My little A turned 17! Her bday was in the middle of the week this year but we had a little party at home for her then that weekend she went to dinner with friends. I am so very proud of this amazing kid and so very lucky to be her mom.
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I can’t believe its already MAY. This year has flown by! In March I got to head up to Fay for Mom’s Weekend at Chi Omega. It was so fun to spend some one on one time with my college girl! Of course same weekend Averi had her DBS formal and looked absolutely stunning so there was lots of running around but we made it work! Then Averi had her VERY LAST cheer tryout for Southside. That has not sunk in yet I dont think…for me anyway! And Sydni got to participate in a dance comp with her sorority for Sigma Chi Derby Days! I loved watching her dance again. I have missed it so much!! Sydni is preparing for finals and Averi is wrapping up her junior year!!! So please send prayers and good vibes our way! See you this summer!
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We got back to the beach for Spring Break this year! Well most of us did.. Sydni decided to go to St Louis to see her friend Sawyer where they took a train to Chicago! It was quite the adventure for her where she realized traveling via train isn’t as glamorous as she assumed it would be! haha! The rest of us plus Ave’s friend Addeline headed to Florida for the week stopping at Kim’s for a night then on to Rosemary the following day. It was absolutely beautiful even if a bit cold. I will take cold over rain every time! We had a great time and can’t wait to go back!
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2024 started off with all things cheer and basketball for Averi and 2nd semester for our college girl Sydni! Syd has been busy with school and her sorority and Ave wrapped up her junior cheer year! Syd was able to make it to a few games to watch Averi cheer which is so awesome! I am so thankful shes right up the road <3 Ready for Spring break and some warmer weather around here!!!
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What a wonderfully fun comp season Averi had this year!! The kids worked so hard thru early morning practices all year long and they were rewarded big time! They started out at their first comp in Siloam Springs. They looked great and won that one pretty easily. The next one was Alma and Averi compared it to like a mini state competition because so many really good teams were there. They looked GREAT going from prelims into finals and both performances were so good! They ended up with 2nd which stung a bit for these competitive kiddos but they should be super proud! There were some great teams there. Next was Bentonville where they won that led them into state week. All the teams at State were so good and they made it into finals here but then only got 4th. We were all a little shocked. But I think with so many teams competing so closely sometimes that happens. Most importantly they qualified for UCA Nationals in Orlando and that competition was their ultimate goal. At Nationals they did their prelim routine flawlessly. It was SO GOOD! It was late so we all went back to the kids’ hotel (Pop Century) to watch the results online. Their group was divided into 2 sections for prelims and they were 1st out of their division meaning they got to skip semis and go straight to finals (just like last year!)!! SO EXCITING! Sunday evening was finals and they did another fantastic performance. Later that night was awards and they WON THE WHOLE THING! D1 Game Day National Champions!!! I get chills just thinking about it. Such a magical moment watching these kids win something they worked so very hard for. I will never ever forget it. Thank you SO MUCH to all those who helped with fundraisers to send them. It meant so much to all of us and I hope they made you proud!
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My 2 fave months of the year are complete! We had a great holiday season watching Averi cheer the Mavs to the 2nd round of the playoffs (for the first time in a while)!!! Sydni is enjoying college life and wrapped up her first semester. She has only changed her major 3 times haha! Love this time with my little fam <3
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Christmas season came and went far too quickly as it always does. Since my mom sold her house we had to start some new traditions this year and ended up renting a cabin in Murfreesboro of all places. It was actually just perfect with a beautiful view on the river behind it. We had a great time! Gran and Sarah’s fam stayed with us and Matt and Shana’s fam joined us for the day. We spent Christmas eve with the Settles followed by church and dinner then presents. It is the best day of the year to me <3
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Sydni had a fun filled few days for turning 19!!! She came down the hill early to get an early bday present… this hair contraption that works so good on her hair!! Then in Fay she had brunch with friends. At home after church we did presents then went up to Fay for brunch with Aunt Judy! That night she celebrated with her Fort Smith friends at Rolando’s. It has been a jam packed year of change and fun and growing up for my girl!!! So excited to watch her last year of being a teenager!!
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We had a great thanksgiving with family in Broken Bow! I absolutely love this place!! So relaxing and beautiful! Sean’s fam stayed with us and Sarah’s fam plus GranGran came for tday to celebrate! Lots of food and football! It was great!
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The Bottjens had such a great fall! Football season is always fun watching Averi cheer the Mavs and we also added in a Hog game so that Jim could celebrate Dad’s day with Sydni. The hogs didn’t appear to show up but we had fun regardless! Sydni has been busy studying (we hope) and settling into Fay. She got to go to the A&M game in Dallas and spent fall break with her ChiO friends. Averi has been studying (we hope) and cheering and having fun with her friends here! Now bring on the holidays!
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