Anthem

I rarely went to any collegiate games when I was in college. Maybe one CAL football game... I think.

This past week we went to a Stanford Women's Volleyball game. Yes... we went into enemy territory!

But it was for a very good cause. Our god-daughter, Mandy was singing the national anthem for the game! An opportunity of a lifetime for her that we just could not miss!

We even got VIP seating with free water bottles!

A first collegiate game for my girls too! Emily played girls volleyball in junior high but she said after watching this game it's nothing compared to college-level. They played like 'professionals' she said. AND the majority of the players were at least 6 feet tall! Did not know that height was important! If volleyballers were this tall, I wonder how tall their basketball players were.

Proud Uncle and cousins

Mandy hit it out of the ballpark! Or court that is..

Proud Mom and Dad

And the game was pretty good too! A nail biter against Arizona.. they lost 3-1.

Check out Mandy's vocals here below:

Happy 22nd Birthday to our Munchkin!!

 Does Uncle Gow Gow have 'enough' pictures with her?

Spirit

I rarely showcased my 'spirit' in high school not because I didn't want to but because I wasn't very creative nor I had the 'resources' to get what I needed.

Emily's sophomore year Spirit Week was this past week and of course we planned the Sunday before it started since she wasn't sure if she wanted to participate. So thankful for friends and neighbors who have children that are in high school to borrow clothing from. Borrowing is so much better than buying!!

Can you guess the themes below?

Clockwise from Top: Western, Animal, Fashion Disaster, Pirate

Hannah hasn't had any Spirit Days at her private school yet but for Halloween she's been planning this costume for months!

She is "Oona" from one of her favorite TV shows, Odd Squad on PBS. Apparently she is an Odd Squad scientist.

I had to order the lab coat from a medical supply website, purchase the uniform pants from Old Navy and suspenders from a Halloween store while Emily created her bowtie and belt from green fabric. Hannah made her badge, buckle and gadget (not seen) herself.

Oona with her cousin, Officer Sam

She had great fun in putting together this costume. She's already thinking about next year... sigh...