Amazed

The last few weeks before school ended left me amazed and exhausted.

Amazed because I watched my kids give it their all and never waiver (even when mom offered an temporary break), amazed at their courage, amazed that they do hard things that aren't required and amazed that we survived it all. There were days that we needed to be 5 different places after school and somehow it just energized us more. 

Now that Julia is getting older, her level of activities is growing but she doesn't want to scale back on anything so she just keeps adding to her list. I watch her in awe and realize that I am just not that kind of person. As a proud mom, I will say that this child will go far in life. All in one week, she had nightly (5!) soccer club try outs, talent show rehearsals, Academic League finals, 2 school projects due, and a soccer game. Phew!

Julia tried out of the Barcelona Soccer Club which is new for us. None of her friends were making this jump from rec soccer to club and she knew she would be one of the youngest at try outs, yet she showed up on the first day and jumped right in. She was a bundle of nerves and even got a little teary when she saw the size/age of her competition.

 

 Plank time!

 

Julia knew that being the youngest gave her a disadvantage but she stuck it out and told me that if she didn't make the team, she would use it as a lesson and try again next year.... 

 

but was thrilled when they offered her a spot on the 2013-14 team! Club soccer here we come!

That same week, Julia's 5th grade Academic League team was entering the city finals. Julia blew me away with her new found confidence (she usually second guessed herself and would hesitate to answer some questions). She answered every math question she buzzed in! Both the 4th and 5th grade Pima Butte teams won the city finals and were recognized at the school board meeting!

 

Julia, Academic League coach Mrs. Rakoci,  and Julia's close friend Jordan

 

Go 5th grade champs!

Both Bella and Julia tried out for the school talent show. Again, their courage amazes me and I wonder where they both get these traits?

Bella performed a tumbling and dance routine (that she made up on the spot, per Bella's style) to "Take Me to Rio". She did awesome! 

 

 (the lighting is bad since I was far away)

 

 Julia, Loren and Emma hula hooped a cute routine to "Round and Round". They did awesome and no one dropped their hoop!  

 

Can't forget driving these 2 tumbling cuties to their weekly gym class. I think Camille loves having something in common with her big sisters! 

And this is what happens after a long 2 weeks of non stop action!!