good scan bilzzard

happy 3rd birthday Connor

troop 2252 cookie booths

Family fitness night at the 'Dale

Morgan's birthday party (take 2!)

Spirit / Dr. Suess weeks at school

cora's cheer competition

Cora's winter competitions are in full swing now and she is pumped and ready to go! The performance side of her has kicked in and we are downtown in full on stretch mode, lol.

The girls took the floor super early but were all equipped with smiles and their charming little selves. 

Grandma and Grandpa Young came out for the event too, which was a great support and surprise for Cora!

And I was so happy to be there cheering her on too, even though I was sad mom and dad couldn't be here. 

I did get some time to hang out with my #1 girl back in the seats while Cora waited for awards, which is always great too :)

And we gave Coach Ashley a big hug before she left, because the next time we see her it will be with her BABY :) We all had a great morning and day together, and Cora enjoyed her medal and all the attention--which is all what it's about :)

mom's progress

Mom changes daily, literally daily. Some are good, some not so good, but we don't repeat a thing. Whether it's practicing makeup, writing, or memory games, she's not bored, and neither am I.

Having completed all her radiation and physical therapy, we are staying in touch with her Glio surgery and Oncology units as well as therapies at the home, and trying a new drug, Avastin, after the Chemo drug wasn't kicking butt as much as we wanted to. 

Today, working at an appointment, while we waited for her doctor, she gave me this message. She is so very right and I am so greatful I have this time to spend with her. 

volunteering at the 'Dale'

Volunteering at Darbydale is awesome. I don't know if other parents know this, but it's something I feel SO passionately about and am so lucky to do. Though i'm there an hour a week, and sometimes not at all, first and foremost I get to see Amara! Her friends, how she is, her environment, how she is in the hall--and i LOVE it. 

Artwork before it's brought home, other teachers, etc. and I could go on. I love participating in games with the kids, even though she's in all the top groups and I don't always get to spend extra time with her which she doesn't understand--but still. It's the best. I love being able to know the teachers and principals and admins at a glance--I feel like it means they will give my kid an extra glance if they know I'm there. 

I may not always be able to do it, but I'm going to bust my butt trying--I just love it :)

Cora's tapping

Cora is starting to go in and out of classes just like Amara did. I don't know if other kids get bored quickly but 9 months of any one thing is too long. SO Cora joined tap with Heather (who she's taken from on and off since she was 2 turning 3...) just in time to learn the routine for the spring recital. SMART!

She REALLY took to tap--probably more than Ballet and I LOVED watching her. She was all about it--and the song they are doing is from Sophia the first, called Friendship is the formula, with PURPLE costumes, OMG perfect! She really goes right into class and gets started--I can't wait for her to learn more steps and more of the routine and the class is just PERFECT for her. THE BEST. 

Amara's gymnastics show week

Even though Eric and i take turns watching the girls at every class, I still always look forward to show weeks :) This one, Spring, would be the last before summer break--not enough time with Softball and recitals and just having a fun, splashy summer. 

I continue to be impressed with Amara's strength and grace on the beam. Her legs are literally like rocks, and her balance and confidence have increased 10 fold.

The uneven bars is still a favorite for her too--she likes to be in control, and to be challenged, so this does both. Macy (Black) has been a great coach and inspiration for her this session and I know Amara will be excited to get right back up on this when she gets to the next session. Great work hon!

Cora's 5th birthday/ mermaid swim party!

Cora had an absolutely awesome birthday party this year at the Groveport rec center! It was great--on a gloomy February day, she and about 2 dozen friends and family took to the pool, ate, and played. 

My little fishy was in her element in the pool--loving every minute of playing with her pals. 

And of course the mermaid/ Ariel, pool theme was a hit with all the kids. 

Amara spent a lot of time on the diving board!

And Reese, Addison and Morgan played follow the leader. 

All her little ladybug friends were so cute all together, i loved it!

The kids all played really well together and there weren't really many in the pool besides our (huge) party :) 

The froggy slide was a huge hit with all the kids too! 

(I can't believe she's FIVE!!) She helped me put goody bags together for the kids, with cookies and some other ariel goodies to share. 

It was a special, sweet happy birthday singing for such a special girl and her little friends all together. 

And one last pic with her besties (to send to Ms. Emily too). I really could not have asked for a better day for my super sweet girl ;)