Go Pack!

I was lucky enough to be able to join Quinn for the opening game of NC State football on Thursday. 

The energy inside Carter-Finley stadium was electric... the band was amazing, the student section full of life, and lots of school spirit and support for the Pack throughout the stadium.  

The first three quarters was a rough game.  NC State struggled to make things happen and didn't show up until the 4th quarter.  That said, in the end NC State took the W and pulled off the victory.

Better than the game was being able to experience it with Quinn!  

Sophomore Year Begins...

 Today marked the first day of Sullivan's sophomore year. 

It was a weird feeling walking out the door to go to school with only one child!  

After school when I asked Sullivan how her day was, she was a woman of few words.  School was apparently "long" and "good".    I guess we will focus more on the good, less on the long, and count that as a success.  Here's to hoping Sullivan's sophomore year is the best one yet!

Goodbye Summer...

With the start of school just around the corner, Sullivan celebrated the last days of summer in style.  

I took Sullivan and a couple of her friends to an inflatable waterpark in the Raleigh area.  They bounced and jumped and slipped and fell and laughed and scooted their way around the park.

On the trampoline...

Scooting across the bridge... they said it was super scary up that high trying to walk across.  The lifeguard was super judgy and he was laughing at the girls.  In the girls' defense, A LOT of people were doing the same thing.

Sullivan taking the plunge...

They even did a little cliff jumping...

Lots of fun was had with these great girls.  They had a blast, but were visibly exhausted when they were done.  It was the perfect way to end summer - sunshine, fun, and friendship.

The North 40...

 When Sullivan drives, she decides to avoid all cars in the parking lot and parks in the North 40...

We nearly broke the mile mark from the Target exit door to the car.  😉

First Day of Class....

Today was Quinn's first day of class at NC State...

She was sweet enough to keep the tradition alive with a picture commemorating the day.  

Quinn shared that the day was good - her classes were better than expected but are going to be hard. But we can all do hard things and I have no doubt that Quinn will!

Here is NC State's Class of 2028 - 

This was taken after their new student convocation yesterday.  If you couldn't tell, Quinn is in the second 2, near the bottom, left corner.  A mother knows their child and I had no problem spotting her right away!  😂 😉

She has been busy meeting people and hanging out with her roommate, Avery...

Quinn, Avery, and her new friend Grace...

It appears that Quinn has already hit her stride and is having the best time.  That makes my mama heart happy!

A New Chapter...

Quinn began a new journey into college life on Thursday, and we left part of our hearts in Raleigh with her.  

Before moving in, Quinn had some goodbyes to say at the house...

Unlocking the door to her new dorm room...

I wish I would have taken a before picture of the dorm, but we got right to unpacking.  So I stole a picture from someone else so you could reference what the blank slate looked like...

Lots of unpacking and decorating...

Some of us moved outside in the courtyard to build some furniture...

In the end, the room turned out beautifully...

Move-in day brought lots of feelings - excitement, joy, uncertainty, possibilities, apprehension, and happiness.  The goodbyes were hard...

As hard as the goodbyes were, we know there are amazing things ahead for Quinn at NC State.  She is going to succeed at all she does and this new chapter is going to be a good one!  She is already busy with activities and meeting people and school hasn't even begun yet!

We are so incredibly proud of you, Quinn.  Go and do big things!  

Go Pack!

Go, Sulla, Go...!

Cheer season is upon us.  For all that remember the sadness and shock of Sullivan not making the team last year, you know that was a HARD season for her.   But she has proven to be a warrior.  Sullivan turned that negative experience and used it to build a fire within her.  She worked hard to sharpen her lines and build and gain new tumbling skills over the past year.  She put in the time. 

So when it came time to try out again this year, Sullivan showed up to all the EARLY morning summer practices and gave it her all.  She worked hard to prove to herself and her coach that she deserved a spot on the team.  

Tryouts were Wednesday and Thursday... 

Sullivan and her best friend, Fabi, twinning on tryout day.

Thursday was a long day, waiting for the results to come in.  Results FINALLY came out and... Sullivan Grace (#26) made the team!!!

With no rest for the weary, the team travelled to western NC today for a stunt clinic.  They worked together to develop stronger stunting skills and learn to work together as a new team.  Sullivan had a great time at the clinic, but she is TIRED tonight!  

We couldn't be more proud of Sullivan and her determination, grit, and resilience. We are looking forward to a great football, basketball, and competition season with her this year! Go Hawks!