Sierra in the water

For the last four years Sierra has been scared to death of the ocean.  We have had to set up our stuff almost in the parking lots bc of her fear.  She was full out fearless in this visit.  Walked right into the water and then realized the fun to be had in that loud wavy water.  Though she did ask the boys "did you any sharks while swimming in the open sea?"

Beach time

We got in a little bit of beach time after Conlan's football camp.  Conlan had to reflect on his camp for a while before getting in the water.  Donavan jumped right in...

Swimming

Colleen's Shadow

Sierra came to the swim meet and kept right next to Coach Colleen.

Sam

Sierra's Sam is in Arkansas this week.  He saw this pink license plate and asked his mom to take a picture for Sierra,  a true friend.

Brave Girl

Sierra had a very successful visit to the dentist.  Last time she screamed and fought everyone that got near her.  Today she was so brave and acted like she enjoyed the experience.  If course she got ice cream for being a great patient.

RMC orientation

This was the only picture of Colleen.  They kept us separated until the last part of the day.  Colleen will be taking Econ, Spanish, English and intro to the Bible.  She connected with a group of girls and had lunch with a few boy swimmers. 

  Ray and I learned about food services, books, tutoring and learning over seas.  Plus how to behave as a college parent.  Apparently stalking Colleen is not advised 😜.  

   We feel good about leaving our baby girl here.

Learning to Swim

Sierra is on the developmental swim team,  she has the advantage of having Colleen being her coach!

UVA Big Man Camp

It was a long hard day for Conlan.  He was reminded he is a tall skinny boy compared to most lineman.  But he knows he has to work even harder to get to the next level.

My Cat Girl

The mean cat has taken a liking to Sierra lately.

A Great Find

I found this while doing Donavan's laundry.  I wonder if he would have ever shared it with us?  Donavan is always full of surprises.

Fun pics

Track

Donavan's track team won the county championship.  First time in the 20 year history of the school.  Donavan was recognized for being one of the few 7th graders to compete at the championship meet.

The first picture is the 7th graders and this is the group of middle schoolers that qualified for the county meet.

A big trophy with a plaque that will reside at Thornburg. 

She Did It

Colleen got one major milestone completed on June 7th. During her walk up the stage she gave big hugs to her favorite teacher, and one to one of Ray's favorite teachers when he was in high school.  She got a huge bear hug from the principal who calls her the southern girl with the NY attitude.  Even though she had a graduating class of over 400, she had special connections to the administration and many of the teachers.  She kept some of her friends from elementary school and every year met new people and gathered a new friend or two. She graduated with honors and school records in swimming and volleyball.  

   The thing that impresses me most with Colleen is her attitude of persistence and can do....she can get knocked down but she pops right back up.  I love the way she stands up for what she believes and isn't a follower.  

   I am excited to see what God has planned for her especially these next four years.  

Family pics

Graduation cap