Dance Picture Outtakes

This past Monday was picture day at Vera's dance studio. She was thrilled and excited at the thought of putting on her costume. i, of course, refused to pay for the ridiculously over priced photos, but we had fun nonetheless. 

Looking good and feelin' fine. 

Somebody to lean on...dance is better with your good buddy

Some of the cutest girls around. They've been in class together for three years now

Vera wanted a picture with Lucy, but Lucy was less than thrilled to participate. 

Don't mind me, I'm just hanging out by the studio banner.

Shut the front door!

Sweet, sassy pants Vera. Give this girl gloves, a giant bow, and a sequins tutu and she thinks she can rule the world. 

Invictus Games

A few months ago it was announced that the Invictus Games were coming to Orlando. I immediately bought tickets for Vera and I to attend the track and field finals. We put on our finest red, white, and blue and headed to the ESPN Zone at Disney. I have never been to an event that made me feel so humbled, patriotic, and inspired. These soldiers from all over the world were just amazing. It's not every day you see heroes from all over the world celebrating their life and accomplishments after war and such hardships. I was left in awe and moved to tears at their sacrifice and determination. 

The "I AM" logo was seen everywhere and was based on a poem by William Ernest Henley who lost his leg after serving his country. It seemed to sum up the athletes spirit perfectly.

"It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul". 

We were one of the first spectators there at 6:30 in the morning. Vera even got an American flag painted on her face by the wife of one of the American runners. 

Proud as punch of her newly scored flag.

It was so hot that day, but Vera never complained. She was in awe of the soldiers and loved watching the races. 

One of the mens races. There were three runnings of every event based on the type/category of your injury. 

Turns out we were sitting right next to the family of one of the medalists in the womens 400. She was from Italy and proudly took a picture with Ve after claiming silver in her event. I cried. It's not every day you get to met a real life super hero. She lost a leg in Afghanistan, and stories like this were everywhere. Parents and family of wounded service men from all over the world shared their stories with us as we watched the races. It blew me away, and just made me so proud to be there honoring these selfless warriors. 

In a failed attempt to try to see George W., Vera and I met a wounded veteran from the United Kingdom. He gave Vera a very special pin to always remember that there are brave soldiers all over the world. I've been told this is the British equivalent to the Wounded Warrior Project. She was so proud, she insisted she wear it the next day at school. The best part was that she shared her version of the soldiers story with her classmates. I cried again. what better way to learn about service and patriotism.

Showing off her "I AM" tattoo. 

We're wearing those crazy green sunglasses because I forgot mine at home and Vera dropped hers under the bleachers. Due to security reasons, i.e. George W and Prince Harry, we were not allowed to retrieve them. They gave us these crazy ones instead. 

Photobombed by our fabulous neighbors 

Vera and Pam with the hype team. These crazy guys came around and got the crowd cheering and pumped between events. It was such an amazing day. I am so thankful that I get to teach Vera what true sacrifice and love of ones country means at events like this. God bless all our brave service men and women and their families because they endure more than we will ever know. 

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was pretty special this year. After singing in church with Vera, we decided to head to Magic Kingdom. Since it was my day I got to pick all the rides for a change and it was glorious.

We rode the teacups twice! Once just me and Veve and once as a family. 

Family spinning is the best

Lucy gave Cinderella a picture she colored and was so excited.

Just the gals

Royal hugs

I don't know what's better about this picture. Lucy's serious face or Matthew desperately trying to hide from the camera.

Vera and her favorite maid, Jordan. Vera is somewhat obsessed with her and makes me see if she is working every single time we go to Disney. She is so sweet to Ve and always makes her feel special. She makes magic for Veve every time we come to Disney. 

She very well may work here one day. 

And we spent some time with Rapunzel

Such a great day with these beauties. I love my girls and am so blessed and thankful to be their mom. 

Morning Snuggles

This is the best view to wake up to. The girls come and snuggle in our bed every morning and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Yes, it can often be to early, but I know one day it will end and they will be too old to come running for us. So I will treasure these snuggles while I have them. 

They love each other 99% of the time

Almost six years later and she still needs to sniff/snuggle Mr. Beans to fall asleep every night.

Life is Full of Lemons

Matthew finally got home from India and the girls wanted to go out to lunch to celebrate. We headed to the new Mexican restaurant downtown for queso dip and a taco. The service was slow as molasses in January, so the girls decided to entertain themselves with lemons. whatever floats your boat girls. 

Cheesy lemon face

Unsure lemon face

Angry lemon face

Sister lemon faces

"Are you sure we should be doing this", asked Lucgoose. 

Lemon kisses

So thnakful for my lemon girls and their ridciculous lemon antics. 

286 weeks

It's hard to believe that it has been 286 weeks since we welcomed this sweet girl into our lives. She has brought us so much joy and laughter; I just can't even fathom my life without her. Happy half birthday Veve! We love you beyond words. 

Blowing out the candle on her cupcake.