Big Sister Little Sister Meet

The Gymettes prepared for the upcoming meet season with the annual Big Sister Little Sister meet at CPAG.  We were so excited to see Natalie strut all the stuff she's been working on so very hard every week.

They have specific routines on beam, bars, floor, and vault which they'll use in each upcoming competition.  They got bonus points for climbing the rope without using their legs.  I did not know she could do that - wow.

She did wonderfully and had fun with her big sis, Kayla, and biggest sis, Josette. To watch Natalie do gymnastics is to witness passion in its purest form.  She's worked phenomenally hard and she's ready.  And we're ready to cheer our very proud hearts out.  Off to Philly on Jan. 29!

The Nutcracker

Our tiny dancer performed in her first Nutcracker this Christmastime as an angel. 

They began practices in July and she made some great friends through the process.  And by show time, she could hardly wait to take the stage!

There were 2 performances and after the last curtain call I asked, "Audrey, how was it??" Her response, "GREAT!!!!!!!!" with this face.

I got to help backstage.  It was lots of fun to see it all and be part of the energy.

She also performed in the regular Christmas recital, themed Rudolph this year.  Her group did a ballet number to "Silver and Gold."

 

Audrey worked her ballet slippers off getting ready for this day and the best part of all was the big bunch of family and friends that came to share it.  It was a day of rich blessing as we shone with pride for our ballerina, so happy and in her element.

Nutcracker Tea

Audrey and I attended her studio's Nutcracker Tea.  There were celebrity sightings!

 Pointe shoe cookies!

And a decorate your own real pointe shoe craft!

 

In other words, a perfect Audrey day.  We had a lovely time and can't wait for the show.  7 days!

How Natalie Disguises A Turkey Before Thanksgiving

How Audrey Disguises A Turkey Before Thanksgiving

Halloween 2016

The sea turtle and the bunny had a successful night!

Columbus Day at Cunningham Falls, MD

It was the girls' and my first fall camping adventure. We had a lovely hike, complete with lots of things for our gymnasts to climb on.

 

And the girls' favorite part - fun around the camp site.

The 40* wake up was chilly but cozy.

As usual we were happy campers!

Cowgirls Through the Years

Apple Picking 2016

It took us longer than usual to get out this year but we made it!  And with the O'Connors.  We went to Hollabaugh Bros. in Biglerville.  We had a great time picking and fun on the farm!

What Is Parenting?

Meet Mr. Boppy. Audrey is his mom. 

A: Mr. Boppy says I boss him around a lot. But that's parenting. 

Wiggly Wednesday

And #5 is out! She wiggled it right out herself first thing this morning. Then she brushed her teeth and said, "This feels much better!"

Interview With A 2nd Grader

Seesaw Love Notes

Natalie's teacher uses a cool app called Seesaw. It's like Facebook for classrooms. Her teacher posted this picture today to show Chris and I this sweet writing. 

I read it to Audrey and was able to comment. 

These sweet girls and this cool technology that helps keep us all connected and share things from the school day in real time. ❤️!!

An easier to read picture of the writing.