JULY! Part Two.

On Friday, July 7th, Lainey and I left for her last-ever dance competition, The Dance Awards in Orlando. It's a nationals competition, meaning we saw SO much talent from around the nation. It was incredible! And it was a fun (yet exhausting) week.

My college friend Emily was in Palm Beach so we stopped by to see her on our way to Orlando!

That same day, Friday, Mary, Allyn, and Walker stopped by to see Ben at his new hospital! 

Avoiding the rain...raindrops don't do well with self-tanner products! Ha.

Adriana, Lainey, and Jackie (Adriana's mom)

On Sunday, Walker went to Texas to spend time with Bud and Yiyia and friends and family. 

Here he is with Kate and Cally after playing some mini-golf.

He also spent some time with Declan! These boys are getting so big!

Former neighborhood crew:

Thatcher, Daniel, Nico, Declan, and Walker

I'm so thankful for this group of boys!

with friends Emma, Adriana, Mariana, and Emi

Lainey performed her last-ever solo on Monday, July 10th. She was incredible!

(This is her with her friend Adriana)

after she walked off stage (a little teary)

Ben drove in from Parkland to watch her perform! :)

with Mom and Dad

"Athem" Choreographed by Jessica Hendricks

"Did a Bad Thing" with the Choreographer Chase Hudson

"Spice"

"Let me Go"

"Chasing Time"

"In Sync" with Choreographer Ben

Me, forcing a dog to be friends.

Walker in Texas with my good friend Jessica. :)

"A New York Minute"

with the Choreographer Chase Hudson

Proof of life of Gracie... we miss her!

after Lainey's final performance onstage (cue the tears)

We made time to go see our Texas friends at another nationals. Camilla has since moved to Tennessee but we always love seeing her and her mom Shannon!

with Juliana (another friend from Texas but she still lives there!)

Walker, still living his best life in Texas with cousins Ella and Cally

Lainey, Adriana, and Marianna ready for the closing show...

mom friends :)

Walker got to see his best buddy Kasen in Texas. These two are too cute.

He also got to see Brayden!

I'm not sure who's winning the "taller" race at the moment.

One last moment with Studio 61 owner Gina and Company Director Taryn...gosh we will miss these ladies. They've been nothing but fabulous. I took this picture on our last night, after the final gala. Lainey was a little teary! Onto the next chapter...!

***

The Dance Awards Las Vegas, 2016

The Dance Awards Orlando, 2023

SO proud of my beautiful, strong, confident Lainey. You'll always be my favorite dancer. We love you!