More Florida Sun!

Summer break is here so the kids and I headed back down to Florida.  After our last trip and everyone being sick, we didn't have as much time to visit as we would have liked, so back down we went.

We had a great weekend with my dad.  He had the sister missionaries over and they invited us all to go to church on Sunday.  So my Dad, Carol and her kids and my kids and I all went.  It was so wonderful to be at church with my dad.  After sacrament the bishop and High Priest Group Leader came up and introduced themselves to my dad.  When my dad told them his name they totally knew his name from the church records.  I could tell that my dad was feeling a bit emotional and had something he wanted to say.  I told him to just say what he was feeling.  That's when my dad said some words that I will never forget.  He told them that he wants to come back to church.  Carol and I both just started crying.  After 20+ years our prayers were finally being answered.  My dad reminded me how he told me on my mission that one day he would be back.  Now was finally the time!  I can't put into words the joy that I feel.

 My girls!

 Forever a daddy's girl

 Love those eyes

It wouldn't be a complete trip to Florida without a visit with Brad and Liz.  Lucky for us, we were there for Liz's birthday!

 The girls think Brad is pretty much the funniest person in the world

 This might be why they love Brad so much, never a dull moment!

Anya decided to put on a show full of new dance moves.  I couldn't stop laughing.

The girls got to have a special day with Brad and Liz at Sea World.  As you can tell from the picture they got nice and wet and had a blast.

The Science Center

What a stud!

Finally!  The main reason for going back down to Florida was to meet baby Reese.  What a sweet and beautiful baby girl.  We got to spend a few days in Tampa with Erin and her family.  It was a little crazy adding all my kids to the mix, but we enjoyed it.

Tata Erin taught Liam how to give kisses

Can't go to Tampa and not go to the beach.  Yes, Erin and I were crazy enough to go there with 5 kids 5 and under!

Isabelle and I had a special day at Wet 'n Wild.  I was so proud of her going down all the water slides.   She was nervous to go on the first one, but once she did she just wanted more.  We especially had fun in the wave pool and lazy river.  It was so nice to have this special day with my big girl.

What a great time we had in Florida.  While at times difficult not to have Charles with me, it was still worth it.

Graduation Time!

We have a preschool graduate!  Isabelle had a cute graduation ceremony at her preschool.  She was so proud and so were we.  She has done so well in preschool and we know she will do great in Kindergarten.  

 Getting her "diploma"

 Isabelle and her friend Kyle

Isabelle's teachers Ms Susan and Ms Tracy

Time to Dance Part 2

Anya was up next.  We didn't know what to expect since at the Christmas recital she was scared and didn't dance right away and that was in a much smaller setting.  I was the stage mom so I was with her little class backstage all the way till they went on stage.  I got to sit in the front row during her performance.  She walked right on stage and to her spot and as soon as Bibidi Bobidi Boop came on she started dancing.  I was one proud momma as she did every step of the dance.  I couldn't believe how much progress she has made.  

 Not only did she dance, she also had a smile on her face.

 Anya's little class

Anya with her teacher Ms. Cindy

Time to Dance

The girls had their first big ballet and tap recital.  At Christmas they had a small one for just their class, but the Spring recital is the big deal.  They were in 2 different sessions, which was nice because they were able to see each other perform.  Isabelle was first.  She did her ballet piece to Tinker Bell's "Fly to Your Heart" and her tap piece was to "Zip-a-dee-doo-dah."  We were so impressed with how much she has learned over the year.  Back in January she was bumped up to a higher level class that you can only be in with a teacher recommendation.  She did great with it.  She has some natural talent and we love watching her dance.  All day before the recital she was feeling sick and in bed.  But we said a prayer with her and she had great faith that she would be ok.  We held our breathe as she got on the stage, but she just smiled and danced like she was feeling great.  We were so proud of her.

Captured this shot during  a class.  I love Isabelle's arabesques!