Starpower Nationals

We're back from Mohegan Sun where Julia was competing with her dance teams at Nationals. It was a very long three days but we had a wonderful time.

Her junior acro team, Russian Circus, won 1st place and title of National Champions!!! They were on fire and brought the house down! They were selected to compete in the Battle of the Stars competition on the last day (the best of the best at Nationals). They danced again and came in 2nd place, won the 3rd place Victory Cup for the highest score in the entire 11 and under division (huge accomplishment) and a "showmanship award" (for being respectful to others and for great team work).

This is just some of her acro team....

Julia's mini dance team won 3rd place for Aye Carumba at the National competition. They too were selected to dance again in the Battle of the Stars competition where they came in 2nd place!!! What a huge accomplishment for these girls who have only been dancing together for a year! Look at the size of that trophy!!

And her senior acro team, Jewel of the Nile, won BIG!!! They looked incredible!!! They won 1st place at Nationals winning the title of National Champions! They competed in the Battle of the Stars and won 1st place again, took the 2nd place Victory Cup for the 2nd highest score in the 12 and over division. That was a HUGE deal! So many amazing dances and they had the 2nd highest overall score?? Amazing!!

Danny, Nicholas and Gianna came down to support Julia for a day too which was really nice.

When it was over and we were on our way back home, Julia and I stopped for dinner and she celebrated with this huge treat for dessert.

Her eyes were bigger than her stomach. I think she had three bites and was done.

And so was I. Can you say EXHAUSTED???

Schools OUT

So the kiddies are officially done with 3rd grade, 2nd grade and kindergarten. Boo hoo. Makes me sad but I'm happy that the school stuff is over with. I still plan to work on multiplication facts and reading over the summer, but no more projects and homework. Yes! And it will also be nice to get on a summer schedule of swimming lessons and summer camps. Julia is trying art camp this summer. I love when they can try new things. Summer is the perfect time for that. Also it's time for swimming in the pool after dinner and drinking homemade mint chocolate chip milkshakes. Yum!

Nicholas' classroom party....

They signed t-shirts....


and made ice cream sundaes...

posed for a class picture...

and made funny faces...

Julia had a class party too...

They had ice cream sundaes too and she posed for pictures with good friends...like Haley...

and Josie...

and Emily...

and Leah (who is moving to California)...

and Lizzie (who is also moving but just across town...sad for them though as they won't be neighbors anymore)...

Posing for the "last day of school" picture....

On another note, the dance recital on Saturday went really, really well. Julia was amazing!! And Gianna was a pro! I am so proud of my girls!!

Julia and Alyssa....

Julia and Miss Stephanie...

Gianna and Savannah....

Look how pretty and grown up she looks!

And here's our "Summer List"...

I wonder how much we'll get to???

Busy busy June

Someone said to me the other day that she thinks June is worse than December. I have to agree. June is a crazy busy month. We have all the end of the year school stuff, the dance recital, a dance competition and endless baseball games. And don't forget all the end of the year gifts that have to be bought for the dance teachers, school teachers, coaches, and even the bus driver.

Saturday is the girl's dance recital. This will be Julia's 5th recital (she'll get a trophy this year) and Gianna's 2nd recital. I'm preparing for a crazy day. Julia is in both recitals this year as she's on the acro and dance teams. She has 4 dances in the afternoon and 6 at night. I better put on my running shoes! I'm already starting to sweat just thinking about all the costume changes. And I can't forget Gianna also has one dance at night too...so wait...that's 7 dances at night!! Oh dear.



Remember Julia's very first recital???



Now look at how grown up she has become....


Rock-a-hula...


The kids had Spirit Day at their school. They have lots of outside activities. I only went for Gianna's class as she is the only child of mine that really wants me there anymore!

Here's Gianna with two of her little friends....

I thought they looked so cute walking around together.

Gianna with her good friend, Ella...she's a school and dance friend. (Is her belly ever going to deflate?!?!)

Then Gianna had her end of the year party for kindergarten. I'm so sad I won't have a "little one" anymore. They will all officially be in school full time next year. It will be the first time in TEN years that I won't have a little one home with me anymore. Boy, that first day of school next year will be a sad one for me. But I also know I'll get used to my free time really, really fast! : )

The last time we'll be in this room. All three of my babies had the same teacher....

Today, the 3rd grade classes did an animal presentation. They did such a great job. Nicholas did his on the Black Bear....

Look at his diorama....I thought he did a fantastic job!

Here's Gianna reading what she wants to be when she grows up...an animal doctor. I have no doubt that's what she'll be too. She is one super smart girl who loves animals!

Good-bye Kindergarten...forever... : (

Baseball 9 year old champions

Nicholas' baseball team won the 9 year old championship! My boy is #2.

Getting his award...

Our handsome boy...

Our proud little family...

Now he moves onto the All Star Team! Go Nicholas!!