Frosty's

$0.50 Frosty's are the best :)

Driving in for a BIG bite
Lillian and Cooper like vanilla and Madison likes chocolate

Happy Sparkles- Happy Momma

Baseball and Birthdays

It has become a tradition for Madison and Papa to attend a baseball game together to celebrate Madison's birthday. 

This year due to marching band practices the celebration was postponed until the beginning of August. 

Papa picked Madison up from school and they went straight to the game one Friday evening.

Great Weather, Great Company, Great Memories. 

Rain Showers and Car Naps

This is Cooper's unhappy face... it is rainy and his shoes are wet and its too hot to fall asleep.

And this is Cooper after we said he could take his coat off... one very tired boy.

Look at my Picture

Momma's little artists :)

Marching Band

It is hard to believe that we have a Freshman in the house. 

Madison is off to a great start this year and thrilled to finally have classes and lunch with her dear friends. 

She also made the HUGE commitment to join the marching band. She is one of 293 students in the marching band program.

Madison began practice in the spring (on her birthday :) and has been playing 20 hours a week/3 nights plus Saturdays since, including a week long camp at Taylor University. 

Madison is marching under the same instructor and Beth and I marched with when we attended Avon High School and I am thrilled that she will experience the wisdom of Jay Webb. She is marching the Euphonium (very similar to her Aunt Beth's baritone) and is still among the few ladies in low brass.

She is also proudly wearing the infamous Gilligan-Band hat worn both by her Mama and her aunt :) May it bring her joy and luck this marching season.

This years marching band show is Appalachian Springs by Aaron Copeland (the same show (new arrangement) that I marched my freshman year.

Here is Madison's band performances for this year: 

Events with an * are subject to the band qualifying to move on to the next level. 

Most events are close to our home in Avon. 

Date	Event
August 20	Avon Community Day
August 26	Home football game
September 2	Home football game
September 10	Fishers Invitational
September 17	Lawrence Central Invitational
September 23	Home football- homecoming
September 24	Avon Invitational
October 7	Home football game
October 8	Center Grove Invitational
October 15	Regionals
October 22	Semi State *
October 29	State *
November 5	BOA Indianapolis Regional
November 10	BOA Prelims
November 12	BOA Grand Nationals *

We would love to have any and all of you with us to cheer on Madison and if not in person then in thoughts and prayers for a tremendous year for the band.

1st day of school

Can you believe it.... summer is over and the school year has begun :)

Ready to begin another great year of learning.
Lillian- 3rd grade
Madison- 9th grade (Freshman)
Cooper- Kindergarten

Praying for an amazing year for the Sparkles filled with learning, friendships and fun :)

Camp Papa

While Madi was away at band camp

The littles each enjoyed 3 days and 2 nights at Camp Papa.

Their adventures included a visit to the museum, old fashion ice cream, and playing at the park. Plus they were allowed to choose where they ate lunch and dinner.

One of the greatest highlights was going up and down the gigantic toilet at the museum.

Thanks Papa for a great time. We love you!!!!!

Look Who's 5!

Cooper requested a Star Wars Pool party to celebrate his birthday.

Enjoying a Light Saber cupcake cake :)

Opening presents
Just a few of the highlights (but he LOVED everything)

Boba Fett Star Wars toys 

 A Star Wars bike complete with light saber handle bars

 More Star Wars action figures (are you seeing a theme yet ;)

Playing in the pool with the noodle light sabers

 Cooper's party guests- Owen, Eli, Isaac, Zoe (and not pictured Josslin)

 One happy boy with his blue cupcake :)

These last 5 years have flown by but I can't imagine life with out our youngest Sparkle. Can't wait to see what the next adventure will be.

9 years

Celebrating together in the Bahamas :)

Together again

VIP Movie

Watching Finding Dorry in style... best way to watch a movie!

Sparkles :)

Beach time

A trip to Florida isn't complete without some fun in the sand and sun :)

 Lillian and Mama taking Selfies

 Mama's sparkles

 Meanwhile back in the sand...
Cooper has already preferred land over water but he did come out to splash a few times or to fill his bucket.

We are loving visiting family, soaking up sunshine, and spending time together.
God is good and we are blessed :)

Gator Sparkles

Road Trip- Mama Style

Here we go.... 1 Mama, 3 Sparkles driving to Florida :) Wish us luck!
Before trip selfie-

Day 1: Avon, IN to Chattanooga, TN
Nothing like grabbing a quick nap before lunch

 4pm Ice Cream :)
In honor Mr. Jim and Daddy

4:30pm checked in the hotel and resting before swimming and pizza. 8 hours down and 8 more to go.



 Day 2
Chattanooga, TN to Dade City, FL
First 3 hours were a breeze and the Sparkles were fantastic.

A long lunch stop at Moes

 1 final stop at a rest area and then arriving at Aunt Sue's.
We made it to Florida!!!!!!

Summer evenings