Breanna had her very last competition this past weekend, in Orlando, Florida. She's been a cheerleader since she was 9 years old, and this was a great ending to a sport she's loved ever since "Bring It On" came out in theaters. Hundreds of practice hours, tumbling passes, and hair curlers later, the Warriors came home with a 2nd place trophy after competing at Disney's Wide World of Sports. We all had such a great time, although many of the parents - including myself! - had barely a voice left after all the screaming and cheering during the 2 days of performances.
This is the venue where the competition was held on the first day:
Here are the girls, warming up:
The backdrop was so impressive, and I just loved how happy Brea looked coming on to the stage:
Zooming in...
The girls did an amazing job the first day, but since once of their flyers didn't go up as planned, they dropped 7 points out of 500, placing them in 3rd for the day. But as Breanna would say later, "It's okay! Tomorrow is a new day!"
Here is Brea with her stunt group. Florida's humidity is NOT good for cheer curls!
While we were on a break, we got to ride Rock'n Roller Coaster in Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney's MGM Studios). I snapped a photo of Brea while we were in line, with the Tower of Terror behind her:
If you've never ridden either of these rides, don't miss out! Brea had planned on doing a Coaster Cam on Rock'n Roller Coaster (with its awesome Aerosmith theme), but when you go 0-60 mph in about 2.2 seconds, it makes for a rough film take. :)
The second day of the competition was quite different than the first, as the team now had to perform in the Indiana Jones Theater, which was an outdoor venue. I had the WORST butterflies in my stomach, I was so nervous and excited! I think the parents had far worse jitters than the athletes. :)
Waiting to go on...
"And introducing - from Omaha, Nebraska - the ELITE CHEER WARRIORS!!!"
After a much improved second day, the girls landed in 2nd place, by only 3 out of 500 points! They were thrilled, and so were we! I was especially happy that Breanna was so satisfied with it. :) She's in the back of the group, holding the trophy:
Great job, girls! We're all so proud of you!
And just in case the girls had any energy left after an exhausting 2 days, they were given 1 "free day" to run around the Disney parks, for as long as they wanted to. Breanna and I chose to spend our time divided bw Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. Considering it was spring break for many people - and not to mention the thousands of cheerleaders there as well - this was very challenging, since the parks were almost standing-room only! But we made it work, and just decided not to hurry through it (since no matter which ride we got to, there would be a minimum 50 minutes of waiting).
I just had to get my Fruit Pastilles from the UK in Epcot!!!! Woohoo!!!
While we were in Epcot, we got to see the Space Shuttle! That was incredibly exciting, and everyone in the park started cheering...
This is Liz, Brea, and Alex, in front of our hotel.
Breanna and I had so much fun, and I have to say I was very happy to have this last trip with her. She's such a sweet girl, and I've truly enjoyed watching her at all these competetitions over the last several years. I know she'll miss all her teammates and the competing, but I think she'll especially miss her coach, Lance. He was her first coach when she was 9 years old, and he's her last one at 18.
When Brea made her last tumbling pass on the floor, I suddenly welled up and couldn't cheer for a few seconds. I was just so very proud of my girl, and I felt like she was finally proud of herself. She enjoyed every moment of her last routine, and I couldn't be happier for her. I love you, Breanna!
But wait! Before I go, we did manage to get a Coaster Cam in... at Animal Kingdom. Buckle up your seatbelts!
Expedition Everest Coaster Cam from Paulette Stewart on Vimeo.
Oh Paulette! Coaster Cam always cracks me up! lol! You're always laughing the whole time! :D
I teared up reading your post. Silly I know! But I know what it's like to reach the end of an era in a child's life -- been there, done that. Congrats to Breanna. Enjoy what's left of her last year in high school. Isn't it amazing how fast the time goes?
I loved all the pictures! Thanks for the vicarious trip to Disney and the cheer competition. And congrats again!
Posted by: Margaret | March 19, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Me too..pass the kleenex, please! That's my little Bre up there on Lance's shoulders! Oh my gosh, I laughed my silly self into weepy eyes over that videocam. LLLLLLLLLLY!
Posted by: Littlebit | March 19, 2009 at 12:18 PM
i'm not even related nor did i ever experience having any children and even i too teared up reading your post!
congrats to breanna and the cheer team for bringing home the trophy!!!
and thanks for the video cam! i loved seeing it...was that yeti you caught on film? it looked like a pretty tame ride until you went backwards...i'm one who does NOT do roller coasters! LOL!
joann in TX
Posted by: joann tx | March 19, 2009 at 12:34 PM
That is the ONLY way I will get on a roller coaster via your cams!! Amazing ride - I would lose my cookies.
Awesome pics and terrific fun memory for Breanna AND you.
Hugs,
Tanya
Posted by: Tanya | March 19, 2009 at 02:50 PM
What a fantastic post, Paulette! Brea's final event looks like complete success. And what a great place to celebrate. I can't tell you how many times I've been to DW. My dad works for Disney so we get pretty good deals.
That Aerosmith ride is awesome. I love that fighter jet feeling. All those ggggggggggggggggggg's!!! Wow!
You keep saying that Brea should be proud of herself and that you're proud of her, and rightfully so, but I haven't heard you say you are proud of yourself yet. A daughter is a mirror image of her mother (most times) and if you ask me Brea was raised by a good mom and a lovely woman. Be proud of YOU too...remember, you raised a fine young woman - you deserve a lot of credit. So does dad!
I loved the video. I think you have a best friend for life there, Paulette. She's a neat girl!
I'm glad you arrived home safe and sound and happy and fulfilled.
Posted by: Julie | March 19, 2009 at 03:13 PM
Congratulations to Brea and the rest of the squad! What fun pictures and video! I'm not a huge coaster fan but I loved the rockin' roller coaster. You and Brea look like sisters - and you're both beautiful inside and out.
Posted by: Terri (TerriBoog) | March 19, 2009 at 05:56 PM
That is just awesome. She (and you) should be very proud. :-) Thanks for sharing your joy.
Posted by: Lori | March 19, 2009 at 09:15 PM
Looks like all was so much fun. Love the coaster cam! Breanna is a hoot! Looks as though the assistant lost her speech during that tour, LOL. ^_^
Posted by: Heidi | March 20, 2009 at 11:36 AM
A great big CONGRATS to Brea for a job well done. How bittersweet for you both.
TFS the event with us and of course another great coaster cam.
Posted by: Laurie in Iowa | March 20, 2009 at 02:05 PM
Congratulations to Breanna and her team! What a super way to finish up a special chapter in their young lives.
Love the coaster cam, but like Tanya that's the only way you're gonna get me on a roller coaster. Breanna did a super job of narrating, she's a very poised, yet funny young lady.... I know you and Mike are very proud of her.
Posted by: KsMaryLou | March 20, 2009 at 08:21 PM
Bravo!!!!
Well done Breanna and team!
Thanks for the great report, Paulette!
Hugs,
Lili
Posted by: Lili | March 21, 2009 at 05:35 AM
Congrats to Breanna and her teammates - awesome job!!!
Posted by: Michelle | March 23, 2009 at 08:59 AM