Summer Begins...

Our first camping trip of the summer was to the Oregon Coast. {My favorite!!} We went to the KOA at the edge of Newport... right before the bridge into Waldport. It was a beautiful spot.

Of course, being the Pacific Northwest in June, it was pretty misty {and stormy at night!}. We didn't mind though! We would hunker down in the camper and play games.

We did all of the *tourist* things; the Wax Museum & Ripley's Museum. It hasn't changed much since the last time I was there... the girls loved it and kept begging to go back!

  And, of course, we had to eat at the original Mo's. Yummy!!

The Last Competition

This was a bittersweet one for me... On one hand I was so ready for practices to be done. And, yet, it was sad for me to know that this team of girls would continue on to Nationals without us.
Our family had decided a long time ago that flying a 10-year-old to Vegas for a dance competition was a bit more than we could bite off. However, those of us that weren't flying to Nationals would not be in the end of the year recital.
This was probably the saddest part for me. All of Ali's hard work and dedication wasn't going to be *show-cased* with everyone else.  Ali, however, handled it like a champ. So proud of her.

Another Dance Performance

Are you tired of the dance pictures yet? This was our life this year... dance, dance, and more dance. The dance studio performed at the Oregon City Pioneer Days Festival in May. The girls had a great time! There was less pressure - for sure! The weather was beautiful and it all made for a fun time. They performed their two dances and then had the opportunity to watch a few of the other dancers from the studio. We don't usually have the opportunity to do that!

Ali has had such a good time dancing with her friend, Alexis and cousin, Natalie.

I get such a kick out of watching Ali perform! She "lights up" and "turns on" when she gets on the stage. This has been such a great experience for her.

And, our little cheerleader... always with us! :)

Dance Competition #2

In May Ali had her second dance competition. We (I) felt more prepared about what to expect with these things! We didn't forget earrings this time - or anything else for that matter! Whew! :)

The tap dance was first.

Dance is so much more fun with a friend... and cousin! Ali & Natalie

The jazz number came second. This one is Ali's favorite. It seems to be everyone's favorite, actually. The energy and smiles are vibrant! It is so much fun to watch. The won second place for the jazz dance.

The biggest cheerleaders are never far. Johnna & Mer-Mer

Pierced Ears!

It all started when my cousin got her ears pierced... she said it sort of hurt, so I decided to wait to get my ears pierced. Over the years we talked about it. My mom said when I turned 10 I could do it. I was nervous, but excited! When I turned 10, I decided I was ready to go get my ears pierced. We went to the mall after dance pictures. We met my Gramma at Claire's. (She had been hanging out with Merilyn while I was at pictures.) I was happy that Gramma got to come with me!

As I sat in the chair I was nervous... but SO excited! She did one ear at a time, and it pinched! It didn't hurt as bad as I thought it would.

I was very happy with my new earrings and my pierced ears!

My Science Fair

My teacher gave my class several ideas of science project ideas. I chose to find out what kind of popcorn popped the best. I picked this one because I love popcorn and my daddy thought it would be fun! We bought 5 different kinds of microwave popcorn and popped them. We measured the popped popcorn, counted the unpopped kernels, and tasted them, of course! My mom helped me make the poster for the science fair. 

At the science fair I had to give a speech and other classes came through to see everything we did. I was the only one who did a popcorn experiment. It was fun! 

This is a picture of me practicing at home.

 

Daddy got to come see the science fair... but he forgot to take any pictures!! Thank goodness my teacher sent this one to my mom. She was happy!

Easter 2013

This year's Easter was on the day after we returned from Hawaii, so we weren't ready with colored eggs or anything like that. The Easter Bunny, however, was prepared and had baskets waiting for the girls in the morning. 

He also managed to get a bunch of eggs hidden around the house. I hope we found them all... :)

The rest of the day was spent together. Movies & popcorn, snuggle time and a few games. Life is good.