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 

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.

Breakfast with Santa at Fernwood

What a wonderful morning.  We had a buffet breakfast at Fernwood, followed by craft making and of course the visit with Santa.  Megan headed right up and told Santa that she wanted a Barbie.  Jenna hesitated at first until she saw the candy canes by his side, she wanted a Kitty...poor Jake never made it up, but made sure to shout from a distance that he wanted a Motorcycle.  After the brunch, we walked around outside to see the ice carving.  It was a beautiful morning.

Berrien County Youth Fair - 2009

We ended up going down to the fair 3 different times - Once for the Circus, once for Megan to ride the rides and once to hang out with cousin Adam. It was a great week for the fair, and for the most part was unusually cool. It's hard to believe that it was mid-August with the pictures below of us in our sweatshirts.

Tues Mom and I took the kids to the Circus at the Fair. Mom and Megan actually rode on an elephant...ah, what you do for the Grandkids. I guess that Mom can cross that one off of her Bucket List....

As for the circus. I swear that the entire Circus cast consisted of 6 people. The trapeze artist was also the dare devil on the motorcycle who was also the Lion Tamer who was also responsible for the Elephant rides before the show. By the time that the 3 elderly ladies (70s) came out with their poodles for their 3rd act, it was time that we got out of there. It held the kids attention for about the first 20 minutes, after that we were struggling to keep them in their seats and not fall through the bleachers.

If you look close enough..you can actually see a picture of me. :) But, notice that I had to take it of myself, and Jenna looks oh so thrilled. She was trying to watch the Circus, but I put the camera in the way. I really need to start pushing the camera off on the other adults so that my kids will know that I was actually around and just not behind the camera.

We had some time to kill before Dad and Leigh met up with us for dinner. So, we walked through the animal barns. Mom made me promise not to write anything about her "incident" in the animal barn...but, for those of you reading this, make sure to ask her about it. I have pictures as proof, but she would kill me if they were posted on here. Don't worry, I will hold onto them as they make great Blackmail material.

By the time that we met up with Leigh and Dad, Mom and I were pooped And, of course the guys couldn't understand why we were so tired...I'm sure that the wrestling on the bleachers, chasing through the animal barns and humidity for the day had nothing to do with it. Corndogs, Freshly squeezed lemonade and Elephant Ears were on the menu.

We stayed clear of the ride area on our first visit. We knew that Jake and Jenna would want to ride on them all and they weren't quite tall enough....which was the recipe for a couple of Major meltdowns. So, Megan was promised a special day so that she could ride on the rides. Next year, we will brave it will all 3. We better start saving up our $ now. We met up with so many of Megan's friends and she had a great time.

Megan and Paige

Megan and Claire

Megan and Campbell

Saturday Matt and Jenny brought Adam for his first fair visit. Although the weather was rainy and on the cool side, a great time was had by all.