cheerlebrity competition

Cheerlebrity was a new competition to us and kind of neat! It was kind of American Idol like, in that the judges gave the kids live feedback on stage after they competed. Amara did REALLY well for herself and amazing for just having come back off of a 5 week broken arm hiatus.  She had a week or two left in the cast, but was healed enough that Dr. Kortney said she was fine to work in some adaptations and get out there and dance.

She rocked her new moves, cast and all--and even got a shout out to "my homegirl rocking the broken arm" by the emcee of the event!  Amara went to the few practices before the competition and worked the hardest I've seen her work. She would get sweaty and complain that the cast was hot--I'm sure it was, but she wanted to press on and get things just right. 

It was a long day though and Cora wanted to stay with sissy and watch more teams so that's what we did. We sat up in the stands and enjoyed our time together, in a loud place but in a quiet way.

They got to spend a lot of time together, had lunch, and played games--bouncing around the convention center. It gave them room to explore and be "big girls," but still have us safe around the corner for them.

Although they placed 6th, the team was looking better than it ever had. Amara still loves the performing, hair and makeup, and costume just as much as the dance and as long as she loves it, we will give up a few weekends a year for hip hop for sure.

cheeseburger challenge

The girls (particularly Amara) are obsessed with "challenge videos" on YouTube and Nerdy Nummies in particular. She loves the pizza and smoothie challenges, but as their tastes aren't exactly THAT diverse, I figured we could start slow and do the cheeseburger challenge, and use that for dinner.

Eric got burgers from Wendy's, McD, Rally's and BK and I sat the girls down with their sleeping masks--no cheating!!

I was so surprised--Rally's was the taste winner hands down, and I think Amara got 2 of the other burgers right in the blindfold/ challenge part! Smart girl and we don't even really have fast-food burgers that often :)

It was a super fun supper and Amara was telling everyone about it for days. I told her we could do a chicken challenge next and she is considering doing an ice cream challenge theme for her birthday. She certainly keeps my mind hopping and I just love making her dreams a reality.

celebrating parent teacher conferences

After the 2nd period review for Amara and getting rave reviews, we were happy to go out and celebrate with Grandma and Grandpa. We went for pizza, but the company was the best part.

Amara talked about her review and told us about her "all 3's and 4's,' on her grade card, and how well she is reading in her group and Ms. Bice confirmed above grade level for her--no surprise to us.

We celebrated and toasted and enjoyed our pizza and spaghetti before heading home. I'm super glad for the reason to celebrate and for the awesome company.

Hip Hop sleepover

In the middle of a hectic season, Coach Kaylee decided it was a good time for a little team building and blowing off some steam--so the idea of a sleepover was born.

Amara was actually on hiatus with her injury and hadn't been to practice but when I told her this was happening, she couldn't wait for it to come. 

She helped me pack her bag, ipod, headphones, jammies and all her accessories for the night. I honestly wasn't sure if she'd stay--so i stuck around for a little while, but I quickly saw that Kaylee had it all in order.

They both promised me that Amara would NOT over do it, no running, etc. and I decided to take off. I kept my phone close all night but never heard a peep.

At pickup, she was a tired little zombie, but she had a blast. We had brought a craft for her to share if she needed some quiet time and all the kids said how much they loved that --and i could tell it made her happy.

What a great group of kids and coaches!

pastries with parents

Instead of the usual muffins for mom on mother's day, doughnuts for dad, etc., ever my favorite school in the world--Darbydale, hosted pastries for parents and of course we all went. 

It was early--so we drove over, instead of a normal bus trip, but it was so cute to see kids recognizing Amara, having her point out friends and teachers we didn't know yet, and watching her interact in "her world." (Even though there were still lots of daddy's girl moments--thank goodness!)

Cora was thrilled to be included also and I think Amara loved her being there. They really are sweet together when they want to be and they stuck together like glue. I'm sure the fact it was 7:45 in the morning factored in :) 

After our doughnut, banana, milk, and hellos, we headed to the classroom to drop of Amara and head into work. I felt so lucky we could all go and share that--I know not every family can or does. But i'm super proud of our Kindergardener and of my family for sure!