Rock Stars

Our dance recital experience was a little different this year because it was Sydney's first year and we got to see Abby in a ballet and tap performance. Plus, it's becoming a little more routine for me so I was not as stressed this year. I guess the third year's a charm.

The dance recital theme was Rock Star. Sydney danced to Rock Around the Clock with her poodle skirt on then and Abby danced to Daydream Believer and Old Time Rock N Roll. Kate Burns was in Abby's class and we were able to sit with Molly and Ryan, and Emily McGowan (there to watch Kate) so that was fun.

Both girls did a great job. Sydney "killed it", to borrow words from Matt Kelley, and seemed to enjoy every moment. Abby was so concerned with doing every single step that she almost lost it...twice...but my sweet little rule-follower did every step and we were so proud of her. So proud of them both.

One of my favorite parts of the weekend was after the recital we visited with the Kelleys (Tess was in the recital, too), Emily McGowan, the Burns and Lee Anne and Morgan Cavin. Plus Mama and Gran were there again this year so we were able to keep our tradition of getting Spill the Beans ice cream afterwards.

Here are some pictures from the big night:

Kindergarten Graduation

Since Abby was not going to be able to have a Kindergarten Graduation celebration at a school we decided we needed to celebrate "finishing well". We threw a small Kindergarten Graduation Celebration at our house. We invited two of Abby's friends, Ella and Kate, and their families. We had the graduates walk in the room in a line to Pomp and Circumstance with little mortar board hats on, we presented them with certificates and then we told each of them how proud we are of them for finishing well. We topped off the evening with appetizers for dinner and a cookie cake. The girls really seemed to enjoy themselves.

Trip to Daytona

Memorial Day weekend we took the kids down to Daytona Beach to visit my dad.

The drive down and back wasn't terrible, but we did do it both ways without a radio. We borrowed a DVD player from a friend and the power adapter blew out our accessory outlets and our radio. I am not a good car trip person so I had to drive most of the way to keep from being bored. Stephen was happy to not drive for once! The 7-1/2 hour drive took us 10 hrs. both ways but that is to be expected with small kids and small bladders! My only complaint regarding the trip is the lack of Chick-Fil-A's off I-95. I kept hoping for Chick-Fil-A playground stops but we settled for McDonald's.

Once in Daytona, we had dinner at my dad's condo and my half-brother, Scott, Scott's fiancee, Laura, my half-sister, Caroline, and Caroline's daughter, Halle, were able to meet us there. It was nice to visit with all of them.

My dad let us stay in a timeshare he had for free. The kids really enjoyed the pool and walks on the beach. We had lots of free time to play.

Here are some pictures from our trip.

Brody and I people watching:


Our shoes:



My boys in the kid pool:


Sydney enjoying the pool:


Stephen and Brody again:


After dinner enjoying the view:


The whole Hill family (minus Brian):


One of my favorite pics of Grandpa Hill and Brody:


My half-sister, Caroline, her baby in utero and my niece, Halle:


My half-brother, Scott, and his fiancee, Laura:


Abby eating at Grandpa Hill's (photography by Sydney):


Brody smiling for Sydney:


Grandpa Hill and Sydney:


My dad, the kids and I after dinner our last night: