The End of a Dance Era

I am so incredibly proud of Julia. She auditioned for an NBA dance team today. She put so much time and effort into it over the past few months. She made it to the final round, beating out 300 dancers to get there. It came down to 51 dancers today, with 10 spots going to returning dancers of the team. That left 41 dancers fighting for 10 spots...and sadly she didn't get one. 

Here's one routine she performed today. She's in the front row in red...

This was her solo from practice the other day...

Another video of the jazz routine from practice...

This is her jazz solo for her second video round audition...

and her hip hop routine from the second video round audition...

She said she was really proud of the way she danced today. So there are no regrets. 

I have no words for how much I will miss watching her dance. It's been nineteen years. I cannot believe it's truly the end of her dance journey...and what an incredible journey it's been. 

Miss you Mama

 

Julia's Pinning & Graduation Ceremonies

The weather was beautiful for Julia's pinning ceremony. I was feeling so emotional just thinking about how hard she has worked these past four years...and that she is going to be a nurse...for real! What an incredible achievement! 

Walking into the ceremony...

Her proud Aunties were there to support her...

and us of course...

Haley made the trip too...

After the ceremony, we went to one of Julia's favorite restaurants, Barrio Tacos. It was so good!! It's been a number of years since we've been able to get everyone together at the same time...

CeCe and Julia...

The next day was graduation...

Julia and her roommate for all four years...

Showing off her dance team gold medal and championship ring achievement too...

Nicholas and Haley were there too by the way...and so were Nana and Papa...

Julia is an accomplished college athlete winning 6 UDA National medals including a GOLD medal. She won Rookie of the Year her freshman year. In her senior year, she was Captain of the dance team, named Athlete of the Year by her coaches, and one of three nominees selected by the college for Female Club Athlete of the Year out of all the female athletic clubs at Endicott! Wow!!!

All that along with studying full time to be a nurse! How amazing is that!!

SHE DID IT!! 

Behind every great nurse is a story of hard work, 

sacrifice and a heart full of compassion.

Your story has just begun, 

and the world is already a better place because of you.

Wishing you a future filled with fulfillment, 

success and countless lives healed. 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

We love you and are so incredibly proud! We can't wait to see what your next chapter holds for you! 

Moving out

The girls moved out of their dorms...

and Julia moved out of college for good...

Ugh. That makes me so sad because these past four years have meant everything to her. She has absolutely loved her time at Endicott. As I've said so many times before...it was THE best decision she has ever made. Gianna also had a fabulous first year at Endicott. Transferring to Endicott was THE best decision she has ever made too. 

This is only part of the stuff they brought home...

Julia had already brought some things home previously and some of it is out of view of the camera. Ugh. It took days to get that stuff out of there and put away. I get so stressed out with clutter and messes! 

Nicholas got home on Thursday. Now our house is full once again. I love having them all home. I must admit it is an adjustment though...but it's all good. I know these days of having all three kids living at home isn't forever. So I will enjoy it while it lasts. Love my babies. 

Roommate Photoshoot

Julia had another graduation photoshoot...

Julia & Emma...

Julia and her roommate of four years, Holly...

Julia, Holly and their other roommate, Lily...

Julia and Joey...

Julia and all her roommates...

Dance Senior Graduation Photoshoot

These five have created such a close bond over the past four years...

...friendships that will last a lifetime