Eye check and art

Once a year we head up to visit Dr. Evans, the girls eye doctor. They LOVE the office--who wouldn't?? Even though we (knock on wood) have no issues and the girls do fabulously--it's still a lot of testing and direction following, etc. for them. 

Cora nailed all her letters (even backwards and upside down) but Dr. Evans still threw in a few picture tests for her. 

While we were there, Amara spotted this art on the wall. The staff told us that they were commissioned at Open Door Studios in grandview and were all special needs individuals. I encouraged Amara to look around and make sure this was the one--but she would not be swayed, it HAD to come with us. 

The office had her pose for a picture for their social media, we paid, waited for their eyes to dilate more (watch Brave and eat some popcorn too) and we were out the door. 

When we got out, I surprised the girls wiht some sunglasses I picked up for them (knowing their eyes might be sensitive too) and they were so happy! We cut the tags off and they immediately began taking selfies, posing and sending to dad. Even though it was a heavy traffic ride home, they totally enjoyed themselves and I just had to smile at them. 

hip hop banquet

At last, Amara's Hip Hop season came to an end. It was the longest she's ever done one sport/ class/ event--and there were ups and downs along the way. 

The greatest of course being the broken arm in February--but we all learned a lot. Amara is not a quitter. She is (internally) competitive. She CAN put on a game/ competition face (when she wants to) and she LOVES any form of tumbling. 

The coaches had some nice things to say about her determination, attitude and gumption as they presented her award with the team. She got to celebrate with about half of them--half had conflicts on the Friday night of the banquet. 

She was glad to celebrate with Cora and us one last time for the team. We sat with some friends from winter tinys last year and by half way through they were ready to go, but we stuck it out. 

They put up a slide for each kid, outlining a high point or two--and just like the photographer said, this will be one season we will never forget. 

Amara is looking forward to spending time with these kids in classes and she really speaks highly of (almost) all of them. I'm so thankful for the confidence and rhythm and sense of impulse and improv this team and her coaches have given her. 

More piano with Mrs. Amy

The girls recently completed I think their third music session with Ms. Amy, but the second "piano" session. The girls had a group music class with the other kids, followed by brief individual lessons. Ms. Amy is SO good with the kids, i don't even think they know they are learning! 

Thanks to Aunt Charlotte's piano--they have started picking it up in the living room at home too--so awesome to see them engaged with the lessons they are learning! I want them to keep and develop that life-long love of music and hope that they only continue to grow and learn with each day and lesson. Thanks Ms. Amy!

GCKA coach pitch softball

The time has come that Amara is no longer a tballer, but a SOFTballer. After 2 seasons with jumpstart, then a year off, we jumped in feet first to GCKA and she is signed up with a GREAT coach, Keith Gehrs, who is amazing with the girls. He coaches to them, but is SUPER patient, and is a great communicator too. 

We were thrilled too, to learn her friend from kindergarden, Callie is on her team too, by luck--she's a great kid and I think that will be great for Amara to see her every practice and game. 

At her first practice, Amara was right out there in the mix, fighting for balls in fielding and being a focussed partner for throwing drills too. I think she liked the ground ball fielding drill the best. She yelled over to me "I caught it, mom!" every time. 

When she stepped up to the plate for BP, she was all business. She took her stance and focussed on the ball. Of the first group of pitches, she got one right off the bat! She was thrilled I could tell-and it's been too cold for us to play at home much, so that was with very little practice!

We upgraded some of her equipment, but she wanted to keep her old bat, and didn't want her own helmet, so I think she's really enjoying herself, and not just for the swag. Hoping for a great season!

loving the spring

Even though this time of year, the weather is all over the place--we are enjoying all of it. The rainy days are lots of puddle splashing, 

the warm days break out the bicycles, bubbles, and creative clothing combinations

and the 4-wheeler--never too far away for Amara to take a few paths around the yard (though I wish she'd wear her helmet more )

and the flower picking. They really have a great time out here rambling and exploring. Sure, they TRASH the barn sometimes when I let them wander, but they are figuring things out, creating, problem solving, and GETTING ALONG--so I let it go ;)

hip hop part deux

Coach Tay decided to host some hip hop classes in between the seasons and we decided to pop in and check it out. Cora decided she wanted to go and be a part of it all too, so the girls got all "hip hopped" up and we headed to the CCS. It was all I could do not to completely crack up at their attitude going in. 

Amara, being a veteran, picked it up pretty quickly, but the shocker was Cora! She was SO SO serious with Tay! She gave it 100%! She was stomping with attitude and doing every single move he did right along with him. I loved it. She had a great time for sure--I have no idea if she will continue, but wow, what a treat to watch them out there together. 

Easter

Easter this year rolled right up on us fast, so I feel like we barely had time to celebrate! Eric hid the girls baskets this year to make them hunt for them and they helped each other and had fun examining all their goodies.

The chocolate bunnies were big hits! Also the playdoh, new fairy garden items, and Amara loves her chex mix!

After playing and snacking, we got dressed and headed to church to meet up with grandma--she was already there saving seats as always. We got to see our best bud Mrs. Misty there and then packed up and headed to g'ma's house afterwards. 

The girls had a hunt with Jason's boys in the yard, the weather was PERFECT and they loved their easter baskets and their easter chickens (which grandma brought to church to entertain them :)) It was a quick, but really fun day and everyone was exhausted by the end!