Rockstar Cheer

 This year Kassidy is trying something new...Competition Cheerleading!  Keith works with a guy who has a high school daughter involved in this.  They invited Kassidy out to Furman University last year to watch a competition.  Needless to say, she was hooked:)  Try-outs were in May and she's been tumbling twice/week most of the summer.  They have team practices, too, and will learn their choreography this Saturday.  Here's Kassidy practicing some jumps, back bends, walking in a back bend, cartwheel, and handstand.  She has made great progress in all of these skills!!!

 Her favorite part of Cheerleading so far are definitely the stunts.  In the beginning they focused on just 2 person stunts but have since moved onto group stunts involving as many as 5-6 people.  She's been a flyer and a base and likes them both.

 

It's very hard to get pics from the viewing area, especially if they're not right in front of me.  But, I will try to get some more soon so you can see the progress.  Competitions start in January and run through May.  Kassidy is very excited about this new venture:)  It's a lot of hard work but she's doing a great job!!!  She's even made some new friends:)

Beach Trip =)

Right after July 4th we headed to Charleston to visit my cousin Stephanie and her family.  It was a much needed break!  We spent a lot of time on the beach, digging pools and building castles in the sand, jumping waves, and soaking up the sun:)  This was our first day at the beach while Stephanie and John finished up work.

Action shot of Karson playing with Keith...it looks like he made the hit, right?  Well, he didn't!

Kassidy is starting to become a sun queen:)

More action shots of Karson running...Dad would be so proud of his form!

The girls:)

Karson LOVED jumping in the waves with Keith's help.

There were so many little pools and lots of shallow water which was great to play in.

Our turn to jump in the waves!

Sand time!

Can you guess what I made?  (a turtle)

Such a relaxing and fun day!

We missed Eva and Julia's birthday party this year, so brought a little something for them.  These are Stephanie and John's 3 yr old twins...ADORABLE!!!  And FULL of energy to say the least:)

We also had some dress-up stuff that Kassidy has outgrown long ago so brought that along.  Eva especially liked the princess crown and wand.

Day 2 at the beach!

A trip to the beach wouldn't be complete without burying the kids in the sand.  Look closely at Karson's chest...see anything???

Kassidy's turn!

The twins had so much fun playing at the beach and in the water.  Kassidy was a HUGE help and played and watched them the whole time:)  Eva and Julia really love her! (Eva-pink, Julia-stripes)

Stephanie and John

Julia isn't afraid to get wet or go under!

Family pic!  I know what you're thinking...aren't you missing someone?  Yup!  Kaleb stayed home this trip.  It was his best friends birthday and all he wanted was to play with Kaleb on the Wii:)

Stephanie and John have a pool in their backyard...very convenient!  The girls just jump right in and start swimming:)  So independent already!

Few pics playing in the house.  Stephanie made us some homemade ice cream and it was yummy!!!  All the kids had it on their tongues sticking out but my pic turned out too dark.

We really need to vacation at the beach more often:)  Thank you Steph and John for letting us stay with you again and feeding us, too!  We love you and miss you!!!