I've been really bad about updating our blog. In fact I'm trying now to get this written before the Holiday cards that I just mailed arrive :) We had a crazy busy year filled with Dance, Dance, Girl Scouts, School, Volleyball, Pets, & Family. It was one of the fastest years I remember, but a great one.
Cally is in 8th Grade & just turned 14. Lexi is in 6th Grade & is 11. They both attend the same middle school :) I started subbing in March 2015. So far I've subbed at our local elementary school & the girls middle school. Believe it or not, they don't mind me being there & like for me to sub for them. I guess that means I'm doing something right. It's been fun to see how middle school works. In January, we lost Murphy. We was almost 16 years old. He had had 2 knee/hip repairs, 2 bouts of cancer but was our first baby. We got him 8 weeks after our wedding & he was 8 weeks old. I still miss my boy.
The Spring was Dance & More Dance! Cally & Lexi are both on Studio teams that practice almost everyday. Cally is also on her Middle School Drill team. We attended many competitions and were lucky enough to have two competitions at two different places on the same weekend a couple of times. One thing for sure is that my girls know how to multi-task & function under pressure. They love it & until they don't (or it affects grades) we are supporting it. So far they are coping beautifully & growing into wonderful dancers.
Lexi competed 2 solos:
"The Call"-Contemporary
"The Call" Video
"Spanish Rose" -Musical Theater
"Spanish Rose" Video
Cally competed a Contemporary Solo & a Tap Duet
"All Aboard" -Tap Duet
"All Aboard" Video
"Whispers" -Contemporary
"Whispers" Video
Drill Team
Cally's Biggest Fan!
Cally is a 2nd Lieutenant for her Drill Team 2015-2016. She is really enjoying being a part of such a large team & the friends she has made. We are so blessed that (fingers still crossed) middle school has been such a positive experience. We pulled them from the charter school after 6th & 4th grade. So Cally went in as a 7th graded knowing only a handful of kids. The drill team was our saving grace. It gave her a place to belong. I love the friendships that she has made.
Lexi is enjoying 6th grade. She is in choir & seems to really like it. Last semester she had to take P.E. Everyday was a new, funny story. Thankfully this semester she gets to take dance. She hasn't made a lot of new friends, but she's hit the jack pot with two girls from her 5th grade elementary school. They get a long great & have really been there for each other this year.
Both girls are active Girl Scouts & have earned their Bronze Awards. Cally is a Cadet & Lexi bridged to a Cadet this summer. Randy has become the camping Girl Scout Dad. He really enjoys spending time with the girls, & can use his Eagle Scout knowledge.
My Mom Lynda was able to come down for 2 big dance performances this summer. She was a trooper sitting through hours & hours of dance.Some day I will be brave enough to post videos of me dancing in the Tap & Clogging numbers. :0
Speaking of my Mom-Lynda, she still lives in Arkansas. She doing great. We miss her though & wish she would move down her (or at least split her time). But it has to be her decision. I'm just thankful she is healthy. Randy's Dad Larry celebrated his 80th birthday with a big bash! He flew a plane like he did in the Navy, then had a huge party to celebrate. It was a lot of fun!
Larry, Cally, Randy, Lexi, Karen, Colin, Dianne at the party
Post Flight
We were able to visit family in New Orleans 2 times this Summer/Fall. Both times were for dance-it was a great excuse to spend time with family. My Uncle C.H. passed away in December, so I actually made 3 trips. I love my New Orleans family!
Cousins!!!
Dianne, Dan, Kenny, & Steve
Coughlan Cousins
My brother Don & I at the funeral.
Family
In the Fall, Cally completed Confirmation through our Church. It was an 8 week process.
Cally with Grandpa Larry & Grammie Lynda
Grammie Lynda with Cally & Lexi
Family Shot
Cally with her Best Friend Sarah
Moms & Daughters-Dianne, Cally, Sarah, & Twila
Sarah & Cally with their God Mother Gloria
We spent Thanksgiving & Christmas here celebrating with friends. It was great to have a little downtime.
Christmas 2015
Pets
Princess Patty is almost 17 years old. She missed her friend for a long time, but now seems to be enjoying the extra love & attention.
She is slowing down & sleeping a lot, but seems to still be enjoying life. She loves to ride in the car to help drop off/pick up the girls.
Our 3 cats are great too.
Clover
Comet
Thunder
We are thankful for you all! Our guest room is always open. Hopefully I will be better about updating this blog. I have a lot of post planned. Subscribe if you want to get updates. Randy & I are on Facebook. You can always email us too at diandrandy@gmail.com
