Chelcie's birthday gift to Madison was a trip to the Salon for a pedicure! Chelcie got one too with a left over gift certificate from her birthday. They had a good time while mom played photographer.
Madison had 4 friends over for a bit of a birthday celebration sleep over. After pizza, we headed to Papa & Lolo's for some fun swimming time. Then we headed back to our house. We had a fun activity for the girls: each girl had a large piece of paper to cut out and decorate as a dress. Once they were all finished, they came out one by one for a "fashion show". The girls had some real cute "dresses" to show off and had fun. Afterward, they all watched "Camp Rock" with the beloved Jonas Brothers! That lasted until about 1:30 a.m. and then I heard them again around 4:30 a.m. and told them to get to bed! Rumor has it 2 of them (including Madison) made it to about 5:30 in the morning....they pulled an all nighter she tells me! Fun times.
Madison and I headed to the Orange County Performing Arts Center to go to the stage production of High School Musical. I surprised her with an early birthday present! We had a great time going with friends. We headed to Claim Jumper for dinner and they even treated Madison to a piece of mud pie and singing Happy Birthday. She was so happy to have some of her friends there too (3 "Madisons" and a Miley)! The production was amazing and one of the best stage productions I have ever seen. The atmosphere was so fun with lots of the audience singing and clapping along to the songs that we (yes, even us moms) know and love! Afterward, since we were with seasoned theatre goers, we headed to the stage door to meet the actors as they left. We got a couple of pics of the "Gabriella" and "Ryan" characters. Rumor had it that "Troy" headed out early and was already gone! Madison had a great time and loved every minute of it!
WOW ... Summer Spectacular, our anniversary, Temecula Tournament, church, High School Musical.....I am exhausted!
Last weekend (June 14/15)we headed to Beaumont for the annual "Father's Day Tournament". Last year, our girls actually won this tournament so they were returning as the reigning champions. They certainly rallied in this tournament but with single elimination being the name of the game, we headed home Saturday evening after playing 3 games. Chelcie hit a 2 run home run and that was so exciting!
This weekend (June 21/22) we headed to Temecula (at 5:30 a.m. mind you!) and watched our girls play 3 amazing games! They won the first 2 games and lost the final game Saturday evening by a run after being tied up. It was so exciting! Chelcie was surprised to have her coach have her play 2nd base all 3 games. She did a great job! She had the play of the game at one point when she just about did the splits to make grab a crazy grounder and then lobbed the ball to 2nd base (being covered by the short stop) for the out! YOU GO GIRL!!!! Sad to say mom, dad and Madison all missed it....mom and Madison headed to the restroom and dad was at the car getting water bottles. Chelcie questioned the love and support until I reminded her that there are not many people that I would get up at 4:20 in the morning for! Love ya slugger!
Today marks the end of an exhausting but wonderful week! Here are a few pics from the last day....including Nick's head: which he used to collect autographs...funny stuff!
This week is our VBS program at our church which we call "Summer Spectacular". This year is a western theme and it's called Jonas Profit of Dry Gulch. The story is based on Jonah of the Old Testament. I am a 4th grade "shepherd" and get to hang out for the week with 13 girls including Madison. Doug actually took the week off work for vacation and is in charge of recreation/games. He has a team of volunteers and they have a fun game each day (freeze tag, dodgeball, etc.). It has also been great having Nick here with us too and he is working in Rec with Doug. It has been a great week so far with fun theme each day like twin day, cowboy day, crazy hair day... We have just over 1,000 kids on our campus and it is crazy fun! Today the message of our need for a savior was presented and 180+ children and 2 Jr. Helpers prayed to receive Christ....when even 1 child comes to this knowledge it makes it all worth it! Now our work begins as a church as we minister to these children and hopefully their families and teach them what it truly means to be a follower of Christ. This is my 8th year as a shepherd and I have been so blessed to be able to spend this time with kids. We are having a great week!
Special note: We miss you Chelcie! This is the first year that Chelcie has missed VBS since she was about 5 or 6. She started summer school on Tuesday in order to get a couple of classes done this summer: health and world geography. She did get to come on Monday and was a little sad that she didn't get to stay the whole week. Keep working hard Boopers! We're very proud of you!
For my Husband: Thank you for being the most amazing father I have ever known. You have the most incredible love for our daughters that I have ever witnessed and they are truly blessed. I watch in awe at the amazing relationship that you have with Chelcie and Madison as individuals. You have given them such a great example of what to look for in a husband of their own: a godly man, a hard worker & provider, respectable, smart, funny, affectionate and you love their mom. Thank you for how much you pour into their lives and how every day you let them know how very much you love them. We are blessed to call you Daddy! Enjoy your day.
How can it be? Our girl has promoted from 8th grade and is heading off to High School! Tonight, we all headed to La Quinta High School to watch the 8th grade promotion ceremony. We were very proud parents as we watched Chelcie be recognized for Promotion with High Honors. She was awarded with a certficate last week but received her High Honors medal tonight. She also got to wear a blue shirt to signify Honors instead of the white promotion shirts. Chelcie was so happy that Papa, Lolo, Nick and GG Louise could come and watch her. It was a great celebration of not only Chelcie but so many kids and families that we are close with. It is wonderful to cheer for so many kids that we know and have watched grow up before our eyes. We wish them well as they head off to High School!
Madison was awarded a Reading Medal today by her teacher. She had to write an essay last week explaining if and why she believed she was deserving of this recognition. She did a great job on her essay and included that she enjoys reading, has been reading more challenging books (not as many pictures!) and is looking forward to reading over the summer. We are very proud of you Madison!
