Mamma Mia!

Baylie really missed being in the musical last year so she knew she didn't want to miss it this year. She loved being a part of the production.

The funnest part was that she was in it with her friends Natalie and Kaitlyn Bailey, Olivia Chorey, and Talia Ouzts.

Kaitlyn, Baylie, and Natalie at far right, Talia and Olivia front right.

Baylie and Natalie dancing the night away.

The cast. Cristiana Valdez is next to Baylie and is her friend from choir.

Irmo Ward girls

Olivia, Baylie, Natalie, Talia, Kaitlyn

Choreys and extended family, Outzs family, Bailey family

We also had lots of support on Saturday night, but some of the girls (including Baylie) missed the picture.

With the Brannons, Brusins, Rachel Chorey, and Nancy Giles

So I snapped a shot of them afterwards.

It was really a great experience for Baylie and I'm so glad she didn't miss out on it.

Dancing the Night Away - Church Prom 2025

The day after the sleepover was Church Prom so the girls got ready at our house. It was so fun having them here.

Beth Bailey (my homeschooling bestie) and I went to a park to take pictures of them. They are such a fun group of girls and pay each other such compliments. They are not afraid to build each other up and speak positively of themselves and each other. It's wonderful.

They got their dresses at the Cinderella Project, which offers free prom dresses. Such a great program and they were able to get beautiful dresses that were also modest. What a blessing. I love these sweet girls.

Baylie's 17th Birthday

 How is this little doll baby 17?!

Baylie wanted spaghetti and meatballs with Red Baron biscuits. I also got some bundtlets. We were saving the cake and ice cream for her friends to share when they came to sleep over on Friday.

Jalen got her some Harry Potter Butterbeer Skinny Pop. I guess I forgot to take pictures of her other presents, but she got a Wicked Monopoly game and a cute purse from NYC. Jalen also got her a ring in New York.

She got some giant purple lips.

For her mini-party, I made her a lemon bundt cake and resurrected some of the purple decor from last year's party.

Baylie has been blessed with sweet friends.

I didn't get a picture before Rachel had to leave.

Kaitlyn, Baylie, Talia, Natalie

Baylie is a remarkable young woman and it is a joy being her mother. She works so hard at everything she does (and she does a lot). She has high ambitions, she is kind, and she tries hard to do the right thing in all circumstances. This year has been one of many challenges and disappointments, but she has pushed through and continued to thrive. We are so proud of her. 

NYC - Day 5 - St. Patrick's Day Parade & Headed Home

Monday was our final day in the city. It was also St. Patrick's Day, which is a big deal in the city. The St. Patrick's Day parade was just a couple blocks from the hotel so we decided to walk a couple blocks over to see it. I'm so glad we did.

Some people were really dressed up. (One of my friends thought this was Joey Fatone, but I don't think so.)

This was also the day Grammy, Baylie, and I got stuck in the elevator. We even dropped half a floor or so. It was a bit scary. We were with four other people, two of whom only spoke Spanish. It was at least partly my fault. There was a Wet Floor sign in front of the elevator when we went to buy some souvenirs. When we got back about half an hour later, the sign was still there, but obviously the floor would have dried by then. When we called the elevator, the other one didn't come, but the wet floor one kept coming. Another lady that was waiting with us said she was sure it was fine and she got on the elevator. So I moved the Wet Floor sign and we all got on. She got off on the first floor and we continued up. That's when the elevator dropped and stopped! None of the buttons worked. We sounded the alarm and called for help. It seemed like a very long time before anyone responded. It was probably 15 or 20 minutes. 

When help finally came, they dropped us a little bit more so the elevator was even with the floor. That is such a terrifying sensation. When we got off, they asked who moved the sign. I stayed quiet at first, but then realized I needed to be honest so I fessed up. They sent us in the service elevator and comped Grammy & Grandad $40 for the incident. It all ended well, but it was definitely a stressful experience. My biggest fear was that we'd miss our flight!

We were able to catch a ride back to the airport with the choir - another huge blessing. 

One final look at the skyline

Baylie's flight left first, then Grammy and Grandad's, and last of all we flew out. April took Baylie home from the airport.

We were happy to see the Welcome to South Carolina sign.

We made it home around midnight, tired but so happy with this perfect trip.