The Woman Who Changed Tai's Life...

Way back when...when Tai decided to enter the Miss Virginia USA Pageant, a life-changing event, it was Beckie Harris who believed in her and sponsored her to be in the pageant. It was a touching time to reconnect after many years...

Norma's Birthday Celebrations Continues...

Tai's Hotel Tradition continues...

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And then is search of a Bikini-Wearing-Time...

It's Tai's mom, Norma's birthday!  So they headed to Virginia Beach for a few days to celebrate! They stayed at the Cavalier Hotel. And the celebrated with Norma's dear friend Lynn...but no bikinis because it was drizzling...

Tai Goes to Virginia for Her High School Reunion...

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Tai w/Patrick Henry Championship Football Team

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Pageant of the Masters

 After spending the day going into art galleries teaching the kids about art, we ended the evening as guest of my dear friends -- artist Tom Swimm and his wonderful wife Rosemary. they host our foundation kids every year to the pageant. It was a thrill exploring the exhibits and then sharing in the wonder of the show.

Mariss, Tom Swimm, Robin & Ka'Jayne

And then came M & M's...

We tried EVERY M&M flavor -- pretzel (not so much), coconut (nuh-uh), peanut butter (LOVE), peanut, plain, dark, almond -- oh my!

Hotel Beds are for Jumping

Tai had a tradition when it comes to hotels -- the beds are for jumping! So jump we did!

Never a Dull Moment - Laguna Here We Come!

Camp ended on Friday, Sunday we got 25 kids off to Canyon Creek Sports Camp and Monday we picked up two girls and hit to road to Laguna Beach for The Pageant of the Masters. 

Debi, Ka'Jayne, Tai, Robin & Marissa

We started the day having lunch at the Cliffside Restaurant.

Saying Goodbye...

Tai & Marissa's Favorite Part of Camp!

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Camp Day 5 - Pacific Park

For our last day of camp we got to share a day of laughter and fun on the Santa Monica Pier at Pacific Park.

Summer Camp Day 4 - And Finally -- The Awards!

In Olympic Style -- complete with the National Athem playing -- gold medals were awarded to all of the children.

Our Touching Week

One of the highlights of our week was Matthew Perez grandmother, Betty, coming to spend a few days with us. She is in her third bout with ovarian cancer and chose to share the better part of the week watching her grandson and being with us. Thank you Betty!

Camp Day 4 - Water Polo

Oaks Christian Academy Water Polo Team came out and spent the afternoon teaching and playing water polo with our kids!

Summer Camp - Day 4 - Scuba

One of our favorite camp events is scuba diving! Szilvia Gogh &  Miss Scuba & Ocean Adventures come out every year to help. Thank you Szilvia!!! -- and Eileen too!!!!

Day 4 Camp - US Coast Guard Visit!

The day started with a visit from the US Coast Guard.

Summer Camp Day 3 - Diving Board Day

So on Monday most of the kids couldn't swim, in fact some were terrified of the water. And today - they were diving off the diving board! Love it!!!

Summer Camp Day 3 - Rowdy Gaines Shares

The morning started with Rowdy Gaines,  three time Olympic Gold Medalist, sharing an inspiring message to the kids -- followed by pictures and autographs!