The beach and back

Faith loves to splash in the water. The weather warmed up today and we headed to the beach to relax and spend some family time together. Bud is traveling this week which makes it awful difficult around the house. Sometimes I lose my patience and have to ask for forgiveness but when we venture out and can give each other space we are all alot happier. Faith loved the sand barge that she could walk on. She totally would have ventured way far out however she had no life jacket on and her brother was closing in on her heels. Unlike the ocean, the lake water is fairly shallow and doesn't taste salty. It makes for a pleasant time. Let us not forget the picnic that we had when we got there. Sometimes that is the most peaceful time of the day. Although it didn't last long because Faith always has to go potty right in the middle of a meal. Guess it's time to wrap up lunch cause we can't send Faith to the bathroom by herself. I love the beach. I have a feeling that the beach will be our friend this summer as we get ready to start summer vacation in about 3 weeks.

Yum Yum...birthday cake

Bud and Pa Pa's birthday was yesterday and Faith indulged in cake and ice cream. I think that I remember Bud telling her to finish eating her cake. She took that as if she finished her cake then she could eat another scoop of ice cream. You know....if you eat your vegetables and lasagna you can have a cookie type of deal. She was disappointed to hear that her three pieces of cake and scoop of ice cream would have to be all for her. Her belly was so full she skipped out on grilled cheese and apple slices. No supper for her. Anyways...it taught her a lesson on eating healthy food first and then maybe having a treat afterwards. Faith took so much time on Bud's envelope. She filled it with hearts that had smiley faces in the inside along with I love you written all over it. She is such a thoughtful little girl. I hope that her and Bud enjoy his present. We bought him a new fishing pole and necessities to go hang out together at the river. As far as the cake goes, Bud had a custom cake made for him complete with Cool Whip frosting and Reese's PB cups. It sure was delicious.

State

Faith has finished her level 3 gymnastics season. She wrapped it up by attending her state competition in Warren, MI and earning one blue ribbon and three red ribbons. Judges were tough. Despite not falling on any of her events, she still was not given a blue. She earned a blue in my eyes. She set out the beginning of the season to learn all the routines and become good enough at them to not fall on any of her routines. She set a goal and reached it. I was so proud of her. My camera died halfway through the competition. I'm in need of a good camera. I refuse to go another competition season with a half way decent camera. So tired of loosing action shots. This state meet was an interesting meet in the fact that the host gym made it themed as a hoe down. Even her all around medal had hoe down boots on it instead of a gymnast. This season was a great season. I've seen Faith grow. Despite falling on her warmups on bars on her mill circle, when push came to shove and show time arrived she did it. Faith says that she is tired of Level 3 and ready to move on. I'm not sure she will compete next year or even do gymnastics. I feel her desire to make herself better is diminishing. She is not really at a competition age yet so I am hoping that she holds out long enough for that spirit to grow within her. I see great things ahead for her. She is looking forward to summer time in which she can practice her round off backhandspring on floor along with shoot throughs on bars.

warming up cartwheels

Crossing the bridge

Faith crossed the bridge tonight in her Daisy Scout bridging ceremony. It sure brought back memories of my scouting days and the fun times I had. She has many yet to come. I think back on this year and the new and exciting activities she was able to participate in. Some of the activities were Christmas caroling, sewing scarves for the homeless, making sandwiches for shelter children, pajama party with the older Girl Scouts, Not so Spooky Hayride and Bonfire, and of course the Monday afternoon Daisy meetings. As I watched the older girls tonight I was thankful that Faith was given the opportunity to belong to such a great organization. There are so many badges to earn and honors to be given. On Girl Scout was recognized for giving her father the heimlich manuever, which she learned how to give from another girl scout. Faith has grown alot this school year and I was so proud of her getting her Daisy year end pin and bridge patch. The night was filled with good food and dancing. Faith loved getting her dance on with the professional DJ. Her and her friends jumped, danced, shouted and giggled. Tonight is definitely what scouting is all about. What made the night even more memorable was the fact that another girl scout who was like a big sister to her at the pajama party remembered her and even danced with her. The thought that Faith was more than just this scared little Daisy scout to this older Girl Scout, she turned out to be her newest friend and "sister." There is nothing to not like about Girl Scouts.

Getting pinned by Ms. Shelley

It's official.

Time for some dancing with friend Isabella