Cheerleading....Really?!?!?!?

Since Leigh and I played sports throughout school, we always imagined that our kids would follow in our footsteps.  Leigh was the athletic one, but I had a competitive spirit.  One thing that parenthood has taught us is that it's no longer all about us.  Kids have their own likes and dislikes and that's okay.  Being a parent is all about supporting your kids, and the reward is seeing their face light up when they are doing something that they truly enjoy. 

That fact hit home loud and clear when we saw Megan out there on the floor in front of thousands of people with her cheerleading squad.  The look on her face was priceless.  Our quiet, reserved and serious little girl was our there cheering and dancing with her troop with a HUGE smile on her face.  It brought a tear to my eyes.  All of our reservations about letting her join the Niles Elite cheerleading group were gone the minute we saw her take the floor for their first routine.

The competition was all the way in Grand Rapids and although they didn't place, it was a great experience for Megan and they did a wonderful job.  There were 24 teams in her age division and only 3 teams made it onto the State finals.  Megan was thrilled with her trophy and loved the flowers she received from her cheering section.  Nana, Bumpa, Matt, Jenny, Adam and Abby all joined our family in the stands to watch our little girl grow up instantly during her 3 minute routine.

We can't wait until the next event.

All dressed and ready

Makeup too...

She looked 16

Her #1 fan

Walking out into the arena with her Starlight group

She found us and even waved (look in the middle)

They were #22 out of #24

Ring a Bell, that's our cue, it's time to try something new, we're so bright the stars will shine, NE Starlights shine brighter than the sky

Megan is in the back right and is the one that caught the flyer

Her cheering section

Look at that smile..showing off her trophy

Pumpkin Patch

This year, the Pumpkin Patch we've been visiting since the kids were born was closed...we were completely bummed.  However, Mini and Grumpy took the kids to another patch when they were here, and we went back as a family the next weekend with Matt, Jenny, Adam, Abbie, Nana and Bumpa.  The kids loved petting the animals (well, Jake did....) and it was our first time in a corn maze.  Megan and Nana made it out in no time, I think that Jake, Adam and Matt were next.  Leigh, Jenny, Abbie, Jenna and I brought up the rear.....

Sisters

Jake was crashed

They have the best bond...

"Miss Thang" and her daddy

Leading the Pack

Bunny Ears

It was a gigantic Goat 

Wrestle Time with Bumpa

While the Dads are away...the Kids will play

Leigh, Matt and Dad all went into the Cubs game as a Father's Day present from their kids.  So, Jenny, Mom and I decided to take the kids up to St Joe to visit the Children's Museum and play in the fountain.  It was a wonderful day and everyone had lots of fun.  I'm not sure if they enjoyed the Curious Kids Museum more or the Splash Pad.  The kids LOVE playing with their cousin Adam and it will only be a matter of time before Abby is chasing right behind them.

Jake going down the Volcano Slide

Trying to make Abby smile...it didn't work

Jenna playing Vet

Megan painted her own face..she's our little artist

Poor Adam doesn't know what to think of Crazy Jenna

Jenna in the Bubble

Jake's Turn

Now Megan

And finally, Adam

Jake hamming it up

Jamming to "We will Rock You" in the DJ booth

The Boys

The Fountain pictures are my favorite!!  It was a hot day and the kids loved cooling off in the water.

They are off....so sweet

Boys will be Boys..didn't take him long to figure this out

Nothing better than a Genuine Smile!!!

Action Shot

Adam had a great time

Whew....

Running through the sprinklers

I don't think that the boys stopped moving

Safari Joe's

Everyone needs a little get-away to avoid the Winter Blues...here is our quick trip to a local indoor waterpark.  We were so proud of Megan, she was a swimming fool.