An Official Cheerleader

Kayla was a wonderful little cheerleader on Friday. She was so excited. The first thing she said when she got out of bed that morning was "I have to go to a football game tonight." (like it was really cutting into her schedule) She practiced hard and did a great job.

She is ready for her first cheerleading performance.

You must practice your jumps before the big game!

The kids lined up about 45 minutes early.

Andy and I went and fought the families of the other 197 girls for a good seat. That was difficult because there was no way of knowing where on the field she would be.

We managed to get a great view of her.

She did a great job with the cheer and the dance. After the game we stopped by Quick Trip to get her something to eat. The cashier could tell we just came from the game so he made a comment about the score. Kayla's response: "I know. I just cheered at the game and I am so tired." She gave me a good chuckle.

Cheer and Dance Mini Clinic

Kayla has been going to a little clinic this week put on by the high school cheerleaders and dance team. They had 2 practices and then they get to perform tonight at the beginning of the football game. If you ask Kayla what she wants to be when she grows up the answer will be "a cheerleader." So we just had to sign up for this clinic. She had a good time at the practices, but they did not end until 8 pm so she was worn out by the time they were over. I think she will have a good time at the game tonight. It should be pretty chaotic...there are 198 little girls. Go Chieftains!

Progress Report

I can't believe we have already finished half of the first nine weeks of school. Kayla is doing really well. She seems to enjoy first grade. I think that she has a lot more to keep her busy during the day than she did last year. That is a huge plus. I think she was pretty bored in kindergarten. Here is her progress report she received today. It all looks good!

We had a great day today. We started with Kayla's soccer game. She played well. I think she probably ran at least 4 miles during the game. We went out for a nice dinner tonight. Caroline ate more in one sitting than I have seen her eat in the last year. You can't go to Tulsa without going to Target. We then headed to Game Stop - which is at the mall. For the past few months any mention of the mall goes hand in hand with the question "Can I get my ears pierced?". I knew it was coming, so as we were getting Caroline out of the car I whispered to Andy that I could take Kayla to get her ears pierced while he went to Game Stop. He actually said OK. Kayla has been begging for a long time to get this done. By the time Andy and I both agreed on it, her begging and crying for ear piercing was out of control. She has not mentioned in a while now. So, we get out of the car at the mall and she says "Can I get my ears pierced?" I said "OK" She just got quiet and stared at me. Then she says "Really?'. It was so funny! I have never seen her get so quiet. I don't think she believed me when I said she could. So...she did.

So many choices...

(I am so glad Andy had his phone or we would not have any pics!)

I think she is still in shock that she actually gets to do this.

She was very brave. She said it felt like she got shot in the ear with a gun. No tears.

I think you can click on any of the pictures below to make them larger. Then you will actually be able to see the earrings!

It was a very big day in our household. She looks really cute and grown up with her earrings.

Hurricane Ike

I have gotten absolutely nothing accomplished today. I have spent most of the day in front of the TV watching hurricane updates and footage. I find it fascinating to watch, but very scary when you have friends and family in the path. My sister and her family are in Houston and my cousin and her family are in League City. We are praying for everyone!

Nanny and Papa

Nanny and Papa came to visit a few weeks ago. We had a great weekend. We headed to the zoo early on Saturday morning. I am so glad we did because it got hot! I think everyone had a good time.

A great looking group of monkeys:

Jim, Kayla, Darlene, and Caroline

We have been to the zoo so many times, and I don't think we have ever seen the snapping turtle move. It was all over the place. The kids were fascinated watching it swim.

A little play time...too bad the new ice cream shop was not open yet!

We have a really neat exhibit at the zoo right now called Feather Fest. We spent a good amount of time in there. They give you a stick with bird seed on it and there are birds flying everywhere. Kayla loves when the birds will get on her hand.

Caroline is trying to get used to the birds...She is starting to like it...
But then the birds start flying in a big group from one end to the other. Here she is ducking...

We had a great day. Thanks for making the trip up here!

New Soccer Season

Kayla had her first soccer game of the season last Saturday. She moved up to the Under 8 Division. This is the first season with an all girls team. They play 4-v-4 the length of the field. Our poor team has 4 girls who I don't think have ever touched a soccer ball before. One of them likes to lay down on the field, and stay there. It will be an interesting season. It is Andy's first time NOT to coach. Kayla is having a hard time with that, but I think it is probably for the best. He needed a break.


This is our first season to have a "real" uniform instead of just a t-shirt. As much as I did not like having to pay for it, I think she looks pretty cute!

She is #16. Here she is making a goal. Way to go Kayla!!