Vacation Day 1: Williamsburg, VA

School is finally out and we headed out on vacation! Our adventure this year took us north to Williamsburg, VA. 

A little nap always makes the time pass a little faster. 

We made it there just in time for dinner.  Marc suggested we take the girls to a buffet restaurant.  This way we can be assured that everyone will find something they will eat.  This southern vegetable girl was super excited, and she didn't even have room on the table for all of her plates. :)

And this girl was super excited about all of the chocolate options for dessert.  Unfortunately her mother wouldn't let her eat all of this, but she was definitely willing to share so she could get a little taste of it all. 

We started our day bright and early in Colonial Williamsburg.

Governor's Palace

Barrel Making

Parade of Musicians

The girls enjoyed a yummy treat on a hot day.

These two were fascinated with the blacksmith.

Sweet girls completely worn out from our day in the sun. 

8th Grade Graduation

How are we at the point where you are graduating from middle school and moving into high school? It has been such an honor and a privilege to walk this path of education with you. It's amazing how quickly we have come from starting this hybrid education journey in kindergarten to having you enter high school - and moving to a new building on campus.  You are so ready for this, Kayla. I, on the other hand, am not sure I'm ready.

Happy 12th Birthday, Macy!

This precious girl is entering her last year before becoming a teenager! How in the world?!?! Unfortunately for her it was a testing day at school.  But at least it was a half day and her friends were able to come over after school for lunch and some pool time. That'll make testing on your birthday better.

Give this girl a llama and she will be your friend for life.

Macy, 

You are the most go-with-the-flow girl there ever was.  You generally don't have an opinion about what to do, eat, watch, etc., and sometimes it drives your mom and dad bonkers! You love to read, and I'm often catching you reading at night long after lights out. You are one of the funniest kids, and the timing of your witty comments is impeccable. We never know when you might just come out of your shell a little bit. You are such a hard worker, and there has been a shift in your school days this year.  You now just wake up and start working to get your work done.  You push through and persevere in a way I haven't seen from you in the past.  I know that is partly (or mostly) because you just want to be done and you know you won't get done if you don't get started. 6th grade has been an amazing year of growth for you, and I can't wait to see you continue to blossom as the years go on.  

So much love, 

Mama

Recital Time!

It's that time of year again! Time for dance recitals! We started off with Macy's recital for tap and jazz.  She had so much fun up there on that stage!

Kayla and Macy both performed 4 routines in the Clogging Showcase.  Their class always puts on a fun routine, and this year's theme was the 1950's soda shop. 

Colonial Day in 3rd Grade

Weekend Trip to Dollywood

Kayla had her first clogging competition this weekend at Dollywood.  We decided to head up a day early and do something we haven't done before.  Usually when we make the trip up we only go to Dollywood, so we decided to check out WonderWorks. When we first drove up buses were unloading, so we decided to leave and come back later. 

The girls had a super fun time trying out all of the sciency things.

I beat him pretty good.

But he later demanded a rematch.  Close game this time, and he managed to pull out ahead.

We all gave this Bed of Nails a try.  We can now say we did it, but I doubt any of us will be doing it again.

Kayla's team took first place in three of their routines and third place in their hoedown! This qualified them for Nationals in all dances. Way to go PowerTaps Kids!

It definitely wasn't the usual Dollywood trip, but we managed to squeeze in a few rides.

A little ice-cream to end the night never hurt anyone.

The next competition is in June in North Carolina - fun new experiences for our family!