EEEEKKKK

I came home last Friday evening and pulled into the garage like normal. I had some trash in my van (like I always do), so I went to throw it in the trash bin. I was about two steps away when a black head and slithering tongue came up out of the grass.
B-A-C-K
A-W-A-Y
SLOOOOOWWWWLLYYY

Holy, cow! Run to the front door and poke my head in and ask Justin if he can come kill a snake for me. He nonchalantly says yes and says he will be out in a minute.
A minute, the ginormous slithering thing could go into the garage, no I need you now!
Justin was TOTALLY thinking that this was a garter snake.
Nope,
not even close.
It took MULTIPLE stabs with the garden hoe to stop it from moving.  It kept twitching, eeeewwww.
Yes, I scream like a girl and I am pretty sure they heard me in Indiana.

She's Growing Up

The dance studio had picture day at the beginning of April. Unfortunately, Madison had a horrible reaction to getting her eyebrows waxed (which she had done many times before). This time was WAAAAYY different. The poor girl lost some serious skin and it was so swollen and red. She posed for the studio pictures, but we did not purchase them. I didn't want to buy them just for the sake of buying them and also, I can do them myself. So, here is my gorgeous girl, who is growing up so fast. SIGH

Solo Hip Hop

Group Hip Hop

Group Lyrical

Mama's favorite

Jazz Band

Every Thursday since the end of January, Madison has been going to the high school for 8th grade jazz band. The high school band director began teaching them four songs. They worked hard and their concert was scheduled for April 13th. Due to a tornado, the show was postponed. At the end of April the Spring band concert was held. It included performances by:

• 8th grade jazz band consisting of kids from two different Jr. Highs
• 8th grade symphonic bands (each Jr. High played)
• High school jazz band
• High school competitive jazz band
• High school marching band

Needless to say, it was booming in the gymnasium! The 8th grade jazz band rocked it out. It was sooooooo cool to see Madi playing her bass. She got a lot of looks being a girl playing that guitar! She rocked it!
Actually all of the bands were awesome. The 8th graders will begin practicing on May 7th as part of the High School Marching Band. Practices will take place all summer long. These kids were great to watch, can't wait until football season to see them in action!

Hair Cut

Spencer does NOT like having anything in his hair. It must be brushed down flat and don't ever try to put gel in it, unless you are Gina.
Gina is our hairdresser and he is obbessed with her.
Gina is the ONLY one allowed to put gel in his hair.

He looks like he is five years old.
At least is only lasts one day.

Easter Pictures

 

Nothing too interesting to report here, except some family photos. Spencer is almost impossible to get to sit still for a picture. He cracks me up.

 CHEESE!

 Madison is definitely growing up. SIGH

Dance

Madison's dance competition schedule began the second week in March. We have had a total of three in about 6 weeks time. 

Competitions are long and exhausting. She has a hip hop solo, which I LOVE to watch. She also dances in two group dances, lyrical and hip hop.

 

Talent on Parade was her first competition. She received a Gold award for her solo and 6th overall in her age category.

 

Dance Masters of America she received a High Silver.

Showstoppers she received a Gold and her lyrical group received a Gold and 1st overall.

Her last performance was outstanding. She did a wonderful job and she put in a lot of work.

For now she is still practicing three days a week, until the recital in mid-June. After that she will be done.

Let me 'splain....

So, it has been a month and a half since I was last able to blog. A LOT has happened and there is no way to fill you in on everything. I will begin with some summaries and go from there. From my favorite movie, The Princess Bride:
"Let me 'splain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up."