First High School Picture Day

Freshman Class of 2024

1st Invitational

 Lily Grace played in her first Invitational as a varsity member of the Saints golf team today.  All the girls did great!!!  There were 14 schools from the area.  The Saints took 3rd place.  

Lily beat the girl she was paired with, shot her lowest score on 18 holes and finished 4th on her team.  

Her dedication is off the charts.  After hours of walking and playing 18, she left and headed to another course for her hour long golf lesson. 

We are so proud of you Gracie and love watching you play!

 

Being the only freshman on the varsity team, she feels some pressure and these girls have been so kind to her.

And just like that...

 Gracie's a freshman and off to her first day of High School!

High School Golf

 Lily Grace started practicing with her high school golf team last week.  Last night and tonight she got her first taste of playing in matches with the team.  

She did great!!!  The Saints won both nights.  Last night she shot the overall best score.  Tonight she stepped up to Varsity and had another great night.  She shot 4 strokes over last night, but still ended up beating the opponent she was paired with by 7 strokes.  

Gracie has worked so hard on her game this summer and continues to do so.  Watching her put it all into action and meet each of her goals is the best!  

We are so proud of you Lily Grace!  Go Saints!

She took this difficult shot to the green.

Lily has a beautiful swing. She drove 200 yds off the tee leaving her with a short lay up to the green.

She did it!

Lily Grace has spent this summer really working on her golf game.  She's been up at the range constantly, working with Coach Gary and putting in the work.  She's had one goal in mind, to make her high school girl's golf team.  

Friday morning started the two day try out process.  They played nine holes each day and on Saturday, they did so in the rain and a temp of 69 which happen to be the day she shot her best score.  

All of her hard work paid off and she did it!  She is a proud member of the Bishop Dwenger High School girl's golf team.  

We are so proud of you Gracie!  

Matt and I were super nervous for her.  I couldn't resist riding  by the course on my way to the grocery on Saturday to see if I might catch a glimpse. Sure enough, there she was pushing through the rain determined to make the best of it. 

Having just received her official team bag

Amelia Island

Last week, while Lily Grace was at camp, Matt and I did something we haven't done in 14 years.  We took a trip, just the two of us.  We left bright and early last Sunday morning after dropping Gracie off at church.  

We flew to Amelia Island, FL and enjoyed a week at the Ritz Carlton.  

We had no worries.  We knew that Gracie was in completely safe hands and was having fun.  Matt and I had a great time!!  We never even left the resort.  We had planned to, but with everything the resort had to offer and with how relaxed we were, we just stayed put.  We laughed a lot, took in the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and enjoyed our time together.  It was amazing!  

While flying was different, it was still pretty busy and of course masks, but really no big deal at all.  

The hotel and the grounds throughout the resort were beautiful.  

The pool area was so nice.  The furniture was inviting and comfy and we spent a lot of time here.  

Lunch by the pool each day staring out at the ocean was perfect.

My favorite picture

Sea turtles and gopher turtles can be found on the island and this little fella who the resort fondly calls "Freckles" crossed our path on the way back from the beach one day.

"Amelia" was out each day by the pool.

The view from our room

After reading about the sea stars on the island, I was super excited to see one and on one of our morning walks on the beach, I got to do just that.  Sadly, this little fella had lost a couple of limbs but was still alive.  

A Week of FUN at Camp!

Last week, Lily Grace enjoyed a week of camp in Tennessee with her Fidelis sisters.  

She had so much fun!!!  They had mass each day, confession, adoration, went white water rafting (her favorite), zip lining, did the high and low ropes, enjoyed the wave pool and water slide, had a dance party and ended with the messy olympics.  

We enjoyed getting pics and updates from the group leaders throughout the week.  

Matt and I flew over and picked her up on Thursday so she could get back for a little time on the driving range before high school golf tryouts started Friday morning.  

She's already talking about next summer!  

She had to be at the church at 3:30 am.  Yep!  Getting up at 2:00 in the morning is hard.  The drive to TN was a little over 8 hours.

Father Stephen came and said a prayer over them along with a blessing for safe travels.  It was really sweet.  They were on their way by 4:00 am and Matt and I headed home to get dressed and catch a 7:00 am flight for our own week away.  When Father Stephen found out it was the first time that Matt and I had been away on vacation just the two of us in 14 years, he had Matt and I stand with him in the parking lot to get our own blessing.  It really was pretty special and a great way to start the day!

Getting ready for paintball

Her favorite activity- white water rafting

Her Fidelis sisters and some of the wonderful ladies who give so freely of themselves to these girls. 

Her bunkmates and team leaders for the week

This is the happy face we picked up from camp.  On our way to the airport to fly home for golf try outs. 

Confirmation

Lily Grace was finally Confirmed tonight.  While it was different with face masks and social distancing, it wasn't any less special. 
The service was beautiful.  
Lily Grace, daddy and I are so happy for you.  Sealed with the Holy Spirit, we pray that you continue to grow in the love of Christ and carry Him with you always!  We love you!

The Bishop anointing her with the Blessed Chrism

Chatting with the Bishop after mass

Judy and Gracie with the Bishop.  Judy served as LG's sponsor.  Lily couldn't have chosen better.  Judy is such a loving and kind person.  Lily Grace adores her.  We all do!  She is definitely a blessing and will always hold a special place in our hearts. 

No handshakes this time...it's all about the elbow bump during a pandemic.

So happy for our newly Confirmed "Joan"

1st Place Scramble

Lily Grace played in a golf scramble this morning with her friend Seina.  Along with Ryan, their team took 1st place.  They finished with an 18 hole par 54.  

Making Tee Times

Lily Grace has been playing in a lot of tournaments this summer.  She's also been spending a lot of time at the driving range each day, lessons each week with Coach Gary and playing several rounds with friends and Matt.  She's working hard on her game and along with her skills, her dedication is impressive. Matt and I are so proud of her.  

Early morning