Academic Night

On Monday, J received an award for being a "Golden Scholar". A Golden Scholar is students who have achieved straight A's all school year. It was a nice ceremony honoring all the "Golden Scholars" in the Fourth, Fifth & Sixth grades at her school and one other school in the area. J looked absolutely beautiful. (I cannot believe how much she looks like her mom)

J, we are so proud of you, you are growing up to be such a beautiful, smart, and talented young lady. We love you so much, keep up the AWESOME work.

California

As you know we spent last weekend in California for J's National Cheerleading Competition. (See post under this one for competition details) While we were there we had the opportunity to spend time with some of our family that lives in California.
Grandma C, A and I flew into California Friday morning, Aunt Cece, Dwayne, Cousins Jeremy, Lori, Jessica, Kylie, Tahana, Kasey & Ryan, all drove down from the Bay area on Friday afternoon, and D drove in from Hazmat School in Flagstaff on Friday night.

It was so nice to get to spend time with all of them. I am bummed that I didn't get to spend as much as I would have liked due to having to work at the competition. J and I both had pretty busy schedules. But anytime is better than no time. Thank you all so much for coming down to cheer J on, it meant a lot to all of us, especially J. We can't wait to see you guys again soon.

A checking out the view on her first plane rideHow the rest of the plane ride wentHangin' out in Downtown DisneySisters

Cousins

The Davis FamilyTahana, Kasey & Ryan

Us

The four of us

D & A in a HUGE, cool tree

National Cheer Competition Update

J competed in her last cheer competition for the season this past weekend. The competition was held in Anaheim, California and WOW, what a weekend, and what a competition. This was a National cheerleading competition, so there were hundreds of teams from all over the US at this competition, it was huge. Teams started competing at 7 am and didn't finish until 10 pm. Ok enough with the details, let me tell you how J's team did. First off there were four other teams in her division, and they each competed twice, the scores were averaged to choose the winner.

Day 1: J's team looked really good, had an awesome performance, but also had a couple little fumbles. After day 1 they were in second place but not behind by much.

Day 2: J & Team Aspire showed up to take home that first place trophy. They were AWESOME!! I know I have said it before, but let me tell you they were spot on perfect! It was so awesome to watch, the smiles on their faces were so genuine, you could tell they knew they were doing awesome. Unfortunately the team that was in 1st place after the first day, came out and performed another great routine. It was gonna be close. It came down to a 3/10's of a point difference between 1st & 2nd place. Team Aspire took home a 2nd PLACE TROPHY AT NATIONALS, that is AWESOME!! They were all so excited, the trophy was huge! (as tall as me) More details, D drove in late Friday night, when he got out of class, and Grandma C flew in with me and A Friday morning to help out with A. Aunt Cece & Dwayne, Cousins Jeremy, Lori & the kids, and Tahana, Kasey & Ryan all drove down from the Bay Area Friday afternoon to come cheer J on. I felt very fortunate that I had the opportunity to work at the competition. I was in charge of the backstage warm up areas. It made it nice, because my airfare, hotel and food was covered for the weekend. But man am I getting old, it has been a long time since I have worked like that. Thank you to all who came to cheer J on, it meant a lot to her.

J's Cheering Section

A helping mom roll up the mats at the end of the competition.

Our trip to The Phoenix Zoo

Before leaving to California for J's competition last week, A and I met up with the Holmes Family (my Sisters Family) and we took the kids to the Phoenix Zoo. It was a great day to be at the zoo, the weather was beautiful, and the animals were very active. The kids loved seeing all the animals, and I enjoyed spending time with my sister, brother-in-law, nephews and new niece. The GangMe & AKissing Cousins- K & A holding hands as we push them round the zooThe Holmes FamilyD feeding the squirrelK in A's sunglassesKicking back enjoying the rideBaby A Sisters

After walking around the zoo for most of the day we headed to lunch where we were really surprised that my Dad joined us for lunch. It was nice to see him, especially because it has been so long, and his 50th Birthday was earlier that week.

Oh, no our day isn't over yet. After lunch we headed to see my Grandma in the hospital. She is looking so much better. She was very happy to see us and her four Great Grand Babies. We didn't stay too long because the kids started to get a little restless. So we left and let Grandma get some rest.

From there we headed to my brothers house, where my mom joined us for a BBQ. After my brothers A and I headed to Grandma & Grandpa Bates house where we stayed the night since Grandpa J was gonna be taking us to the airport in the morning. When we got there Aunt L & Cousin A was there, so we got to hang with them for a little bit too. It was a very long day, but it was nice to get to see everyone. Our trips to Phoenix, are always so crazy, we always have so many people to try and see.

Grandma & A

Tio Pancho & JenniferThe Kids

Spring is in the Air

A and I have been enjoying the absolutely beautiful weather we have been having. We have started our daily walking routine again, and even enjoyed a picnic downtown the other day. Here are some pictures of us enjoying the outdoors.