Talent On Parade

I was super sad I could not attend Bella's kindergarten graduation.  It was during the day and I had school, but Brian was able to attend. 

Nationals in Ft. Walton Beach, FL!

We were excited that nationals were in Florida this year! We drove out on Friday afternoon the ++++++++ and stopped in ++++++ before getting up the next morning to drive in rest of the way. We had rented a condo on the gulf side of Oskaloosa Island (sp??) and it was beautiful! We went straight to the beach before cleaning up to get dinner at Fudpuckers (where we saw a newly written "RCDC" on the bathroom wall...LOL. It was Marci!) That next day,

 

was Bella's solo.  She was pretty creeped out by the fog machines and ran off stage during her solo.  After much convincing, she was allowed to go back out and recompete for adjudication only.  We were so proud of her for giving it another try!  The next day was duet day for Liv and Abby.  They KILLED their duet--best time ever!!  They got their first platinum of the year and came in 8th place over all!!  We were THRILLED!!!  That evening we went to eat dinner with Sonny and Julie Rhodes at Los Pancho Mexican restaurant (we had already eaten there once--it was SO good!). 

 

On July 4th, we hung out at the Rhodes' condo (Marci and Jason).  We went over there and spent most of the day.  Had sandwiches at lunch and again the Mexican place for dinner!  Then I took pictures of Tracy Pate's family.  We ended the day with the kids playing in the pool and the Pate's condo (other RCDC kids were there).

 

The rest of the week was groups.  They did pretty well.  Trouble was selected as most entertaining.  Super fun!  The last day was the finale where all of the "most entertaining" acts competed as well as the ones selected to recompete.  We headed home quickly after that and made it half way again before stopping for the night. 





 

Sistrunk Family Reunion

We went down to Louisiana and took Mamaw to Mitchell for a Sistrunk renunion.  It was HOT out there!  But we saw the old church building and ate some wonderful potluck food.  It was really cool seeing street signs like Sistrunk Rd.  And, I got some great pics of Mamaw and the girls.

Be the Church

The first Sunday of August, we participated in our annual Be the Church event at church.  We signed up to help the group collecting/cleaning suitcases for children in foster care.  I loved seeing my family serve like this.  The girls had so much fun! 

Mamaw's Birthday

We went to Louisiana for Mamaw's birthday (Brian was in NJ with his family).  She was so happy that so many of her family came for her party.  We had a great meal--gumbo made by Uncle Larry and the most amazing chocolate and Resses dessert made by mom).  I was so glad we could make it! 

I Teach K in Vegas

We barely got home in time from FL to get me unpacked and packed again for the flight for Vegas!  In fact, I even brought damp clothes in my suitcase because there was not enough time to dry them.  Ha!  We flew out on Sunday afternoon and arrived in Vegas that evening.  We were staying at the Venetian.  Rachel and I got our rooms next to each other.  When we opened the door to my room we about FELL OVER!  We were literally squealing and laughing so hard---the rooms were AMAZING!!!  I even had a weighted mini bar like on the movies!  I counted three TVs (even one in the bathroom), a dining table, stairs that went into the sunken living room...  Wow! 

The next morning, the conference started.  Patrice and her sister did their own thing most of the time, but I ran into them every once in a while.  The classes were great!!!  I got my picture made with Kim Adsit and fell in love with Deanna Jump as well!  Rachel and I ate dinner at some great places (a Mexican cantina near the gondola route, Senor Frogs, an Italian place along the mall area and then stayed up in my room working on school stuff for the next year.  One evening, I wanted to go out and see if that lounge was still there at the Bellaggio from 2 years ago.  I went with Patrice and her sister, but we didn't see it.  So we walked back up the strip checking out the shopping and casinos until we got back.  I was worn out at this point.  I hadn't done so much physical activity since the surgery and I was hurting! 

Rachel and I spent several afternoons after the conference at the pool at the Venetian.  It was gorgeous!  Then, on XXXXXXXXXX  I went out walking down the strip to get to the World of M&M on my own.  I shopped along the way and was pretty proud of myself for doing so much (and did not even feel so worn out!)

When we left the conference, we had done so much to prepare for this next year of school and had some great ideas of things to try.  I have never been so excited to start back to school before!

Isabelle and Swimming!

Isabelle White came over to swim and spend the day on Saturday the XXXXXX.  Olivia was so excited because Izzy will be moving soon and won't be going to Lisa Academy next year.  I am so sad these girls will be separated. 

Church Camp for Liv

Olivia got to experience church camp this year!  It was a day camp, but they were LONG days!  She got the activities she chose (archery and crafts) and ended up LOVING archery! 

Bella's Kindergarten Graduation

Brian was able to attend Bella's graduation (I couldn't get off of work!). They sang a few songs (which he videoed for me to see--precious!) and got their diplomas. Bella sure loves Mrs. Ward!