4-H Modeling Contest

 Schedules aligned just so this year to allow Izzy to participate in the Gage County 4-H Fashion Show.  Izzy and I traveled back bright and early one morning (5:45am to be exact).  It was a short trip but a memorable one as it was just Izzy and I.

 One of the rewards for Izzy completing her projects was to spend some time with the cousins.  After arriving in Omaha, we headed to the Champions Run pool.  The theme for the day... Rosé all day!  Pink were everywhere as well as rosé themed drinks.  I certainly could have roséd all day!

 I proposed to Izzy that in order for her to return for the modeling contest, she needed three outfits (the maximum allowed).  She sewed two (vegetable dress and fur vest) and participated in the Shopping in Style project (aqua shirt and nave lace shorts).  The vest was probably the most memorable to sew as fur was everywhere.  John had to follow us with a vacuum each night in order to keep the fur in check.  In addition, he vacuumed us off at the end of sewing including our clothes and skin. 

 There were certainly many nerves the day of the contest.  Izzy was paired with the older girls which I thought she handled quite well.  Once she modeled one outfit, she was more calm and seemed to enjoy the rest of the day.  After judging, Izzy was asked if she wanted to join the Teen Fashion Board.  The plan was to take $10 to The Bargain Box and purchase an outfit to model that night during the public performance.  Afterwards the girls were provided a meal and had the ability to have their make-up done.  I know Izzy was basking in this experience as she shooed me away to sit in the audience before the public show.

 

The purchased outfits from The Bargain Box.

 The girls were given garment bags as a treat at the end of the night.  These might come in handy next year.

The night of the public fashion show, the girls found out what ribbon they were given.  Highest to lowest, the ribbons in 4-H are purple, blue, red and white.  This was certainly an amazing first time modeling experience for Izzy.

The icing was when Izzy received recognition (Pop of Style) for her Shopping in Style outfit.  On the way home she was already talking about next year.  All in all this was a memorable affair for Izzy.

4th of July

 Both the Dieckmans and Barkoudahs traveled to the farm to celebrate the 4th of July with family.  Once of the first activities was a friendly game of softball.  There were some good plays and some goofy plays.  In the end I believe everyone had fun.

 Sometimes just hanging around is enjoyable with family.

Victoria brought her first make-up set with her to the farm.  The girls didn't take long to beautify themselves.  There was certainly a lot of color and glitter on 4 little girls.

 Cornhole and shucking oysters with beautiful weather... a great combination.

 It doesn't necessarily matter what the activity is per say as long as it's with the cousins!

Oma and Izzy created this unique 4th of July pie inspired by a Reader's Digest cover picture.  Not too shabby ladies!  And of course yummy as these are cherries from Oma's cherry tree.



 Another tradition... heading to the pool.  The older kids wanted to head to Beatrice as it has larger slides and more diving boards.  Micah and Victoria were braver this year than last with Micah even going down the pink slide all by himself!

 Fireworks always start with the parachutes. 

 And who is going to get the giant parachute.... Amelia!

Another pre-firework activity... car races.  Victoria was super excited as it was looking like she would win.  But in the end she was robbed by Shane.  Maybe next year.

 New this year was the girls becoming creative in how to light smaller fireworks.  While Avery has been doing this over the past few years, the girls were more reserved.  This year their creativity lead to a fiery mountain of snakes and various combinations of smoke bombs.



 The men were our hosts of the larger fireworks show.  Micah was exceptionally excited to be a part of this group/activity this year.

Ohhhhh..... Ahhhhh.....





The finale.

Victoria's Dance Recital

 Once a week Victoria has gone to a jazz dance class after school.  It's been hard knowing what she and her friends do exactly in class.  I'm sure there is an equal amount of goofing off and "girl time" as there is dancing.  The end of year recital was a treat to see what all the dance groups have been up to over the academic year.

 Victoria and her friend Ceci while waiting for the recital to begin.  Unfortunately the pictures on my camera have been lost thanks to someone breaking into out condo.  These are the only pictures of her recital I have as they came from my phone.  I'm glad to have these and a video recording of her dance.

 The little girls doing ballet are always some of the cutest to watch.  These two didn't disappoint as the waved endlessly at their families in the audience.

 I go quite a kick out of the hip-hop dance groups.  I think Micah enjoyed seeing other boys in this type of venue.

The finale... one giant dance with all the groups.



Music - Stevie Wonder - Faith