our family

The girls after their Easter Egg hunt. They wanted to just hunt eggs at home this year. I think they have figured out that way they get more candy and do not have to fight anyone except each other. At the end of the day we were all thankful for our time together.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Well friends this is what 39 looks like...wasn't I just 25?? My sweet husband got me Maroon 5 tickets as a surprise gift for my birthday and let's just say I was extremely excited!

The day finally arrived for the concert and I was so glad to have some time away with my honey, especially during tax season when he is so busy. We went for a great meal at the Menacing Moth and then it was concert time. Let's just say it had been a while since this girl had been at a concert and there was a lot of interesting people watching to do before the show started. I also decided I need to get some sequins in my wardrobe before the next concert. Wow! I was however very relieved that we were not the oldest members of the crowd by far.

Me and my sweet husband

 Maroon 5 takes the stage

 Hello Mr. Levine!!

The concert was amazing!! If you ever have the opportunity to go don't walk...run to the concert. They played all of my favorite songs and I sang along like a teenager. It was fantastic! Even Cary enjoyed the show and was impressed which is saying a lot since he did not know many of the songs. I think he is a fan now though;-) You could tell that the concert was all about the music and not a side show of bells and whistles. Maroon 5 definitely loves what they do and it was evident by their energy and the smiles on their faces throughout the show. As they sang their last song I found myself a little sad that the night had gone by so fast. I really wanted to follow them to their next stop and watch all over again. Alas, reality called and we made our way back home with the sounds of Maroon 5 playing in the car and our memories of a great evening with each other. Thank you Maroon 5, we (I) cannot wait to see you again. (Like maybe in September)

 Unfortunately for Cary, I think he is going to be seeing a lot of me wearing this shirt. In my defense it is made out of the most comfortable material ever. Thank you again to my sweet husband for one of the best gifts ever!!

Valentine's Day Parties

I still felt like I was recovering from the Christmas Parties when the Valentine's parties arrived. The girls were so excited and I always feel so lucky that I have been able to attend the girls' parties over the years. Seeing them with their friends in such a fun atmosphere is such a treat.

 Here is Campbell posing after decorating her cookie. Don't worry there was a lot more food on her plate before the party was over. I have never seen so many goodies sent by the parents in her class. They also painted pet rocks and played a game all in about 45 minutes time.

 Campbell with her sweet friend Hannah

 Campbell's class

 Kaylee's party was a little bitter sweet for me because it is the last school party she will have in her elementary years anyway. Their party was a little different because they spent time eating, talking, and having a little dance party in the classroom. That was quite hilarious and made me realize how grown-up she is at the same time.

 One group of desks...there are 32 students in Kaylee's class this year. Crazy!

Kaylee, AC, and Mattie

I am so thankful for the three girls in this picture. Their personalities are all very different and they bring out the best in each other. It is such a joy to be around each of them.

And Valentine's Day 2013 comes to an end...

Dunk Dynasty

 The beginning of the year also meant the beginning of basketball season for Kaylee. This was her second year to play with AYBA and she loved it! I loved that the coach of her team who is also a friend of ours decided to call the team Dunk Dynasty. Which if those of you reading this are anything like us you are highly entertained by the show Duck Dynasty. Kaylee knew several of the girls on her team and made new friends with the others. Kaylee scored several baskets over the season and truly worked hard each week. We even managed to have some family and friends stop in for a game from time to time. (Sorry Lan I did not get a picture of you, I think you took them with your camera.)  It was a great season for us!

 Kaylee preparing to pass the ball.

Kaylee with our sweet friends Addie and Cooper.

Papa and Nana with the girls.

Cotillion Fun!

Well somehow I talked Kaylee into taking Cotillion Classes which were offered to 5th graders at her school this year. I think the conversation included a list of friends who were also taking the class to convince her. There were a total of four classes and they were conducted at the local Country Club. Most of the classes included how to shake someone's hand properly, answer the phone, greet someone, thank you note etiquette, and how to act at a formal dinner. I think the formal dinner night was Kaylee's favorite for two reasons; first of all it included a 5 course meal (which her Food Network loving self enjoyed) and secondly it was the last class. Here are a few pictures of her with some of her close friends. It is such a sweet group of young ladies and gentlemen. I feel very blessed that they are growing up together.

 Aren't they so pretty and handsome?

Kaylee and her BFF Anna