Final Regional Competition

Congratulations to Gabby on her achievements at the last regional competition last weekend. This competition had the most talent we have seen all year and the team did terrific again. Gabby's solo placed 2nd and she was 4th runner up for Ms. Petite. Her duet, small group and large group all received first place finishes. The production earned 2nd. 

It's been a fun, successful and busy competition season. We look forward to the recital in a few weeks and then Nationals in July before we wrap up the 2015-16 competition season.

Grandparents Day and Shakespeare Festival

Last week the girls' school hosted Grandparents Day. Since David and my parents couldn't make it we attended in their place and had a special time with our big girls. We did activities with them, they read to us and we went to Mass together. 

The girls' school hosted Shakespeare Day last week as well. Grades 3-8 wore clothes to represent the Renaissance period and did performances for the entire school where parents were invited. Older grades performed Shakespeare plays and the lower grades danced. Gabby's third grade class did a traditional dance of the Renaissance period. It was very well done. 

Grandparents Day. 

Shakespeare Day. Gabby is in the white top and long navy skirt. 

A Special Visit to Kansas

Last weekend our Goddaughter, Aubrey, received her First Holy Communion. We were honored to be present and so proud of her. She was eager to receive the Sacrament and so appreciative of our quick visit to Manhattan to witness this big step in her faith journey. Congratulations, Aubrey! We love you!

Our Tiny Dancer!

This photo takes my breath away! This is Adriana's dance picture for this year. She is in a ballet and tap combination class. I love her pointed toe and smile. We love you so much, Adriana! 

Land Run Day!

It's Oklahoma Heritage month and with that comes the celebration of the Land Run of 1889 which gave legal settlers the opportunity to claim 160 acres of public land in the Oklahoma District. Those who lived and improved the land for five years received the title. Pretty incredible.

Children at the girls' school could dress up a pioneers or cowgirls/cowboys to celebrate Oklahoma's heritage. The state's history is one full of promise, heartache and perseverance. The motto "Oklahoma Strong" goes back generations. 

Gabby is a cowgirl and Adriana is a pioneer. 

I'll leave you with Rodgers and Hammerstein's lyrics from the musical Oklahoma! which is also the state song:

Brand new state! Brand new state, gonna treat you great!
Gonna give you barley, carrots and pertaters,
Pasture fer the cattle, Spinach and Temayters!
Flowers on the prarie where the June bugs zoom,
Plen'y of air and plen'y of room,
Plen'y of room to swing a rope!
Plen'y of heart and plen'y of hope.

Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain,
And the wavin' wheat can sure smell sweet
When the wind comes right behind the rain.
Oklahoma, ev'ry night my honey lamb and I
Sit alone and talk and watch a hawk makin' lazy circles in the sky.
We know we belong to the land
And the land we belong to is grand!
And when we say--Yeeow! A-yip-i-o-ee ay!
We're only sayin' You're doin' fine, Oklahoma! Oklahoma--O.K.

Visit to Pennsylvania

The girls and I took a quick trip to Pennsylvania last week. My parents were also in town so it was an opportunity to visit with many family members. My Grandma Connie has been ill for several months. She is still weak but seems to be doing better since our visit. We were told earlier this month that doctors were unsure of what the next weeks and months may hold for her so we squeezed in a few days away so that we could spend time with her since it's been a couple years since our last visit.

My Grandma Madeline had hip replacement surgery in January and she is doing very well. It was also nice to see her and know she is healing and rehabilitating nicely.

Nonna's birthday was during our visit. It was a real treat to be with her on her special day.

 Here are a few photos from our visit:

Family with Great-Grandma Connie in her skilled nursing facility. It's nice to see her smile!

The girls with Great-Grandma Madeline. The hip is doing very well! 

The girls had a great playmate one of the afternoons. My cousin/Gabby's Godmother's daughter, Allison, is 4 years old. These 4 girls had a lot of fun playing together. Precious!

Happy Birthday, Nonna! We love you!

Regional Track Meet

Gabby & Adriana participated in the Regional track meet last week. It was a beautiful day and they did a great job. We are so proud of them. Gabby advanced to finals and did well. Adriana will be able to advance once she is in first grade next year. Way to go, ladies!