So where were we...

Oh right - Back at Cole Field House!

We were told this was States - but it seemed more like a regional competition run by a completely different group.

The competition was tougher.

The girls lost one of their flyers (her family had long standing vacation plans and they couldn't be there) so they had to rework their entire routine - in TWO practices.

Oy.

There were tears on Saturday at practice.

But they rallied and we all told them that this was just a BONUS performance and they should just have fun.

And then one of the girls rolled her ankle while they were on deck - five minutes before they were to perform.

I mean seriously. 

Her ankle was wrapped, and everyone held their breath. 

They blew us away - I think this performance may have even been better than the week before!!

Maybe because they had nothing to lose?  Who knows.

But even with that performance, we thought they'd be lucky to get Honorable Mention.

They walked away with THIRD PLACE.

And then we all sighed with relief that Cheer Season was over.

Or maybe that was just me.

MOVING ON......
Right before Thanksgiving - these arrived....

THE TREES!!!

I came home to excited shouts of "THE TREES ARE HERE!!!"

"IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!!"

The girls have been getting these trees every year since they were babies from Gamma Judi & Mister.

We'll plant them in the yard in January.
(we have about a 60% success rate in the trees living when planted)

Olivia's is full of silver stars and Angels....

Sydney's has bronze Christmas ornaments and reindeer.

They're beautiful.

And always mark the official beginning of the holiday season here in our house.

(The 2008/2009, 2010, and 2011 trees)

And finally, I just had to post these pictures.  These were taken of  a fire in the wood stove last night with my little point and shoot camera.

The coals were so beautiful - red, almost vibrating - it looked like lava...

Imagine my surprise when the pictures showed PURPLE lava.

So freaking cool. 

We're off to STATES!!

My baby and her squad got second place this year in the annual Cheer Competition at University of Maryland - Woot Woot!!!

(see 2009, 2010,& 2011 competition round-ups here)

Getting ready to start!!

Once again, we traveled down to Cole Field House last Sunday for a looooong day of cheer.
 

Doing their thing!

This year, they added another cheer squad, making all the squads smaller than in years past - only 10 girls on Liv's squad this year!

These girls practiced for weeks (and almost 14 straight days right before competition), sometimes 3 hours a day  - all for their three minutes on this floor. 

The dance portion

We got there at noon and they performed at 3:45.

I don't know how they get out there with all that energy after sitting for three hours waiting.... 

Getting ready to tumble - LOOK AT THAT SMILE!!!

Since they had a small squad, they were limited in their stunting ability. 

They made up for it by having back to back to back stunts. 

STRETCH LIV!!!  DON'T DROP HER!!! (She's on the far left holding the flyer)

As usual - they didn't hit all of their stunts until they were on the floor competing.

A few minor baubles but we were SO PROUD!! 

The girls were not happy with their performance, but they are always harder on themselves than they need to be. 

Thank you picture I took and had framed for their coaches.  The coaches this year were so fabulous!

Finally - at about 6:30 the results were announced - SECOND PLACE!!  

As usual, everyone was cranky and tired and hungry so we went out to eat and went straight to bed when we got home. 

And, as usual, the girls got to sleep in Monday morning  and miss a bit of school.
(I know, I know, but they were tired and it's not like they don't get good grades and they rarely miss school)

This year, their organization is paying for any squad that got first, second or third place to go to the State Championships this Sunday back down at Cole Field House.

We have three teams going - and Liv's is one of them! 

It will be another long day but the girls are THRILLED!!!

I would be happier if  the Redskins didn't have a home game at the same time as  the competition.  

NIGHTMARE!!!

GRIDLOCK!!!!

And anyone who has ever attended a Redskins game or been on the beltway while a game is occurring will know exactly what I mean. 

Wish my girl good luck!!!