USAG

In August Alyssa and I were able to go to the United States Association of Gymnastics National Congress in Hartford, CT. I had been wanting to go, but once I realized it was being held in Connecticut I just HAD to go. The day we arrived we grabbed our rental car and I dragged Alyssa to my old neighborhood. I remembered all the streets like the back of my hand. I knew exactly where I was at all times. That's not an easy thing to do on the East coast. We also drove to the Long Island Sound, which is always beautiful. I was once again reminded that I was meant to live on the East Coast. I'm absolutely in love with the serene beauty of Connecticut. I just can't believe how at home and comfortable I feel there. Maybe in my next life?

The next 3 days were spent listening to talk after talk on gymnastics hints, tips, must-dos, updates, ideas, etc. We also bought lots of neat equipment for the gym. One night we headed to Newport Rhode Island. Both of our phones died so we tried to get back at 11pm without a map.....not a good idea :)

Patti Komara, and industry leader in gymnastics.

Newport

See what I mean...it's like a scene from a movie...all of New England is this way.

Family Reunion 2010

The Beckstrom's have decided to start hosting our own reunions every other year. The Veater reunion is so big and we just really wanted to spend time with our immediate cousins. Now, instead of my Grandma plus her siblings plus their children...we're hosting my Mom plus her siblings plus their children.

The 1st day we went to San Clemente Beach in Southern California. Amelia liked the sand, although this picture below is from the 2nd day when we headed to La Jolla Shores.

Amelia loved chasing the Seagulls.

Ruby and Amelia..already having a great time together!

Cousin Whitney

Lisa, Grandpa Mike, Uncle Mike, Ruby, Amelia, Nick

Grandma and Me. I can only hope that as I grow older and have grandchildren of my own that I can make them all feel as loved and special as Grandma makes each and everyone of hers feel. She is so honest, genuine, giving and non-judgmental. I hope I can be just like her!

Me and Marla

Grandma Great and Amelia

Uncle Mike with Ruby and Amelia

Grandma Shirley. I'm so excited for Amelia to realize how great her Grandma Shirley is!

Aunt Marla and Amelia

Sea World. We headed here with Mom+Mike+Lisa's Family+Whitney and Nathan. We had a really fun and enjoyable day.

Nick was determined to win this ridiculous whale in a basketball shooting contest. It only took $12

Whit and A

The whale was a hit but we ended up leaving it behind. We didn't have room to take it home with us...plus I absolutely refused to let it come into my home. On the last day, we left the whale on the hotel couch with the maid's tip on top of it. We all got a good laugh.

When we were at San Clemente Beach an entire pod of dolphins came swimming by. They were SO CLOSE to the shore. We could have swam out there and touched them. There seemed to be 30-40 dolphins, they swam around in front of us for a good 10 minutes. It was amazing! Everyone on the beach just stopped to watch.

The girl cousins

Brittanie. Brooke. Rachel. Amanda. BreeAnne. Makaela. Brianna. Whitney. Marla

Mills gets her ears pierced

I have always been positive that I'd wait to get my daughter's ears pierced until she made the decision herself. I'm not sure what changed my mind this Saturday. We decided to take the poor girl to Claire's and get some "pretties".

Grandma came along to hold her.

She cried a bit and my heart ached. I got to rescue her with a sucker, and the crying was over. Honestly, she only cried for about 1 minute.

Dad was also there...but slightly irritated with Mom for choosing to get your ears pierced.

Amelia showing off her"pretties". If you ask her where her "pretties" are she points to her ears and says "pretties". It's quite adorable. She never did touch or pull on them. They never bothered her a bit.

19 months and counting...

My cousin Brittanie came to town this Summer and snapped come pictures of Amelia and her daughter Ruby. They are just 4 months apart. I can hardly wait to see them grow up together.

This is likely the most perfect picture of my adorable little girl.

Or maybe it's this one. I can't decide. I just love her little face.

Yep. I even love that little face.

More like Mama

Mills FINALLY says "Mama". After 2 months of saying "Brianna" or "Breeea"! Not surprisingly, Nick thought it'd be hilarious to teach her my given name. Honestly, does he not realize that the word "Mama" is the most exciting thing for a 1st time Mother to hear? Ugh! Back to point....she's starting to look more like her "Mama" yes?

Swimming

Apparently Pampers can hold a bagillion pounds of liquid! Yep, forgot the swim diaper. This picture is one for keeping that's for sure.