Swinging into Spring

Easter weekend started with, of course, tradition. While the girls aren't as excited about dying eggs as they once were, they do indulge me for a bit. Certain things will just always have to happen no matter what, because Mom says so!

Emma's team had an egg hunt at softball practice. She gave away her eggs with candy and kept the ones with money. Who can blame her?

I didn't manage to get a photo of the "before" baskets ... just the aftermath.

As always, Jim was happy with his treats, too.

The following weekend, we had Sara's freshman year cheer banquet. It had an eclipse theme, and it was a really special event.

We were SO proud of Sara for receiving the "Leader of the Pack" award. As her coach was talking about the characteristics of the person who would be receiving it, several team members looked at Sara.

Her coach described the recipient of this award as the "quintessential cheerleader" in skill and spirit. She said she can rely on this person to learn quickly, teacher others dances and choreography; this person looks great on the sidelines, and more importantly has blossomed as a leader on the team. So very many nice things ... and then she said Sara's name!

Love these coaches!

A few of Sara's freshman besties!

This squad has been so amazing and influential for Sara. She'll miss the sophomores who are moving onto senior high, but I also know she's ready to fill some of those shoes.

On April 8th, we were so lucky to be in the path of totality! It was a school day, so the girls and I all watched at our respective schools, and Steve watched down at the park. It was AMAZING. We had all of our students outside, and we had told them it would go dark ... but none of us could full comprehend ahead of time what that would mean. Truly indescribable - just nature at its best. What an incredible day. I had little eclipse treats for my teachers, and I'm leaving the photo here, along with one of the Daffron 5th graders, just so we have some reference to the day years from now. Path of totality = highly recommend.

Last week while running outside during PE, Emma slipped off the sidewalk and basically tore all the skin off of her right shin starting at the knee. She still managed to play four soccer games that weekend with a heavily bandaged leg ... but it took it all out of her. Practice ended up getting cancelled earlier this week due to rain and Steve sent me this picture from when she got home from school. I think a combo of her schedule and injury took it all out of her.

Back at it this weekend with the Swinging into Spring softball tournament! Her leg still has a lot of healing to do, so she can't play catched like she'd like to, but she's rocking it in other spots. Today she had some great hits, including an RBI that won the game against a tough team. She also made two amazing catches in the outfield to end innings. Five games today and we're heading back tomorrow for the championship!

Aside from our allergies going crazy and no time at all to deal with the weeds in our yard, we're loving spring so far!