HoCo '26

Sara's Senior Homecoming was definitely the cherry on top of four years of HoCo. Due to some last minute scheduling changes at the school, many Seniors embraced two weekends of celebration instead of just one! On the Saturday leading into Homecoming Week, Sara went with a group of girlfriends, and on the Saturday following Homecoming Week, she went with a date group. It was a whirlwind of festivities!

Back in the summer (before we knew HoCo would happen over two weekends), Sara told me that she loved her dress from Freshman year so much that she wanted to wear it again as a Senior. I loved that idea for several reasons. What we didn't anticipate is that her date from Freshman year would reappear in her life ... and ask her to Senior HoCo! Such a fun full-circle moment for these two.

Before the date night could happen, though, Sara kicked off the week in a navy dress with a group of girls. They took photos and went to eat in Dallas, so Steve, Emma, and I hit up the downtown BWW after this!

Homecoming Week was full of fun, including the annual parade and community pep rally!

Sara wasn't on the PALS float since she was with Cheer, but I at least got to capture her name!

The community pep rally was packed and festive as always.

Afterwards, several kids got together for the mum and garter exchange.

West's Cheer and Football Captains were invited to the KISS FM studio to record a segment ahead of Friday's game.

Such a cool experience and I'm thankful for coaches who took photos for us!

The Senior jeans finally made an appearance. The girls got to school early to take lots of photos before Sara had to change into her uniform for the pep rally.

FNL ... West lost, but Cheer was on fire!!

Super Fans (Emma is, too, but she was way up high in the "middle school section")!

Of course HoCo week isn't complete without lots of projects! After Grandma made Sara's original letters and they got lost in the mail, Sara got to work making her own and designing her jeans. They turned out super cute.

I was proud of my projects too ... Sara's boot ribbons got compliments from both girls, which is no easy feat.

And I successfully made her mini leg mum for the game! It only lost one strand of beads after a night of cheering.

The real mum had to be made by professionals ... I'm not there yet.

We wrapped up the week with a "second round" of HoCo, this time in the OG dress with the OG date.

Tough.

A rare photo with her dad ...💙

And I had to go into the archives to do a Freshman/Senior side-by-side. Love these two and their journey ... no telling where it'll lead, but it sure was a sweet way to close their high school homecoming chapter.

Feelin' Fourteen

Emma Grace is 14 today! Our Sporty Spice is still a little bit of who she's always been, and a little bit more of who she's becoming. Still silly, still strong-willed and stubborn, still someone who feels all the feelings. Becoming the young lady who spends a little more time in front of the mirror or trying on clothes, the one whose social circle keeps growing with lots of quality people, the one who is thinking more and more about what she wants to do next.

Last year, Emma played every available school sport - and decided she doesn't love the ones that involve only running and no ball to kick or throw or hit. But in each sport setting, she continues to shine as a true leader, reading the field, knowing the plays, and guiding her teammates. This is one of my favorite qualities about her.

As has always been the case, Emma never passes up a good time. Her current social life is proof of that. And although her palate has expanded significantly, she'll also never say no to some good 'ole nugg and fries!

Something that's always been special about Emma is that she knows who she is and what she stands for. As she matures and grows, she continues to stand by what she says (even when it's wrong and can't be reasoned with) ... it's endearing and infuriating. But I've said it before and I think I'll say it forever - this will serve her. I can't wait to see where and how and why.

Our beautiful girl, a mix of grace and determination and spunk ... sporty, spicy, smart, strong. Everything we could ask for. AND ... just in time for her birthday, Emma's braces are off!

Happy 14th, Joseph. You're #1!

SNR SZN

 

It's Official: Senior Season is in full effect. It really feels like it started at the end of last school year, when Sara was named cheer captain. Her life has been crazy and exciting (tiring?) ever since. That announcement was such a special way to start her year, and although it's already been a ton of work, I see it shaping her.

In July, we went for yearbook and cap & gown pics right after she got home from camp.

We spent a HOT weekend in August painting Sara's senior parking spot. Her vision felt a little overwhelming to Steve and me, but we worked together on a plan and we were so proud of our finished product! Steve gets all the credit for those stripes, and Sara worked hard on perfecting the rest.

The quote says, "you'll get by, just fine" - a Zach Bryan lyric. Perfectly fitting for our girl.

She painted her car, and included lyrics from Fleetwood Mac and "The Boss". Love her style!

Sara and friends attended Senior Sunrise. It's one event after another to document in their hearts and on The Gram.

And of course they had to embrace the theme of wearing a backpack that represents their childhood. Sara chose Strawberry Shortcake💗 Of course I loved SS as a kid, but then they came out with an updated version when Sara was little. I loved watching the episodes with her.

I got to be a fly on the wall at football media day and loved that Sara stopped for a quick pic with me.

Last week, she was finally back on the sideline for football. All night, she just looked SO happy. Between games, comp, captain responsibilities, and more, cheer will be a lot this year (already has been), but seeing her shine and smile one the sideline was a reminder that the work is worth it!

And of course there have been Senior Pics ... on top of Senior Pics on top of Senior Pics. Apparently being a Senior these days is like being a highly sought-after super model. It's a little over the top ... but how I can complain? I'm so thankful for the people capturing Sara as she is today. 

Sara has a busy school schedule with cheer, PALS, forensic science, AP stat, AP Econ, and dual credit English ... but that Senior early release sure helps make up for it. We've only just started this year and it's already so busy ... I know football season will stay that way and it'll probably snowball after that. Staying busy, soaking it up, and documenting it daily in a million photos and memories.