Grand Teton National Park- Moose Sighting

We visited Grand Teton National park for the first time.  We took a boat across Jenny Lake to hike into Cascade Canyon and see not only Grand Teton mountain (the highest mountain in Grand Teton park), but a moose. 

We hiked 4 miles in and barely avoided being eaten up by mosquitos and collapsing from hyperventilating.  The struggle was real, let me tell you.  Most of the hike is uphill on the way in.  But, in the end it was worth it.  We did in fact finally get to see a cow moose and some beautiful scenery.  We also enjoyed a lot of laughs and kept each other going as we recalled that 4 miles in meant 4 miles to get back out.  

This is actually a beautiful little Catholic Church right in Grand Teton Park on Jenny Lake.  We stopped in for a look and a prayer.

Sure, we were all smiles when we first arrived at the Jenny Lake boathouse and before we traveled across the lake for the 8 mile hike.

Jenny Lake

Early in the hike to Cascade Canyon

So happy when our hike started to even out as we got deeper into the canyon.

The melting snow from the mountain caps created waterfalls in the sides of the mountains.
 

About halfway into the hike, I swear I seriously considered turning around.  Well low and behold, we meet this lady who tells us she saw a moose before hiking out and then a ranger passes us to relay the same message.  People let me just say, I got my second wind and started making up time.  And there she was a big cow moose. She was so cute and it was so much fun to stand and watch her eat and move.  

Nope, no shame at all.  We drug Gracie down the hill and we took a selfie with the moose in the background.

Looking up at Grand Teton

On our hike out as if we weren't on enough of a high having finally seen a moose, we topped the mountain to see this beautiful sight

When we finally made it back to the dock to catch the boat to cross the lake, a storm was coming up and this beautiful rainbow was peeking through the clouds.  What a beautiful way to end our day after seeing a moose and finally catching our breaths. 

On our way back to the hotel, we saw this black bear up on the hill.

Happy Father's Day!

Matt, you are a wonderful father and husband!  We love you so very much! 

The just walk in integrity;

happy are their children after them! Proverbs 7:20 

Gracie put in a lot of time making this fabric collage for Matt.  She would do anything for her daddy!

According to Gracie Cakes, spending time alone on the course with her daddy is quite special to her.  

Starbase 2018

Today marked the end of Lily Grace's first official week out of school.   What better way to kick summer off than Starbase Camp? (STEM- science, technology, engineering and math camp). This year Gracie got into the Advanced Camp. 

The highlights of this years camp included, learning to use Raspberry Pi to code and program a camera to be used in the launch of a weather balloon, meeting a college student who built R2D2 using circuits, a few experiments with liquid nitrogen and getting to see how weather satellites are made. 

Starbase is such a remarkable opportunity and we are most thankful that Gracie got to be a part of it.

Working on programming and coding their team's Raspberry Pi to take pictures of the weather balloon as it traveled through the atmosphere, popped and then landed.  

Inflating the balloon before release

Each of the 8 teams had a camera attached.  Gracie's team was one of 3 teams to capture photos and video.  The balloon reached an altitude of 95,952.2 ft.  It traveled for 3 hrs 38 min before popping and landing in Ohio.  

Experimenting with liquid nitrogen

This young lady is a college student who built this R2D2 which can also function much like the one in the movie. Lily Grace loved meeting her, seeing R2 and hearing all about how she did it.

Graduation Day!  Her call sign this year was, "Bacon!"  Each graduate was also given their very own Raspberry Pi to keep.  Gracie was super excited and rushed right home to get it set up so she can start coding and programming among other fun things.  

STARBASE Indiana is a premier educational program, sponsored by the Department of Defense. At STARBASE Indiana students participate in challenging "hands-on, minds-on" activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Students interact with STEM professionals to explore careers and observe STEM applications in the real world. The program encourages students to set goals and achieve them.

http://www.starbasein.org/index.html

Last Day of 6th Grade!

 Today was Lily Grace's last day of school.  She finished 6th grade and her first year of middle school.  She did amazing!!!  She finished with all A+'s for this nine weeks as well as the school year (no lower than a 98 average in any subject) which earned her 11 Academic Excellence awards and awards for Excellence in Service, Cantoring, Lectoring and Serving at school mass.  She also finished the year as only one of two and the youngest to complete the Lifetime Achievement in Accelerated Reader.  That's right, in 6th grade she has earned the total number points that are required through 8th grade so she is now exempt from Accelerated Reader for the rest of middle school.  We are so proud of her!
The kids started the day with an all schools mass and she was all smiles as she exited this afternoon. 
Gracie Cakes, your daddy and I are so proud of you.  We can't wait to see all that you achieve next year when you take on your new responsibilities as a member of National Junior Honor Society and the Commissioner of Finance on Student Council.  
Remember to keep that contagious smile and always put God and others first!  We love you Gracie!!!

