Golf Camp

Yesterday was Drew's first day of golf camp at The Creek Golf Club (even though Mommy thought Monday was his first day - I wasn't the only one though, Nanda showed up with Bryson and Breanna too)! Drew was anxious to get started once we arrived - he had been waiting weeks for this! There were approx. 20 boys participating and the coaches split them into two groups. Drew's group started on the putting green. He (in the blue cap) patiently waits his turn while watching a friend putt.
Mikayla and Breanna played together the whole time that the boys were playing golf. Drew was excited that Bryson and Garrett were playing with him. Thanks to Garrett's mom, who works at The Creek, for letting us know about camp!
After putting some, Drew's group moved over to the chipping green. (I think that's what it's called - I need to freshen up on my golf lingo!) We were watching from the clubhouse so I couldn't really tell what was going on. Drew informed me in the car that his coach painted white circles around the holes and they had to chip the ball into the circles. He said he did pretty good on this part, but that he needed to work on his putting. Drew's coach echoed that thought this morning when we arrived. He asked me if Drew played baseball, and when I told him he did he said "I could tell". "When he was putting yesterday he was swinging the club like he swings a baseball bat." He said "he's good, we just have to get him to slow down when putting"! I didn't have my camera today, but I wish I had taken it. The boys were split into three smaller groups today and used the putting green, chipping green, and the driving range. Nanda and I took the girls a little closer today so we could see what was going on a little better. Drew did a good job driving and chipping the ball today. He needed more help with putting - his coach kept reminding him to slow down and save the hard hitting for driving. I am surprised to see all that Drew has learned about golf in just 2 days - I'm learning at the same time. What's really neat is that he gets to tell Daddy and Poppi all that he's learned. He says he has to help them with their golf games too! We can't wait to see what he learns tomorrow.

Final Day of Dance Camp

On Friday morning, Mikayla got ready to head in for her last day of dance camp 2007! She went to her dance studio every day last week from 11:30 - 3:30 for camp. While there, the campers (nineteen of them total) enjoyed lunch, worked on crafts, learned many different styles of dance (tap, ballet, jazz, clogging, hip-hop, Irish step, etc.), learned how to apply stage make - up, and various other activities. Mikayla had a ball at camp every day so when it came time for the sleepover on Friday night she was super excited!! Daddy, Mommy, Drew, and Mikayla went and got supper and then took Mikayla back to the studio for the sleepover Friday night! Mikayla says good night to daddy and Drew before going inside.
"I can do this mommy - don't worry, I'll be fine!"
There were already several girls there when we arrived. Mikayla sits in Miss Nicole's lap and takes a picture while watching the other girls. I was surprised that she stayed because Jadyn hadn't arrived yet. I saw Jadyn and her mom going in as I was coming out. I thought Miss Andrea would have to call me to tell me to pick Mikayla up because I didn't think she would stay the night. She did though, and when I picked her up on Saturday morning Miss Andrea said she was really good. She didn't cry at all! Our "baby girl" is getting so big!!

Evening at the Lake

We decided to go to the lake this evening after dinner. We went with the intentions of feeding the ducks, but it was so late we didn't see many. The two we got close to weren't hungry. Maybe we'll try again tomorrow! Mikayla and Drew enjoyed playing near the water, and watching the boats. I was able to get some cute pictures! Drew doesn't seem real upset that there aren't any ducks around! Ray of Sunshine
Drew seems to spot something in the water, while Mikayla has spotted something on land. The "something" Mikayla spotted was a bee that nearly attacked us! After fighting the bee off of Mikayla and I, with the help of Daddy and Drew, we head back to the truck. The bee then decides that Daddy is threatening and goes after him. After we are all safely in the truck we drive to the other side of the landing where we find the two ducks to feed - er throw bread at. We had excitement even if we didn't find any hungry ducks!

New Truck!!!!

2001 Dodge Ram
You may remember from an earlier post that we purchased a brand new Dodge Grand Caravan back in January. Well, Craig has been looking for a new(er) truck for awhile also. He liked the one that he had as it had served him well, but it was just too small. Let's face it - there is not a lot you can haul in a Mitsubishi Mighty Max. So, today after leaving work early he headed over to Lyman to look at this truck. He called me as we were picking up Mikayla to tell me that he was getting it. I am very happy for Craig because I know how long he has been looking! I am also excited because our whole family can ride in this truck as it has an extended cab - this is Drew and Mikayla's favorite part!!

More Swimming!!

