I'm a Proud "Cheer" Aunt

This weekend, Lewie's cousin Sarah participated in her last cheerleading competition of the year.  We learned that her division of USA Wildcats (Sassy Cats) was undefeated and decided to support her. Since the competition was in Worcester, MA (about an hour and forty five minutes away), we decided to make the competition into an all weekend event.  We stayed over at the Clarion Hotel and Aqua Lagoon Waterpark in West Springfield, MA on Saturday and then left at seven in the morning to take Sarah to her last competition at the DCU Center in Worcester.

On Saturday, we spent the day at the hotel water park, which was FILLED with kids.  My sister-in-law and her husband brought their three children (Sarah, Brooklyn, and Lily) and their grandnephew, Elijah.  My husband and I, of course, just brought Little Lewie.  The kids had a blast swimming in the pool, going down water slides, and playing on the splash pad while the adults mostly rested at tables on the side.

Cousin Brooklyn in the pool

Aunt Missy and Uncle Moises

Lily

Sarah and Lewie

The waterpark closed at 8 p.m., and we headed to our adjoining rooms on the first floor.  The kids LOVED that they could walk between both rooms at their leisure.  At one point, my husband and I looked around and saw that all FIVE children (ages 3 - 12) were in our room.  It was all out mayhem. (Don't forget that we're used to ONE child; FIVE is a big deal for us.)  They were playing games, eating candy, watching videos on tablets, and talking up a storm.   Little Elijah (five) was so excited to be staying at the hotel that he kept on showing us "his bed."

Lights out was around 10 o'clock as we had to wake up early the next morning to bring Sarah and Aunt Missy to the DCU Center.  She had to be there for practice at 8:30 a.m., and her performance was slated for 10:20 a.m.  Awards wouldn't happen until 1 p.m., so we knew we were headed for a fairly long day.   I didn't know how Lewie would handle all the waiting, but to my surprise, he was great.  He loved listening to the music and watching the performances.  Only twice did he request to go home, which prompted me to remind him that we had to wait until after the award ceremony.

As for the "Sassy Cats"... well, they won first place!   We were so proud of Sarah.  We already knew she could do these amazing flips and tumbling, but nothing could replace seeing her live performance. We were allowed to go to the front stage when it was their turn, and the girls honestly took my breath away.  It was a very proud moment for this aunt and a very proud moment for Lewie who absolutely adores his cousin.

Best Sassy Cat Friends (cousin Sarah is the second on the right)

One proud aunt!

Lewie getting to have lunch with all the girls

 This weekend honestly flew by.  We were so happy we made it a priority to see Sarah's last competition this year.  I have a newfound respect for cheer, especially for all the practices, time, and commitment made by Sarah and her mom.  I am awestruck.