Alyssa...

I know I brag on my Alyssa a lot but I have to tell you, she is an amazing girl.
I was warned by other parents, once Alyssa hit Junior High it would all go downhill. I braced myself for this change..but it never came.
She continues to excel in everything she does. It doesn't matter if it is in academics or dancing, the girl has just taken off. I gets notes, emails and even phone calls from her teachers all wanting me to know how amazing they think Alyssa is.
Yesterday she completed the process for National Junior Honor Society. She was first nominated by a teacher to get the process rolling. After getting each teachers approval and interviewing with four staff members, we found out today that she made it. I am so proud of her!

Of course, no Alyssa update would be complete with out an update on dance...
She was pulled aside after ballet on Tuesday and told she will begin pointe after spring break. That's a BIG deal. Typically, her studio does not start the girls in pointe until 8th grade when they have better bone structure. Of course she was over the moon excited and to be honest, so am I. I have waiting a long time to see her dancing on her toes.

Alyssa...

Buddies

More pictures from State

Brandon spent a lot of time resting between matches

and playing Legos...

Thankfully, Gabriella had no issues taking a nap

We set up camp. We had coolers full of drinks and snacks, DVD players, toys, books, pillows and blankets. Yea, we pretty much just took over. :)

I realize we have been home for weeks but I am just getting around to uploading some pictures and since this is used as my family journal I'm posting them. Sorry if you are tired of hearing about it.
The days during state are long to say the least. This year was an interesting one for the simple fact that Gabriella is not a huge fan of being confined let alone strapped in her stroller. We had lots of coloring books, movies, baby dolls and snacks packed to help make the days bearable. Surprisingly, she was a very good.
Alyssa kept herself occupied with her special friend.
Thankfully, there was no shortage of Team GV kids so I always had someone to watch and cheer on.
Though the days are long and sometimes a little stressful but I'm already looking forward to next year!

Pictures from State...

Though it's impossible to see by the look on his face...he was excited to get the wrestling going


His Triple Crown Plaque and medals

Nevada Triple Crown Champion!!

Update...of sorts

Noting much has changed the last few weeks...
Alyssa has added yet another dance class to her already full schedule. This time it's a ballet class through Boulder City Ballet company. She's dancing with the high school girls and seems to be holding her own. They are already determining the cast for the 2010 Nutcracker and of course Alyssa is hoping for a good roll. I'm thrilled to think Miss Amy thinks enough of her and her dance skills to know she can hang with the older girls. She really is a great dancer...

Brandon is still wrestling...not sure if that will ever change. :)
He's preparing for Reno Worlds in April. It's a huge and tough tournament. After that it's off to Idaho for Western Regionals.

Gabriella. Oh how she keeps us busy! She's growing before my eyes everyday. She loves playing with her baby dolls. She is such a little mommy.

I have tons of pictures that I want to post. Some from last weekend at state and just random pictures. One day, when I'm home before 9pm I'll post them.

Pictures from state...

Coach Jake...
This is the greatest wrestling coach! I love him for his dedication to our boys. He had made a deal with the kids if 16 of the boys took 1st in southern Nevada regionals he would dye his hair...23 boys took first and he was a man of his word. :)



Brandon's buddy, Richard promised if Brandon took 1st in Greco he would let Brandon ride on his shoulders in the parade of teams..