September Fun

Now that the school year is underway, we've been settling into a routine of sorts. All 3 girls are busy with school and activities and football season is in full swing. Here are a few highlights from this month...

These two cheered during half-time of the McGuinness football game last Friday night. They did a great job! They truly love to dance and perform.

We've been cheering on Unc and the Kentucky Wildcats football team each week. Go BBN! 

Christina began her first official ballet and tap class. She was so excited -- finally her turn! 

First Day of 2016-17 School Year!

It's hard to believe another school year is underway today! The girls were all so excited to go back to see their friends and talk about their summer, but I know they also were sad to see the (sometimes) lazy days of summer go away. 

This year we have a 4th grader, 1st grader and pre-schooler in our house. Pretty amazing!

Gabriella is in 4th grade. I cannot believe it! This picture says it all -- she is growing up a little more everyday and coming into her own. She is full of love, laughter and confidence.

Our marvelous middle, Adriana, is now in 1st grade. It's so obvious she is a grade schooler. She is mature, smart and witty beyond her years. This girl knows what she wants. Her boldness is rather impressive and will only serve her well as she grows up.

Our baby is an official pre-schooler. Christina is in the PreK-3 class which means she will have one more year of preschool after this year before Kindergarten. I cannot think about that fact too much without getting a huge lump in my throat. She is so mature for her age. She loves to tell stories and jokes, snuggle and wants to be just like her big sisters, which is a very good thing!

Our most prized gifts from God and our greatest accomplishments. When we look at this picture we can't help but feel proud. Love them to pieces!

We hope and pray the 2016-17 school year is filled with learning, laughter, good health and happiness!

Happy 35th Birthday, David!

Happy Birthday to our loving, patient and hard-working Daddy and husband! We spent the day spoiling daddy with a yummy breakfast, gifts, brunch after Mass, swimming and cake! We tried to make the day as special as he is! We love you, David!

Playa del Carmen!

Many thanks to my parents for taking care of our girls so David and I could getaway for a couple days during our stay in Naples. They took good care of our girls while we visited Playa del Carmen. We stayed for at the Secrets Maroma Beach Resort for 3 days and 3 nights and it was awesome. The beach was beautiful, the property was very clean and accommodating, and there were several impressive amenities...we truly had a great time. It's always nice when we can carve out some time for ourselves as difficult as it can be with young children. 

Florida!

We spent 10 days in Naples visiting my parents and it was glorious! We had the best time! We enjoyed the pool, beach, fishing, shopping and good dining. So sad to leave but we made lots of memories! Thank you Nonnie & G-Pa for another wonderful stay. You always make us feel so welcomed and loved! We look forward to visiting again soon. 

KAR Nationals in Biloxi

Gabriella, Nonna & I spent a week in Biloxi, Mississippi, for Kids Artistic Revue National Finals. It was a great experience and Gabby and her team were amazing! Below is a review of all awards and titles:

Gabby's jazz solo I'm Trouble placed first place in the jazz category and second overall out of 59 entries. Amazing!

Gabby & Cate's jazz duet (photo on top), Baby, I'm A Star, placed first in category and first overall! National Champions!
The large group jazz number (below photo) Dive in the Pool placed first in category and first overall. National Champions! This dance was one of the few invited to compete in the National Finals on the last day. Awesome! 

Gabby competed in the Petite Title competition on Thursday night. She did wonderfully again! She received first runner up!

This is a photo of all the title winners and runner-ups. So proud! 

The lyrical small group, Story of My Life, placed first in category and first overall. National Champions! I loved this dance and will miss watching it on the stage. 

The group production, Jocks, placed second overall. This is a photo of the group together with their Dancer Against Cancer t-shirts. The KAR organization provides thousands of dollars each year to dancers and their families affected by cancer. They do this through their fundraising year round. We were proud to be part of it this year at the regional and national competitions. 

When she wasn't dancing, Gabby had fun with her dance friends and with Nonnie and me. :)

We are so incredibly proud of Gabriella and her commitment to dance. She was simply unbelievable at nationals (and all year-long at regionals, too). The last few years at South Tulsa Dance Co. have been amazing and we are so sad to close this chapter. She received stellar training and support and formed special friendships as a member of THR!VE, and it was well worth the commute to Tulsa for her to finish her mini "career" at STDC this last year. We couldn't have asked for a more successful nationals experience before parting ways with Ms. Keally and the phenomenal instructors and dancers at STDC. But, we move forward with excitement and look forward to new experiences at her new studio in OKC. 

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Birthday, U.S.A.! We are fortunate to live in the greatest country in the world.