Dance Competitions from SLC to St George...

The last three weekends have been filled with dance competitions. Madi and Sara have been so excited to perform and spend time with their dance friends. So many hours are put into practicing and polishing these dances. It's so impressive to watch everything come together perfectly as they present them in front of the judges.  Even though these days are long, I love watching my girls up on stage. They truly SPARKLE!

Madi's lyrical dance group - with Eliza, Carly, Kelsey and Myah

Madi's jazz dance pose "Radioactive"

They won a trophy for their lyrical dance.

Awards given out for New York - On Stage. Congratulations everyone! It was so hard for me not to get pictures inside. Unfortunately, cameras and videos were not allowed.

Sara's lyrical dance group.  I don't know a more fun group of girls.

It's always fun to make crazy faces - especially with good friends!

Sara's Hip Hop Dance - "Drop and Roll"

They wanted me to get a picture of the cool lightning bolt on the back of their shirts.

A dance well done. Now off to the dressing room to change into costume #3

I love this happy face and the excitement she has for this competition stuff.

Their jazz dance is called 5,6,7,8 and it is very cleverly choreographed.

Since Sara's competition was all day Saturday, we had about 4 hours to kill during the middle. We went over and ate lunch at City Creek and the girls goofed around.  Gracie is Sara's favorite dance friend.  These two are inseparable and have so much fun together.

Look at these trophies! They received all gold awards for their dances! Congratulations Girls!

The next weekend we went down to St. George for Dixie Jam. We left a few days early so we could spend time with Grandma.

Warming up for the next competition. Almost ready to take the stage...

A little blurry...Sara's the third from the left.

Madi's Hip Hop Dance - Ramalama...So much action going on one stage at the same time. There are more dancers in this group and it is very energized.

Madi gets air...they are dancing as Zombies. A very fun dance to watch!

I love how these two can support each other. One of my friends videotaped Madi's dances and you can specifically hear Sara cheering Madi on. Here, we are on our way to go and get lunch and then we will return for the rest of the day.

Sunny St. George - What a great day and what a beautiful dancer!

Grandma came for every one of the girl's dances. She waited patiently, visited with the Madi and Sara in between numbers and we all went to lunch together. She has been busy with lots of granddaughters because my sister's girls were down for their dance competition just the weekend before. Thanks for supporting us too, Grandma.

Dancing Sisters - I love that I'll be able to remember how much they really enjoyed being together!

Sara performing in her lyrical dance - "Be your Love".  I love love these costumes!

Sara and Julia were proud of this sign posted outside the dressing room.  Pointing at it just to make sure that the boys stay far away...

Madi's jazz dance - she is second from the left - glad she just happened to be in focus!

Getting ready for "Without a Word" Such a darling group of girls. Kaymie (the girl in white) has another dance two dances before so the girls all helped her with a quick change back stage.

Madi has a nice little solo part during her lyrical dance - this is my favorite of all her dances!

Great pose of my girl! She enjoys this all so much and it shows all over her face!

And cheers to the master behind these great hip-hop dances...Broadway Star - Jason Celaya. He choreographed and worked with this group many times to get this dance to excel.  "Ramalama" took first place in the competition!

Day Date Drama - Spring Fling Sling

At the start of the "Spring Fling" day date this group was in for some serious fun - First the challenge of a boxing fight in a blow-up ring with enourmous sized boxing gloves!

Next on to the giant blow up slide.  It really was the hit of the day!
So glad these pictures were passed along.

Here is the group picture before the slide went down.  Who would have thought that something this huge could tip.  But, apparently when you put 8 seniors inside, playing games and having a great time... anything can happen.  Jake thought as it started to tip over that he didn't want to fall on someone and hurt them. So being at the top highest part of the slide he decided to bail and jumped out catching himself with his right hand hurting his wrist. OUCH!

This is the unplanned picture of the day date...waiting in the lobby for the After Hours Dr. to x-ray his arm. Jake is in pain but, you can't really tell by the look on his face. He's trying to be tough - needs to impress the girls here.  Hold on Jake, just until you get into the other room.

Since I was down in St. George, Derek met Jake at the doctors. He kept sending me pictures updating me of Jake's condition. I'm wondering what was said at this point... "now lets take a picture to show mom how you are really feeling..." He looks VERY MUCH in pain! I was feeling bad I couldn't be there but, so glad Derek was around to help our boy!

The loyalty and patience of these friends amazes me.  They waited for Jake through his appointment and drove him home to get ready for the date/dance that night. This was the last updated picture I was sent:

Taylor & Jake (now on a few Advil) looking much happier and sporting a Sling for Spring Fling!

ps. we just found out today that he has a mild fracture of the distal radius and will get a cast put on tomorrow.

Sisters Go Shooting!

Move over Annie Oakley, here comes Alli & Kayli - Don't they look good?

My Grandpa would be so proud of his Great Granddaughters and I also think he would be just a little envious of those guns!

Lone Peak Swim Banquet

Last night was the end of the year awards banquet for all the swimmers. Alli convinced Berkeley to try swimming at the beginning of this year.  Alli is a great recruiter and they had fun so much fun together.

Many of these guys have hung out at our house during these high school years. I will miss watching them swim next year, but know they will be making a difference in their life and the lives of others.

What a wonderful group of friends!

Alli was announced as one of the LPHS Swim Team Captains for next year. Woohoo! She will take Rachel Hubert's spot - big shoes (fins) to fill...what a great honor!

The graduating seniors with their plaques of all their accomplishments in high school.

Jake, Rachel, Miles, Conner, Sammie, Gray, Zac, and Chris. Congratulations!

More awards being handed out...some silly awards were given for each member of the team according to their personality.  Alli was chosen as "most conversationalist" and Jake got "the team beauty" award.

This one cracked me up. As all the state swimmers were gathering, Jake stood up, unfolded something from his pocket and held it up as I was taking the picture. It was the Russian McDonald's
placemat (from 1993) that I gave him earlier this week. I guess he's a little excited!

 All the Lone Peak State Swimmers who lettered this year - Congrats Everyone!

 I love that my two kids lettered in swimming together! Awesome job!

 Pictures - after so many - start to get a little CRAZY!

 Alli, Bailey and Rachel...began swimming together two years ago and will keep going through next year.

These three guys have been hanging out a lot together this year.  I have to say, I don't know a finer group of young men. They are so kind, helpful, courteous, happy, disciplined and friendly. 

What a fantastic year (can't believe it's almost over). What a great night!