Drumroll please.....

Monday, October 25, 2010

Bonney Lake High School Daffodil Princess Selection Night

About 5 weeks ago, Payton received a letter from school telling her that she had been nominated by a faculty member to be in the running for Daffodil Princess.  (For all of those not from Pierce County, Washington, here is a link that explains all about the Daffodil Festival and royalty family:  http://www.daffodilfestival.net/News.htm#BonneyLake)  It is quite an honor to be nominated and it comes with a load of responsibilities as well.  There were 8 girls who met each Monday after school to prepare for last night.  Each nominee is required to have at least a 3.2 gpa.  Payton had to write a speech, memorize it and give it in front of a panel of 3 judges and a room full of family and friends.  She did a flawless job.  All the girls did a fantastic job.  They also had to answer an impromptu question; "What advice would you give to someone entering middle school?"  They couldn't listen to each others speeches or answers, as they were off stage in a sound proof room.  Payton has been working very hard.  She put a lot of energy into her preparation.  We knew that regardless of the outcome, she had grown and learned enough to make it worth her while.  So here is how it went...

P-A-Y-T-O-N :  She had her own cheering section!

Sydney is part of the Advanced Girls' Choir at MMS, they performed at the event.

Each girl was escorted on to the stage as a short biography was read about them.

Payton and her escort, Blake Patterson.

All eight nominees and their escorts.

I apologize now for my forgetfulness.  I do know that you cannot flip video. 

So lay on your side and watch it anyway!

Ashley Alvarez, BLHS's 2009 Daffodil Princess giving her farewell speech.

Payton waiting for the judges to make their decision.

(right before my camera batteries died.)

And 4 very proud siblings at home with their sister, Princess Payton, after a long night!

Payton with some of her many bouquets.

So now you know how it went...

feel free to stop her in the hall, give her a call or come on by

and let Payton know what a fantastic job she did! 

We are so proud of Payton! 

You truly can do anything you set your heart and mind to! 

Congratulations! 

We love you!

Homecoming 2010

So we survived once again.  I can't complain, though.  Payton loved her on-sale dress with sleeves added.  Her date is a gentlemen and has great parents who opened their home for the after-dance festivities.  And she came home with a smile.  What else could we ask for?

  Jake and Payton

 Hair clips thanks to Tallulah Twinkletoes!

 Thanks to the Milburn's, too, for being the meet-up place for 28 kids!

 So another dance down and only 1 or 2 more to go.  Can't believe we are on the countdown for our oldest!  I know this year will go by so quickly and I'm grateful to have a front row seat to the event that is Payton's senior year!  I love her.  I'm more impressed with who she is every day.  And I know there is only more amazing things to come!

Tolo

Theme:  Famous Couples

No.  Not this couple.  Or, for that matter, the pair of shoes Porter picked out for himself.

But this couple.  Poison Ivy and Batman.  (Or Payton and Dion as you may know them.)

You'd be amazed at the number of ideas we had to come up with to have Payton finally choose this one.  So thanks to all of those that contributed to the event!

I tried to have Payton look tough and menascing.  What do you think?

I'd say success to the costumes.  Maybe not success on the "menascing" factor, though.  They doubled with me and Larry to Zato's Grill for dinner and then headed off to the school for the festivities.  They didn't win for best costumes but had fun all the same.

The Lady Panthers '09-'10

Payton made the JV team again this year.  We have been enjoying another round of games with this team.  A few new players joined this year.  So far,  they are undefeated in the league.  Varsity has lost one game this season.  We are keeping our fingers crossed for State this year.  Too bad JV can't move on- they seem to be the team to beat!  Go Panthers!

Homecoming 2009

Homecoming just doesn't happen. It takes a lot of preparation and support to pull it off. We learned this first hand as we sent our oldest daughter to her first one on Saturday night.

First, you start with an invitation from a good boy that your parents like.

Then you get the dress. Not just any dress, mind you. One that Mom, Dad, and daughter can agree on. And, in this case, one that your mother can sew!

You add in party hair...

... and party shoes...

... happy parents help...

Then you bring in the date.

Get a group of friends together and meet at a beautiful place to take pre-dance pictures, parents and all.

And don't forget the flowers...

And there you go. The makings of a memorable Homecoming night!

Payton and Dion

Laura and Jake

Todd and Cheyanne

The guys (yes, that's a crown- Dion was Homecoming King.)

The girls. (It was very cold, but they were troopers!)

They were very gracious in posing and letting the parents get lots and lots of pictures.

Like this one... tell it like it is!

We made sure there was time for family love, too.

Dion and his mom, Suzy.

Riley, Payton, and Cheyanne.

Payton and Maisyn

Payton and Porter (apparently doesn't like on-camera kissing)

Payton and Mom

Dad and daughter- love it!

His baby girl is growing up!

They all went to the Mongolian Grill for dinner before the dance. Then the Milburn's made a yummy dessert for everyone afterwards at their house. A good report all around. Lots of friends and fun to remember! There's nothing like being 16!