Hip hop bonfire

For a little end of the season treat, we decided to host an impromptu bonfire for Amara's hip hop team. It fell during spring break weekend, so not everyone made it, but Lauren, Shawny, Milea, Lauren, Justin, and Peanut all came--and of course Coaches Tay and Kaylee.

The kids literally didn't sit by the bonfire for more than :30 seconds--they were running, playing, jumping, exploring, tagging, and rolling in the yard. It was cold, but no way were they cold at all!

By the time it started to get dark, everyone had worn themselves out, but we got to have a great time together and look at the stars, listen to music, watch Tay dance (he can't stand still!!) and watch the kids play in a non-gym environment.

Amara was a gracious host as always, helping the kids, giving tours of the house and property and trying to accommodate anyone's needs in a jif. She is a little "me" in that sense I guess and really likes to make sure everyone has a good time and is taken care of.

Everyone said they couldn't wait to do it again and come back next season--so I'm sure if hip hop makes her list, we will revisit for sure. 

John Deere egg hunt with Frabotts

When the time rolled around this year to plan our egg hunts, we were thrilled that we could partner up with the Frabott family and head out to London to the John Deere store again. 

It was sunny and pretty, but with 50 MPH wind gusts--that will knock a little one off their feet, and some muddy conditions, we had to be prepped and bundled for the day!

The girls all looked at some tractors and gators before the hunt, but when it was time they lined up and took off like pros. Their division was 6 and under, so next year Amara and Mallory would have to move to the older kids side ;)

As they went through their eggs, the girls were thrilled to have a pail full of every kind of GUM you can imagine, a few chocolates, and no prizes--which I was glad of, I actually didn't welcome the fight of one or two kids getting something and not the rest. They continued to climb in and play on the tractors at least another half hour. 

When it was over, the kids all didn't want the fun to end, so we headed back to our house. The girls played Wii Zumba in the living room, I baked some yummy chocolate chip cookies (which they devoured) and we enjoyed the rest of our day together while baby MJ FINALLY slept a little bit to give mom a break. 

Best egg hunt day with friends EVER!!

Community outreach basket program

Friends of ours from the cheer center, shared some information about a family who was filling Easter baskets for kids in need. She had somehow obtained these 150 plastic easter baskets and she was asking friends and family to take a few. I was so inspired by all the pictures and stories that I reached out to her too (don't know her directly) to get our family involved. This year we took 4.

Eric and I went shopping for the supplies--grass, candy, matchbox cars, chocolate, bubbles, etc. and then one lazy morning, we drug out all our supplies and got to work. The girls, E and I all sat down and arranged all the treats and toys in each pail with care--knowing that this may be the only gift some of these kids get for a while. 

The task didn't take long at all--but the kids loved it. Come to think of it, kids never really get to PREPARE Easter baskets, so I am pretty sure they thought it was cool that they got to do it for someone else. No one bickered or fought, and each wanted to make sure the baskets were full and overflowing--a welcome sight after some of the drama over our Samaratin's purse boxes last Christmas, haha. 

They couldn't wait to pack them in my car and drop them off. Kara Moats, the gal who was organizing the event posted "God hooked these kids up!" With a photo of over 150 baskets that people had donated to her cause. She has already committed to doing the event next year too and so have we!

Carolyn and I have already begun scouring the Easter markdowns in anticipation of saving some of the items for the project next year--which needs a cool name, but we can't wait to get started again. 

Burton egg hunt '15

The Burton family generously threw yet another Easter egg hunt and party this year! It was a beautiful, yet chilly day--but we packed up our baskets and headed to UA. When it was time to hunt eggs, all the kids clamored outside, lined up and waited for directions from Brandi and Matt.

Cora only wanted to hunt the purple eggs--so she really was hunting eggs. Amara on the other hand went for the tricky to get ones--to let the "little kids" have the easier ones in the grass she said.  Both girls got plenty--and at one point, Cora said "that's enough for me," put her pail down, and got on the swing set--before the hunt was over! I was cracking up.

We colored eggs in the garage too--we lost the camera chip, so I don't have photos--but the girls really loved the bunny ear tongs and making creations with the colors. 

I think our girls would have been content just to play outside--it was chilly, but we were the ONLY ones who stayed outside after the hunt. It was such a nice, sunny morning and it felt like we were all just soaking in the Vitamin D.

Eventually we went back inside--the girls opened their eggs for the prizes inside, ate, and did a few crafts with me. It was a really neat party and we enjoyed getting to play outside just as much as we enjoyed all the activities and seeing our friends!

Divas

I genuinely reserve the term Diva for a drag queen of certain attitude, confidence, showmanship or glamour--of which I know MANY fierce ones, but every now and then I get a glimpse in my ladies...

and I can't think of a single better word to describe these two. In the words of the great Ru Paul--you betta' work!

last hip hop comp

Amara's last competition of the season, number 4 for her, 5 for the team--happened just 30 hours after getting the cast off. She was determined and made it happen!

I was so thrilled Tiffany came with Payton and brought friends Rylee and Reese to all cheer Amara on. I could tell she was excited too. 

Amara got out on that competition floor and gave it her all--"left it" as they say. She even did a full freeze elbow stand in one part of the routine--Eric and I about fainted!!  It was a great end to the season and I was so glad that Amara had a cheering section. Mom and dad even brought Garhett too!

The kids all took the mat for awards and supported the other teams even though they didn't win--Amara was always smiling, hugging, high-5ing and singing all the way. 

Even on the way out, already in coat and fuzzy pj's--with little sister clinging on for dear life (and holding her up as it was 10pm!!) she busted out some attitude face and posed one last time for the season. She's my warrior as Coach Tay would say!

fairy garden class

I'd seen these fairy gardens for a while now and wondered if the girls were too young--but I finally decided to pull the trigger this spring, splurge, and sign up for the class at DeMonye's. 

I am SO glad we did!  We had an absolute blast! As part of the class, the girls got to first pick their container. Next three of one kind of succulent, then a few other vines that looked like miniature ivy or something. The ladies running the class instructed the girls on placing screen over the drainage holes, holding them in place with rocks, then filling the container with dirt and watering it all in. 

Next they made tiny holes with their fingers, just like a little plug hole, and the flower plus fit right in--nature's perfect tools! Last but not least, we headed to the garden shop for a few trinkets to finish it off. They each picked a covered bridge, then Amara picked a gazing ball, they each picked an animal friend, and then Cora picked a hammock. 

Daddy loaded up the garden creations while I cleaned up and paid--it was really a great class that we all enjoyed and we already have plans for an even bigger garden, that we were inspired to make from one we saw at the greenhouse. Awesome new family project!