Dance Recitals '16

These are pics from our 2 rehearsals and 2 recitals. It is hard to believe (as always) that another year has passed so quickly. The kids continued pursuing their love of dance at Columbus DanceArts Academy, and I have only love and respect for the teachers and staff. Kyrie was in 3/4 Intermediate Hip-Hop and Advanced Ballet. Degen was in 1/2 Intermediate Ballet/Tap and Intermediate Jazz. They each had two dances, one in each of two shows (the academy puts on three shows each year). They both did a great job, had a lot of fun and learned a lot. We are already making decisions on what dance classes they will do this summer and in the year ahead. 

Degen performed as a leaf (complimenting the ivory roses) for ballet.

Kyrie performed as a forget-me-not for ballet.

Degen performed as poison ivy for jazz.

Kyrie performed as fame for hip-hop.

Tiger Scout Degen

Degen enjoyed his first year of Tiger-Cub Scouts. He earned nearly all the Adventure belt loops he could, impressing his leaders. We ended our Cub Scout year with a campfire and s'mores. The boys performed skits and received their awards. Degen is excited to be a Bear Scout next year.

Memorial Day Fun '16

We always look forward to starting the summer off with a visit to family in Virginia. This year, we went to a pool party and the arcade. We ate good food and had good conversations, played in the backyard and even did some indoor skydiving (which was amazing!)! It is a fast weekend, full of love!

Kyrie's first time off the diving board.

Kyrie is almost as tall as Nanny this year! Wow!

Woods 2016

Our official start of the summer: a walk in the woods at our favorite Maryland rest stop! We had a beautiful day, a yummy picnic and a fun walk in the woods. Our kiddos are getting so big, and looking back through the years and our family photos at the very same spot show how much they have grown! 

Girl Scouts 2016

We were happy to attend Kyrie's End of Year Potluck during which the girls performed songs and received awards. Kyrie presented her My Promise, My Faith project and was awarded a troop Top Seller badge for selling over 800 boxes of cookies. Her troop plans to use its funds for their Bronze Award project, a zipline adventure in the Hocking Hills and a troop campout. As always, we are grateful for our troop's leaders and those in our families & community who support our troop with donations, fall product & cookie purchases.

The My Promise, My Faith pin is awarded to scouts who find the common commitments between the Girl Scout Law and their religion or spiritual path and inspiration to follow both in the quotes of women. This year, Kyrie focused on the message of conservation found in the biblical story of the Garden of Eden. 

Skipping Stones

Rounding out our spring activities, we went to on of the area metro-parks for a hike. We were able to walk along the river just off the trail for a little lesson on skipping stones. This was a beautiful day, and the kids were eager to return after our too-short visit.