Dance Competition--season 3, episode 3

Star Systems -- Worcester, MA -- March 26

Madison had her 3rd competition. We spent a very long day in Worcester. She danced 5 dances and came home with 2 trophies, with all dances scoring very well.

It takes an army! Actually, I usually do all of Madison's hair and make-up, but this mom was bored and offered to straighten Maddy's pig=tails.

Here's a picture of the 'scene' backstage. These things are nothing short of ridiculous, in my opinion. Every time we're at one I kinda shake my head. It's unfathomable to look around and see the 1000's of costumes, sometimes more than a dozen for one dancer, and then to think that there are girls Madison's age around the world that didn't eat yesterday, didn't eat today, and may not eat tomorrow. Somehow the contrast is unresolvable in my brain and my heart. The discrepancy is unthinkable. It just seems so unfair and strange that humanity has not yet figured out a solution.

I almost always talk to Madison about how blessed she is to have each of these opportunities. She is very grateful. She always thanks me for allowing her to dance.

Kailyn:

This particular schedule left lots of down time. Like 2 hours between dances. We've had days where there's only been two dances (6 minutes) between dances. That is call a quick-change! I'm not sure which way I prefer. I think Madison prefers the long days hanging with her friends.

Madison and Maya:

Madison and Marissa:Colombo and the boys came up to see Madison's jazz. They arrived 5 minutes too late and then sat around for 2 hours waiting for her next dance. We saw another team of about 12 dressed like this:

Rocco got so excited, pointing at the shoes and chattering like CRAZY. So excited to see shoes like his. We all got a big kick out of it. It was so cute!

Madison and Megan:

This is her Jazz number. This is my least favorite costume, song, dance, attitude. BUT the girl has the moves. This features some her biggest strengths. She's dead center for most of it. (Don't mind the rude people moving during the song!)

Here's what happens when there is A LOT of time to kill.

Week 13

A great week!! A really good start, with a strong finish and lots of fun in between!

Sunday, March 20th

Q1 Birthday Party

Monday, March 21st

Rocco was not feeling so good. He woke up with a little fever. He was so pitiful laying on the couch.

But he wanted me to take a picture of Teddy.

Dad came over in the afternoon to install a sump pump and drain in the basement to cure the water problem that is created after heavy rain. A big project became a lot smaller when he found a curtain drain. A little of this, a little of that, a little gravel...problem solved. We think. We'll find out next time we get rain. Thanks Dad!

Alaina had spent the night. Not surprisingly Madison found plenty of fun for them. Here they are playing 'orphans' They washed the floors with wash cloths.

No picture of Tuesday so I dug back to this day in 2005...a morning ritual that still happens 6 years later: Daddy has cereal with the kids up at the counter.

Wednesday, March 23th

Sweet, little dude fell asleep on Madison's bed, while listening to her iPod.

Thursday, March 24th

Looking back, it seems as if the kids spent most of the day in their pajamas. This is a very typical day. Madison is constantly coming up with fun things to do with the kids.

Friday, March 25th

Nathanael and Madison were doing their school when their attire caught my attention. When I asked why they were wearing that, Nathanael very matter-of-factly said, "'Cause we have a meeting in a little bit."

Madison had some scheme for some imaginative game.

We went to Ninny and Papa's for Ninny's birthday dinner. It was my first time making a red velvet cake.

Saturday, March 26th

Loyal fans at another dance competition.

Hope this brings a smile...

My father-in-law just showed us this clip of talking twins trying to solve the missing sock dilemma. It's hilarious! Click here to enjoy!

Q1 Birthday Party

What is a Q1 birthday party you ask? It's the result of 2 people falling in love, having 4 children, those 4 children marrying and having many children of their own. Fifteen to be exact. That's a grand total of 27 people!!

So it's become nearly impossible to hold individual family birthdays, so we've resorted to doing one each quarter. For quarter one (Q1) there are 9 birthdays! Just 9.

We hosted the bash here at our house, which I love. Cake, balloons, face-painting, pinata- all the right ingredients for a great time.

Madison, on her own of course, wanted set up face painting.

Bobbi had the big birthday of the group.

Here's the whole birthday crew:

L to R:

Colombo III, Trey, Elizabeth, Katie, Lisa, Wyatt, Juliet, Russ/Bobbi, Colombo IV

But this year was a big "decade" year. These 7 are turning a decade older this year.

All 15 cousins:

L to R:

Trevor, Madison holding Wyatt, Amanda, Colombo holding Rocco, Alaina holding Aiden, Avery, Allison, Trey, Juliet holding Levi, Kaitlyn, and Nathanael.

Lisa got some great shots of the evening.

The pinata was a hit with everyone except Aiden who would have gladly sacrificed any candy involved to just have the ball!

Bobbi's never too old to get down with the kids.

Every one chipped in. Bethany brought the cake.

I think it was a huge success. Good food, lots of love, lots of laughs. We are blessed to have such a happy, healthy family that can celebrate the milestones together.

Way to go, Fan!

Nathanael wrapped up hockey in Worcester with a final tournament and team pizza party. What could be more fun for a seven year old than hockey, a hotel room, a pool, and pizza?

The kids showed their team spirit.

Love, love, LOVE this crew!

Nathanael with Coach Jay.

In addition to Nathanael receiving his participation trophy, he was also chosen as "Play Maker" of the year, a very distinguished award. We are very proud of him.

The kids had a grand time in the hotel as you can well imagine!