Savanna had her first cheer competition today~ The Noble Youth Shining Stars did amazing. Savy and her squad rocked the arena in Lewiston today! We (S and I) were a little nervous about getting her all ready- but she looked great! Her new uniform fits so nicely, her hair piece was a perfect match to her hair color, and her bow stayed put!
Parents are banned from watching the weekly practices, so I honestly had not seen the routine all start to finish with the music. I was blown away by these girls! In fact, all (40!!) of the teams to performed today were great. I found the whole day quite interesting. If it weren't for Savanna I would never ever have any reason to be near a cheer squad. It's certainly not a sport I ever put much thought into. I would never say that I could get into it... but I got swept away today! These girls have so much spirit... and Oh My! What atheleticism!! There was no way you could be in that arena and not feel it!
I was really enjoying watching the teams go, but I was also getting nervous for Savy. I knew she was a bit worried about messing up! We shouldn't have worried! The Shining stars were the second to last to go in their age catergory and division... Not knowing too much about what the judges were looking for I didn't have much to go on. I just took my pictures, cheered like crazy and teared up when Savy had a flawless performance. I knew they looked great, the routine was awseome...
and all their hard work really paid off! The girl's WON!!! Their first competition (Sav's first ever!) and a State wide one too boot... Yipee!! Infact, Noble swept the event. We won 4 out of 5 of the catergories. The preK-3rd grade got 4th place, but everything else was won by Noble! Our coaching staff is amazing, and we have some super girls. The high school team won the over all Champions for the day, having the highest score of any team there! For a first experience it was surely one we wont forget! Savanna was a little taken aback by all the girls/parents who were crying after the awards ceremony. I had to explain that they won't win 1st place every time, and this was a pretty cool thing for the team! I was so proud; I got a little misty myself... I'm so glad she is so into this. It's very cool to be a part of something like this... lets hope next weekend's comp goes just as well!
Some things I learned as a first time Cheer Mom:
1. stand in line, even if its cold and you would rather stay in the car... you will get a better seat!
2. dont feel badly asking another Mother to do your girls' hair... its better that the curls stay put!
3. keep taking pictures even with your eyes blurry with tears- they will come out anyhow!
Parents are banned from watching the weekly practices, so I honestly had not seen the routine all start to finish with the music. I was blown away by these girls! In fact, all (40!!) of the teams to performed today were great. I found the whole day quite interesting. If it weren't for Savanna I would never ever have any reason to be near a cheer squad. It's certainly not a sport I ever put much thought into. I would never say that I could get into it... but I got swept away today! These girls have so much spirit... and Oh My! What atheleticism!! There was no way you could be in that arena and not feel it!
I was really enjoying watching the teams go, but I was also getting nervous for Savy. I knew she was a bit worried about messing up! We shouldn't have worried! The Shining stars were the second to last to go in their age catergory and division... Not knowing too much about what the judges were looking for I didn't have much to go on. I just took my pictures, cheered like crazy and teared up when Savy had a flawless performance. I knew they looked great, the routine was awseome...
and all their hard work really paid off! The girl's WON!!! Their first competition (Sav's first ever!) and a State wide one too boot... Yipee!! Infact, Noble swept the event. We won 4 out of 5 of the catergories. The preK-3rd grade got 4th place, but everything else was won by Noble! Our coaching staff is amazing, and we have some super girls. The high school team won the over all Champions for the day, having the highest score of any team there! For a first experience it was surely one we wont forget! Savanna was a little taken aback by all the girls/parents who were crying after the awards ceremony. I had to explain that they won't win 1st place every time, and this was a pretty cool thing for the team! I was so proud; I got a little misty myself... I'm so glad she is so into this. It's very cool to be a part of something like this... lets hope next weekend's comp goes just as well!
Fast forward to last night when Em and Kurt hosted his Army guy party! We all went over to celebrate (even though Wes had been throwing up the night before...) with them. Billy went over Friday night, and spent the night so he was able to go with a few of K's school chums to play lazer tag and run around the arcade. We arrived in time for pizza, cake and ice cream (diet wreckers!)
Em made a great cake with army vs. knights. They had a great "set up" on the cake with all of the figures mid battle! We gifted Kaleb his very own chick (which he can pick out in a few weeks- if spring ever decides to make an appearance in New England!) the will live in our flock. I hope he likes it, I know that he and Billy love playing with the chickens; now he will have one that is his own!
I'm not sure how I got these cool glowing reflections? of the flames in all of my picture of him blowing out his candles... Anyhow, we had fun, ate way too many calories and helped Kaleb usher in the double digits! Happy Birthday K!!
That is -8f at 6:20 when I took Olivia out. Brrrr. We are in the midst of winter for sure! It seems like the heart of the dark cold days but, we are into February already?! I'll be glad for Spring~ this winter had been a real Ol' fashioned one! We have had plenty of cold, and more than our fair share of snow! Typically we either get a cold winter, or a snowy one... but this year we are getting both!
I try to get Wes out when I can... we have had some days where it never gets out of the single digits- so on those days he is stuck inside. All the other days we go out if only for a few minutes. Sometimes I think it takes longer to get all the gear on that we actually spend outside! He loves being out there though, and even enjoys riding the snowmobile with Daddy!
Savanna and Bill have taken some longer outings on the sled, and are really enjoying it. Bill loves pulling the kids around on the toboggan behind him. I have even gone a few times to putz around the field. The other afternoon the setting sun was beautiful. With trying not to slide off and holding onto Wes I couldn't get a good picture- but it sure was pretty!
I am thankful for the new truck and it's plow. Bill has had to move a lot of snow! The kids have had 3 snow days, 2 early releases and a late start! They are all home today. School was called off yesterday afternoon for today! We got another foot or so, but I was prepared for up to 20 inches, so it doesn't seem that bad! The horses are all doing well- Squeeke did have some funny snow balls in her hooves the other afternoon, but otherwise everyone is fairing nicely. On some of the colder days I've added oats and beet pulp to their meals, and I always double the hay rations for the cold spells. It won't be too long now until the mud and black flies arrive!