Dear God, Please let me be able to twirl three batons like Alexa…

It all started in 2008 … when I had to pick up the kids from school in the gym since Morgan was attending the YMCA preschool. On Wednesdays, the Sundancers Baton Twirlers had practice in there, and Morgan would gaze in astonishment while the girls performed their stunts. I had no idea of the impact those practice days made until Kindergarten started. Once Morgan started elementary school this year and the flyers went out for baton sign up, how could I deny my daughter’s request to join? It has been a joy to watch her during the learning process, to see her giggle and scream when she has learned a new technique. And it was an honor to escort her and the entire group in one of many parades they performed in this season. The second half of the baton year is dedicated to competition training. Since this is her first year, I was dead set on making her wait till next year to participate in group contests. It was literally the last day to order a team uniform when I heard from quite a few moms and her coach of how well my daughter was performing. There comments were sincere without pressure. Plus, Morgan had been begging for quite some time to compete, but I just kept informing her she would have to wait. Until that day… Next thing I know, I am telling Ms. Michele (her coach) to measure Morgan for a uniform and sign her up for the Florida State Fairgrounds group competition.

It was nice to spend the night before Morgan’s first competition at my parent’s house. They as well as my sister and her children were excited to see us both and to spend some quality time catching up on the latest events in our lives. My parents were also troopers – getting up very early this morning to escort their grand-daughter to the event, especially not knowing how long this could take. I was also thankful for the beautician experience from my mom. I had to get Morgan’s Rapunzel -like hair into a bun and add a hair piece with net… skills I will need in the future for sure! (Thank you, Mom!) It was an extremely frigid day, and was so thankful to be inside. We felt bad for the cheer competition which was held outside. We sat down promptly on the front row at 8:15. Competition did not start until 9 AM. From start till they announced the winners of the first part of the contest – four hours! But I have to admit, it was so much fun! And out of I think six group contests, the Sundancers placed in five. And Morgan’s division – well, they placed FIRST!!! We loved watching all of the other teams (though a few reminded me of Toddlers and Tiaras) as well as some individual solos - including one of our very own Sundancers, Alexa. She is simply amazing. I also had no idea how much Morgan looked up to her. All day long she kept asking me if her hair looked like Alexa’s. And when she went to bed that night her prayer started off … Dear God, Please let me be able to twirl three batons like Alexa. The next practice day I talked to Ms. Michele (who is also Alexa’s mom), and now Morgan is taking private lessons. She is hooked – simply loves twirling. And that is all she (and we) care about. She doesn’t care about the trophy or medal. It’s all about the fun – and the hair… and the make-up… and the rhinestones! ;-) Her first individual competition is in March. I’ll keep you posted!