Mahalo Hawaii! We had a great time!

We continued packing in the fun right down to the end.  We had the best time and made so many memories.  Mahalo (thank you) Hawaii for sharing your beauty.  

After the merman tail, Lily Grace thought they could take on an even bigger build so she and Matt set about building a sea turtle.  

I have to say, it turned out really cool.  Now to be honest, Lily Grace did most of the build.  People passing by were really impressed with how it turned out. 

Matt ended up doing this midway through building the sea turtle.  

So I helped LG finish the detailing and we claimed credit.  

Once Matt woke from his nap, he snorkeled out pretty far and got these cool underwater pics. 

On our last night we walked down to the famous Black Rock to sit on the beach and watch the cliff diving ceremony.  Each night right before sunrise, the conch shell is blown, the torches are lit and the cliff diver takes the leap off of Black Rock at sunset signaling the end of the day. It's a ceremony that has take place for years.  Ceremonial Hawaiian music plays, there's a hula dancer and the story is told of how it came to be.  It was really fun to watch.  Afterwards we sat and soaked in the last bit of sunlight watching the sailboats glide by and Gracie get her feet wet one last time.

Climbing the rocks to light the torches along the cliff.

Cliff Diving

We enjoyed one last breakfast outdoors on the beach at Dukes before leaving for the airport.

We had amazing weather our entire stay.  It rained early the morning of our departure.

Happy Father's Day!

Gracie is often telling Matt that he's the BDE! 
He certainly is!
(Best Daddy Ever)

Last Day of 7th Grade

Today was the last day of school.  Lily Grace finished 7th grade with all A's and High Honors for the entire year.  She was also re-elected to Student Council last week.  She ran for Commissioner of Social Activities for the next school year and won. 
This year has also been made up of NJHS, Fidelis, Youth Group, volunteering, piano and golf.  Lily Grace, you put forth your best effort and worked hard at everything you did. Daddy and I are so proud of you.  
You are amazing and loved beyond words!!!!!!!

All smiles as we get ready to head out for the last day of 7th grade.  The kids always enjoy getting to end on a dress down day.

I do believe Molly could sense the excitement because she was pretty excited herself this morning. She wanted to ride to school this morning, but Gracie and I stopped off for Starbucks before school so she had to stay behind and she wasn't happy.

Dismissal: That wraps up 7th grade!

WELCOME SUMMER!!!

13th Birthday Party! No Escaping the Fun!

Yesterday, Lily Grace had her 13th birthday party. We had to put it off since all the girls are involved in weekend activities right now.  The delay didn't damper the fun!  With this being the last weekend before the end of school on Tuesday, it only added to the excitement.  
These girls went strong from 11:30 until 8:00 in the evening.  They were inside, outside and all over the house playing, singing dancing, eating and giggling. 
One of the highlights of the day was our visit to the Escapee's Room.  We did a Deep Space themed room.  Matt and I weren't sure how well it would go but boy did these girls surprise us.  We were soooo close.  According to our game master, we were only about 5 minutes from escaping.  oh well!  The girls were bummed we didn't make it out in the allotted 60 minutes, but were asking to go back before we even left.  We really did have a lot of fun.  
Thank you so much to all of the girls for making LG's 13th birthday party so special and memorable!  Gracie, daddy and I had the best time and hope you did as well!  We love you!

Lily Grace wanted the party to be pink, gold and black.  She and I got busy making all these flowers for our little Kate Spade theme and I have to say, it turned out even better than we could have expected.

The girls made a really cute initial canvas.

Each girl received a tee that read, "Live each day like it's your birthday."  We also sent everybody home with a gold glitter framed picture of the girls in front of the backdrop.

This is the fun picture we placed in the glitter frames.

We made confetti poppers which I actually let them pop in the house.  

Loved the color scheme

We were so close.  Gracie had decided before we went to the Escape Room that we were totally blaming Matt if we didn't make it out.  ha! 

The cake was chocolate on top and vanilla on bottom and very good! 

These girls were all over the place.  I was asked to come up to LG's room and snap this pic.  How they all managed to get on the bean bag I will never know.

 

While we sang Happy Birthday the girls performed a dance they had made up for LG and she thought it was hilarious.  So fun and sweet!

In Full Swing

Lily Grace and team Coyote had their first Jr League match this past week.  It was a very damp and cool 53 degrees but they did a great job!  
We are so proud of Lily Grace and it's always so much fun watching her play. 
Her group held their own and tied their opponents.  
She is loving it and that is all that matters!

All smiles as they make their way to the second hole

Lily Grace made this beautiful drive off the tee and then went on to putt it in to help her team win the hole. 

With hybrid in hand, she was the only one to make it over the water.  She was really proud of this shot because even the boys fell short.  

Accolade Ceremnony

Last night, Lily Grace along with her Fidelis sisters had their Accolade Ceremony.  It was a very special way to close out the year.  
The girls each received a new charm for their Fidelis bracelet reminding them to keep the fire of Christ in their hearts and to lean on Him in times of need.  They also received a white rose to represent the purity and chastity to which they are called to live.  
The ceremony ended as the girls end each week's meeting, a hymn.  They sang Hail Mary Gentle Woman and it was beautiful.
Matt and I can't express what a blessing this ministry is.  We are thrilled that Lily Grace is a part of something so wonderful.  The ladies who oversee the girls and mentor them are just amazing and truly God sent. 

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”

                                                                                                                                   St. Catherine of Siena

The Best Part of Me

Mother's Day!