A typical day for my dad

My sister sent me this picture from her phone and I immediately made it the screen saver on my phone and had to post it to my blog. It was taken during a doctors appointment and they were in the office waiting to be seen. It makes me smile everytime I look at it.

Basically, this picture is a classic look my dad has on a typical day. After growing up with four women in the house, it was nothing for my dad to get teased, laughed at or just made fun of (that's if he wasn't listening to teenage girls yell and talk back to their mom). I can only imagine what was said but the picture is CLASSIC..............us girls giggling at my dad and him thinking "here we go again!" I'm sure Brendon can't wait for all the fun!

I love you both! You're the best!

First Day of School

The kids started school at the beginning of August. I can't believe how fast summer went. People think I'm crazy but I'm one of those moms that LOVE having the kids home for the summer. I love not living on a schedule, thinking about bedtimes and emails, constantly looking at my calendar, being a taxi driver, a tutor during homework and NOT being able to be in Pinetop where the weather is beautiful. However, I think by the end of summer the kids needed to get back to school and get a little break from each other! It's hard to believe they all grew up this fast. I officially have all my kids in school all day and it's especially nice that I have two kids at one school this year. Last year I felt like it was crazy running around to three different schools. I thought I'd have a lot more time on my hands...........Wow! Was I wrong!
Every year I take the kids picture on the bench in front of the house. I love to see how much they've grown compared to the stone wall behind them and the change in their backpacks every year. Plus, I think their three different heights are adorable!
Makenzie started 4th grade with Mrs. Koehnemann

Hunter started 1st grade with Mrs. Fahey
Madison is in 7th grade at KMS.

Kolton Keith Baby Shower

On August 7th some great friends of ours (Robertson/Smith Families) threw the most beautiful baby shower for my sister Kayla. The food was delicious, decorations were adorable and we got to visit with a lot of family and friends we haven't seen in awhile. My sister Kandra came into town for the fun too. I am so excited to meet my little nephew. My sister has to get sick of me touching her belly all the time but I love to feel him kick. I am always telling her to sign me up for babysitting......she just kinda giggles but I really do need my baby fix! It's amazing how much I already love the little guy and he's not even here!
Hoffmann Girls

Summer in Pinetop

Our flight from San Antonio landed in Phoenix at noon. By 1:30 we had unpacked, checked on the house and were in the car and on our way to Pinetop. Here's a before and after picture of our muddy fun!
Friends of Kayla and Aaron joined us for a week. They are such a sweet family.....it was so nice to visit with them and I REALLY enjoyed snuggling with their baby girl. Plus, Nick is an amazing chef and cooked us the most delicious food all week. I took lots of notes and had lessons in the kitchen but I'm not sure it will turn out as great as his.
The kids played in the mud with some family friends: The Torrances

We spent every last minute we could get in the cool pines. My drive home kept extending farther back and we ended up leaving four days later than we had planned. If it wasn't for that silly "school thing" I would still be up there. I am so thankful I was able to sneak away with the whole family for that many weeks. I turned off my phone, emails, etc and slowed down and enjoyed the time we had. It was wonderful! I also owe a huge THANKS to Grandma and Grandpa Stratton who checked on our chickens every few days. Without them I wouldn't have been able to escape. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Miss Petite Dance of America

Even as I sit down to write this I am still in shock and surprise when I think of our trip to San Antonio. March of this year Makenzie competed in a state competition for Dance Masters of America. She won Miss Petite Dance of Arizona. This made her eligible to go to San Antonio over July 4th and compete in their national competition. Little did I know my baby would win and become Miss Petite Dance of America. We packed for a five day trip and ended up having to stay for ten days. There was a quick trip to Target for all the necessities and shopping outings for all the formal events we had to attend. Makenzie walked around the hotel and it was like I was hanging with a celebrity. The evening she won we walked downstairs into the restaurant area and she got a standing ovation.

I can't even begin to explain how proud I am of her. I enjoyed spending some "girl time" with my youngest daughter and watching her do what she loves. I cried when she performed.......they were tears of happiness and proudness all wrapped in one. I was so nervous before she went on stage and she handled herself so gracefully and calmly. She's been blessed with some beautiful dancing talents........we have so much to be thankful for.

The morning after she won, they printed up this form and had it displayed around the hotel

This picture was during our last formal evening. Makenzie had to attend a sit down formal banquet for Dance Masters of America. She presented the chapter 36 banner and performed with the other national winners.
This is Makenzie with Miss Dance of America, Casey Gonzales.
My mom and my sister Kayla came with me for the entire trip. They were so sweet to hang with me while I made sure Makenzie got to all of her events. I loved having the girl time and having someone to hang out with me while Makenzie was dancing.

These pictures are from the solo competition. It's hard to see her costume, but when she's on stage it looks like it has a million sparkles on it.

During the week, we don't get to see any of the girls perform. There's one evening where they are presented, they perform an opening number, their solo and awards are given. Their score is based on highest two class scores, interview and solo event. The picture above is after the opening number and she has to announce herself and her chapter.
This picture was taken as she was presented before the awards
These pictures were the ones taken right after she won. The one above is one of my favorites......Her smile is HUGE and contagious! I just love it!

All dressed up and ready for her interview
Makenzie with my mom
Makenzie with Aaron and Kayla
All dressed and ready for the DMA private party.
This was taken as she was waiting to perform her solo

Brendon flew in the morning of the competition with Madison, Hunter and his parents. I am so thankful they all made it! It was a unforgettable experience for all of us.

The kids with grandpa and grandma Stratton

Makenzie calling Aunt Kandra with the good news!
Aunt Kandra won Miss Petite Dance of Arizona in 1998 and

5th runner up Miss Petite Dance of America the same year.
Makenzie with all the winners in her division

Makenzie with her instructor Wanda
Such a proud group! I am so thankful everyone was their to share such a special time!
These pictures were taken for the DMA advertisements that will be sent out this year.

Summer of 2011 Makenzie and her Mr Dance partner will perform together in Orlando, Florida

She gets her flexibility from her mom...............NOT!

All the 2010 National Winners

To view the video of Makenzie's solo copy and paste the following link in your browser

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-TvC9Bf-w4

Thank you to all of our family for coming to San Antonio and cheering on Makenzie.

We really appreciated having everyone there!

Thanks to everyone for the sweet cards, emails, texts, well wishes, thoughts, etc.

We are so thankful for our many blessings, especially our friends and family!