Mikayla had her first day of dance camp today - her first ever day at a summer camp! She was super excited to go, and couldn't wait to see all of her friends. I was surprised to see the studio filled with 30+ children for camp. When I told her bye, she simply popped me a kiss from across the room and said "love you mama". I knew right then she would be fine. After checking one last time to make sure that Miss Andrea had my cell number (I have never left her at the studio before - I always wait for her in the waiting room during dance classes. Since camp is four hours long, Drew and I were not staying), Drew and I headed to daddy's work to take him and Jennie lunch. From there we were off to the pool until time to pick Mikayla up from camp.Look - no floats!! Drew loves swimming with the batman flippers that Mimi got for him. He especially likes the arm pieces as he can squirt webs (water) with them. After Jennie, Drew, and I picked up Mikayla from dance camp we headed back to Mimi and Poppi's to meet Josh for more swimming. Daddy also planned to join us but got called back to work instead. Swim like a fish!

Mikayla loves her flippers too!

Catch me Jennie - don't let me go under!

Summer Fun!!

We have certainly been enjoying our summer so far. Lots of swimming, reading, sports, and relaxing! We also got a new puppy last Tuesday. She is a one year old yellow lab named Brandi. I don't think I ever posted this, but we no longer have A.J. (our black lab). We are not positive, but we think that someone picked him up. The kids were devastated by this. So, when one of my cousin's customers told her about her lab she needed to get rid of, my cousin Kathy thought of us. She is such a sweet dog, and Drew and Mikayla love Brandi already! We are not sure if we are going to be able to keep her though because she climbs our fence and gets out. She sure is beautiful and we would love to keep her, but we will just have to see (we don't want to see her get run over)!

Recital 2007

Rising Star Dance Company's 7th annual recital entitled Broadway Melodies was held Saturday, June 2, 2007. Mikayla was set to dance in five dances in this year's recital and was super excited about it. More excited than mom as I was very nervous about changing her into five different costumes. I am glad to report that changing all costumes went very smoothly and we did not delay a single dance!!

"The Locomotion"
The first dance that Mikayla danced in at recital was her jazz dance to The Locomotion. This is one of Mikayla's (and the fans) favorite dances. You might remember from an earlier post that Mikayla and her friends won a first place gold trophy and placed fifth overall at a recent competition with this dance!

Timothy, Jadyn, Lexi, and Mikayla

It hard to believe that that's my baby girl!

The smile says it all!!!

"Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep/Lullaby of Broadway"
Mikayla's second dance of the afternoon was her ballet dance. This was such a sweet dance, and Mikayla enjoyed pretending to sleep!

Look at those toes pointed out perfectly!

Our ballerina looked so sweet - I couldn't resist a close-up!

Mikayla leads Annabeth, Abbi, and Kailey in a circle. You can't see Kenyon in this picture, but she was standing at the far right of the stage.

At the end of this dance the girls "go to sleep"!

After she finished her ballet dance, Mikayla came out into the auditorium (with Ms. Allison, Abbi's mom) to see us. Mimi and I got a quick picture of her sitting with Aunt Jennie. After we got this picture it was off to change her for her next dance. On our way out of the auditorium we ran into Poppi and Drew coming back in. After hugs for them we were on our way again!

By the time I got Mikayla changed for her next dance it was intermission. (I can't wait to see the video as we missed many dances while changing.) This is where I found Drew, Poppi, and Daddy. They were outside playing on the lawn - a fun way to pass the time.

"Super Star & Give My Regards to Broadway"

Mikayla's third dance of the evening was a tap dance. You may remember from a previous post that the girls won a 1st place trophy, and placed in the top 10 overall in a competition with this dance.

I hope that Mikayla always enjoys dance as much as she does right now!

"What a star - yeah!" Abbi, Annabeth, and Mikayla finish the routine!

"Doing the Penguin"

The fourth dance of the evening for Mikayla was another tap dance - her "penguin dance". Everyone loved the costumes with this dance. You may remember from an earlier post that Mikayla and her friends won a 1st place gold trophy at a recent dance competition with this dance!

Look at our "penguin" go! Too cute!!

The Finale: "42nd Street - The Audition"

In the finale dance all of the dancers, along with Miss Andrea and Miss Nicole, dance together.

All of the younger girls watch as Miss Andrea dances onto stage.

Miss Andrea had told me before that this was a very hard dance, but that Mikayla tried every step just as the older girls did! We were very proud to see her trying her best!

What a terrific end to a fantastic show! Congratulations to the cast of "Broadway Melodies"!

Awards:

Annabeth, Lexi, Mikayla, and Jadyn wait for awards!

Mikayla accepts her certificate for perfect attendance this year. She had missed a few classes because of conflicts with Drew's baseball schedule and her surgery. Mikayla LOVES that Miss Andrea allows her students to take make-up classes when there are times that missing is unavoidable. I will never forget Mikayla asking to go to dance the Monday after her surgery. It broke her heart when I told her she wouldn't be able to go to dance for a couple of weeks.

Mikayla poses with big brother Drew after awards. Notice the medallion around her neck - she received that for completing her second year of dance with Rising Star! I missed getting a picture of Miss Nicole awarding her the medallion, but at least we have it on video!

More pictures at the conclusion. Mikayla was very tired! Mimi and Poppi took us to supper afterwards, and she fell asleep on the way home.