All smiles with her best buddy before leaving home for her last day of 6th grade.

After attending the All Schools Mass, Matt and I spent a cool and cloudy day on the golf course together while Gracie was at school.  I damaged my rotator cuff so I had to just ride along today, but we still enjoyed a wonderful day together. 

She was all smiles as she exited at dismissal this afternoon!  Father Jay was there to see the kids off, give high fives and as he said, "serve as a reminder."  Too cute!

She's officially on her way to 7th grade now!

Another year of memories for these best friends!

Gracie asked to get in nine holes of her own after school to top off her special day.

Commissioner of Finance

Lily Grace ran for Student Council last week. She created posters, wrote and gave a great speech before the middle school on Friday morning.
On Friday afternoon after the votes were counted, she was declared the Commissioner of Finance for next school year's Student Council.  

Making her speech:

2-4-6-8, Cast a vote for Lily Grace! 

My name is Lily Grace, and I am running for Commissioner of Finance.  I would like to generate  more income so that Student Council is able to invest in more activities for the students.  If we can do this, then we all benefit!  We would be able to afford to put on more social activities and increase school spirit.

I am blessed that one of my talents is being adept at Math.  I have received all A pluses in Math this entire school year. I am also good at keeping a ledger, which is essential for being an efficient Commissioner of Finance.

I aim to keep Student Council’s debts and expenses as low as possible while still being able to host fun activities for everyone of all ages.

I am fun and I can think of good ideas for activities.  I am an outstanding listener.  I welcome your suggestions and I would recommend them to the council.   I am reliable and trustworthy.  I would contribute to St. Elizabeth as a part of Student Council.  You do not have to worry if you vote for me!

Saint E needs me!  Vote for me for Student Council! 

Spring Recital

This past week, Lily Grace performed at her Spring Recital.  She did a beautiful job!  She played "Secrets," by One Republic.

2nd Best Mom in the World!

Today, I woke to a special treat from my Gracie.  I often make scavenger hunts for her at Christmas and today she made one for me.  It was so fun to read each clue and then run around the house to find my "treasure."  

At the end of my journey I found a book LG and Matt had put together for me.  It was called, " The Small Book of Mom."  While the book was folded small, the sentiments inside were huge!!

Lily Grace has been taught that Mary, the Mother of our Savior is the BEST mom.  She certainly is.  So when Gracie says, I love you mom!  You are the second best mom in the world,"  it means so much to me.  

Lily Grace, you are the absolute best part of me.  You are a blessing greater than anything I deserve.  

 I love you soooooooooooooooo much!

Thank you Blessed Mary for being an example to all mothers.  Thank you God for this wonderful little girl who calls me mom.  

A couple of excerpts from The Small Book of Mom

by: Lily Grace

LOVE

My Mom makes me laugh,

My Mom makes me smile. 

Every time I need something,

She goes the extra mile. 

I love her a lot,

And she loves me.

Forever and ever,

And that's how it should be.

Rainbow

My Mom is like a rainbow.

Sheltering after a storm.

Winds and currents can batter me,

But my Mom keeps me warm.

He did it!

Today we headed to Lafayette for Matt to graduate and receive his EMBA from Purdue University.  Gracie and I are so proud of him!  

National Junior Honor Society Induction

Lily Grace has always enjoyed school and learning.  She has worked hard and maintained straight A's throughout school and middle school hasn't stopped her.  Her favorite subject is Math where her average has yet to go below a 99 this school year. And reading is her passion.  Today, her dedication and hard work were recognized in a very special way.  
This morning after mass, Lily Grace was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society.  Only a select number of students are asked to apply and the criteria includes academics, service, character, leadership and citizenship.  I love that while the grades are very important part of the criteria, so are being a good person and serving others. 
Lily Grace, your daddy and I are so very proud of you.  Not because you have great grades, but because of the reason that matters, you are a great girl, a wonderful and caring person.  
Thank you God for the blessing of Lily Grace.  Thank you for her Catholic education.  How special it is that she was inducted in the very place that she goes to sit with and worship you!  Thank you for seeing her through each and every day.  Thanks be to God!

All smiles after receiving her NJHS shirt, pin, membership certificate, signing the membership book and taking the pledge.  Outgoing 8th graders presented to the incoming 6th graders.

All of the NJHS Members- now including LG!