Back to the Galaxy and a visit to Animal Kingdom

 We spent another day at Hollywood Studios at Galaxy's Edge and our little fast fingers once again managed to get us one last ride on Star Wars Ride of the Resistance.  

Later in the afternoon we visited Animal Kingdom before heading back to the resort to clean up and meet friends at Disney Springs for dinner.  

Lily and Bo

Rey

Back inside the Millennium Falcon for one more ride.

We were so excited to see Chewie.  He even posed for us.

One last lucky ride on Rise of the Resistance

Visiting Animal Kingdom for the first time

The Tree of Life- the carvings in the tree are pretty cool.

We went on Safari

 

We rode the Kali River Rapids and while we all got wet, Matt got soaked!  It was so funny.  

Back to Disney Springs to meet friends for a late dinner.  On the bus rides, and in the lines everybody, including us was playing Heads Up.  

One Last Day in Magic Kingdom & Epcot

 Our last day at Disney was a bittersweet one.  We had fun exploring areas we hadn't spent a lot of time in and riding rides we enjoyed.  Matt even agreed to go all in on the rides, arms up and eyes open.  *However, he did refuse to revisit Space Mountain. ha!  

We made some wonderful memories and remarked several times how we were glad we waited until Lily was older to do this.  She had such an appreciation for it and I. have to admit, I don't how people drag young kids in that heat and crowd.  It was was also fun watching her wave at the characters and just be a kid.  We enjoyed being able to share in it with her.  

I have to say, when we maid it to the end of Main Street and took one last look at the castle before walking out, it was a little emotional.  Gracie had said it and it read all over her face that she didn't want to leave.  She thoroughly enjoyed herself.  It made me quite emotional as well.  I even teared up a bit seeing what that trip meant to her and I always cherish the time three of us spend together on new adventures.  

Our family certainly had a magical time!

We started the day with a stop at Gastons.  Gracie and I took on the manly cinnamon bun.

True to his word, Matt went all in on the rides our last day.  His arms were in the air on one of the rides he really didn't like. 

Beauty and the Beast Castle

Repunzel's Tower

Lily and I tried Henna and I couldn't wait to scrub it off.  She keeps hoping it lasts longer.

One last look as we left

A pop over to Epcot in the afternoon got us selfies with two of the best.  We enjoyed some rides and a little shopping.

And just like that...

 ...Gracie has finished her freshman year of high school.

She came out all smiles after her last final this morning.  Gracie, daddy and I are so proud of you!  What an amazing freshman year you've had.  We are so proud of you!!!!!

Mary, Queen of all Saints, thank you for watching over our girl this year.

Freshman Honors Program

 Last night we attended the Freshman Honors program.  Lily Grace received several awards including BD scholar for her 4. grade point each nine weeks, Good Samaritan in Honors Geometry, St. Mother Teresa Service Award and club memberships.  

We are so proud of her!  She's had an amazing first year of high school!  

Rea Golf League

 This year, Lily Grace joined Matt as his partner in his company golf league.  They play each week and it's something they have both been excited about and looking forward to. 

They played for the first time tonight and Gracie held her own against those men.  She only lost by one stroke to her opponent.  

They were all so good to her.  However, the guys gave Matt a hard time about LG having a better swing.

HaPpY Mother's Day!

 She is absolutely the best part of me.

A New Fitting

Golf is starting back up now that the courses are beginning to open and the weather is allowing for play.  Coach Gary decided it was also time for Lily Grace to be fitted for some new clubs.  She needs more weight as she is getting stronger and hitting farther.  

On Friday, we visited the golf shop for her to get fitted for a new set of custom clubs with a senior shaft and men's club head. We are so excited to see how her game grows and improves this season.

Happy 15th Birthday!

 Lily Grace turned 15 yesterday.  We spent the weekend celebrating with friends and had so much fun!

On Saturday, we hosted a house full of teenage girls for a party.  The girls visited the Escape Room and yes, they made it out before the hour was up.  Afterwards, we headed home for a cookout along with hours of laughter, games, music and squeals.  Those girls were all over the house.  

On Sunday, Gracie woke to presents from mom and dad as well as family and friends.  We went to mass, made her favorite dinner and enjoyed the day.  According to Gracie, it was the best birthday so far.  

Thank you so much to everyone who called, text and sent cards and packages!  You made her day extra special!

Happy Birthday Lily Grace!  You are such a blessing!  You have the biggest heart and the best big smile to go along with it!  We love you sooooo much!

They escaped with only 7 seconds to spare.  

Thank you to all of her friends for thinking of her.

Her friends insisted on singing Happy Birthday to her.  It was so cute and funny.  I guess at 15 Gracie thought she might escape that. 

In the seven hours these girls were together, there was never a dull (or quiet) moment. 

They took lots of pics in front of the backdrop Gracie requested.

Such a wonderful group of girls!  

Happy Little Trees

 This week we've been enjoying Spring Break.  Lily and I had hoped to make a trip down south to visit family, but with my grandmother still not allowed to leave her home, we decided it was best to wait until she could join us all.  

Instead, we enjoyed doing things around town and took a little mini trip to Muncie, IN.  Gracie has been wanting to visit the Bob Ross experience there. We made the trip yesterday and had so much fun!

Muncie is a small little town and home to Ball State and Ball Family.   Yep, the mason jar family.  It's was also home to Joy of Painting for several years of the show.  

Lily Grace loves art and apparently, Bob Still holds a lot of weight among high school art students.  We learned a great deal about him and his art.  We even got to see several of his original paintings and many of the works he created on the show. 

The grounds and entrance to the Minnetrista Museum was beautiful.

The gardens behind the Ball family estate were absolutely beautiful. 

Somebody was soooo excited to see the original Bob Ross paintings housed inside the Ball estate.

The studio where Joy of  Painting was filmed still stands as it did when the show ended.