High School Musical 2!

Max had an INSANE June.  On top of his Catholic film, he was in Newsies, and THEN was begged to join the cast of High School Musical 2 at AYT as "Troy Bolton"--which has been a dream role of his for years:). He has a signature bow that he does for every curtain call which he calls his "Troy Bolton."

So for about 2 straight weeks, Max was at the theatre from 9 am to 9 pm.  Never once complaining because the theatre is his happy place for sure.  Carlie was also working in the theatre box office this summer which meant she was able to get him to all his rehearsals and get him food so it kinda worked out perfectly.

For closing night, we did our best to embarrass him--which is nearly impossible to do--and we did a pretty darn good job of it--giant Max heads and glitter posters.  With the help of our good friends, the Brassows, we were the ultimate "Max Meeker Fan Crew."

Tyler, Carter, & Max
(Zeke, Chad, & Troy)

Austin & Max
(Ryan & Troy)

BFFs on and off stage

Victoria & Max
(Gabriella & Troy)

Max & Marguerite
(Troy & Sharpay)

Here's a video that several years old but show his signature "Troy Bolton" curtain call:  (in slo-mo of course to increase the dramatic effect)

Teen Life Training Video

Max was hired to be a "Teenage Football/Jesus Fan" for the Catholic Church Youth Teen Life Program.  At first he was a little shy--believe it or not--but then settled right into the whole thing.  He had the BEST time hanging out with all the other guys.  He made lots of new friends and now has lots of new Instagrams to follow:). This video will be used by the Catholic Church for their Worldwide Youth Training.  So, REALLY cool that's he's "international" now.

Such a good little Catholic boy:

Amazing Friends/Memories

I love this picture for so many reasons.  These women are some of my most best friends that I have made since being married and moving to AZ 21 years ago.  I have the fondest memories of park playdates, girl's crafting nights, and even a Mexican Cruise with a few of them.  I feel lucky to have made these friends before cell phones became a big thing because we actually talked to each other and developed real/personal relationships that will last a lifetime.

We were all together on this night to say goodbye to Stacy--who was moving back to Maryland.  And since she's moved back, her youngest son has been diagnosed with cancer.  We have laughed together, cried together, triumphed/failed together and will continue to do so even though we are separated by miles, wards, stakes, and life circumstances.  LOVE LOVE LOVE these sweet women.

Tatum is DONE with 6th Grade!

Holy Moly!  The Meekers are officially done with Elementary school!  Can't believe my baby will be in 7th grade!  Super proud of this girl of mine.  Here she is with all her cute friends enjoying their last day together!

Max--Teen Life Short Film

Max was just recently cast in a training video for the Catholic Church.  This video will be an International Training Video used by the Catholic Church so it's kinda a big deal!

So Max played the part of the "Catholic Football Fan Teen Boy" perfectly.  He ended up having the BEST time with the other teen guys in the cast--only 2 of the other boys were actually Catholic.  So it was a super fun Friday morning for him (that he got paid for so that's a bonus:) . And he made lots of new actor friends to follow on Instagram!

(Yes!  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints makes movies and OF COURSE I would love for him to be in one but they are always looking for "Lamanite-looking" kid actors and well, my boy is just a little too white:)

Here they are "watching" a fake football game:) .  Just cracked me up because Max pretty much NEVER watches football:) Hey...when you're an actor you can be anything:)

Ice Breakers--12U CHAMPIONS!!!

OH MY GOODNESS!!!  No one has ANY idea how BIG this is for our family!!!  Between our 2 girls, we probably have about 20 seasons of Chandler Girls Softball under our belts (NOT exaggerating) and we have NEVER come in as Champions.  The closest up to this point has been 3rd place!  So we've definitely paid our dues!!!

This team was Tatum's first season in the 12U division so there are new rules and regulations that come into play.  Tatum and Chloe V. are the dream team at Pitcher and 1st Base--these 2 were probably responsible for 90% of the outs made this season.  Chloe is an INCREDIBLE pitcher and she definitely lead this team right up through the final game.  Tatum continued to lead in her hitting averages and foul ball catches.

This Championship round was the best of 3 games.  You can look at our team and they are all these little tiny girls!!!  They were most definitely out-sized and out-powered by the other team.  But our girls...the best word to describe them I think, "scrappy!"  And they pulled the final win off in a big way with great base stealing and base runners--I seriously have NO finger nails left!  

These girls SOOO DESERVED this win.  They ended the season with a 12-1 record and then then finished in 1st.  CRAZY proud of these girls!!!

From left to right:
Rylie, Chloe V., Marcy, Coach Jon, Aspen, Tatum, Megan, Mary,
Coach Allison, Julia, Marlee, Chloe M., Coach Ron

The DREAM TEAM!!!

Mary, Tatum, & Marcy

The Fab 4:
Rylie, Chloe, Tatum, & Marlee

COOL STORY:  We had a party to celebrate these girls the following Saturday.  One of the coaches came to talk to Chris and I.  He said, of the 12 girls on this team, he only saw 4 of them going anywhere in this sport and Tatum was definitely one of them.  She keeps her cool like no one else and just really knows and understands this game which helps her make smart decisions quickly.  LOVE this little girl of mine!  Whatever she does with this sport is fine by me.  CRAZY proud of my little athlete!!!

Ethan GETS HIS BRACES OFF!!!

Tuesday, April 30th was just a normal day in the Meeker household.  Ethan had an orthodontist appointment but it wasn't anything special--as far as I knew.  But then he called me and asked, "Hey mom!  Can I get my braces off today?"  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!  What kind of question was that?!  These past 4 years this poor guy has endured 2 oral surgeries--1 cancer scare and 1 surgery to pull a tooth down with a chain--multiple tooth extractions, an expander (the WORST) and 2.5 years of braces so OF COURSE he could get those dang things off!  He did not need them one more minute!  I know some moms would have said no because they didn't get the before/after pic but not me!  GET THEM OFF ALREADY!!!  WOO-HOO!  I then took him out to his favorite restaurant (Arby's) for lunch to celebrate!

So THIS picture is my most favorite smile in the whole entire world.  Dr. Shane Blacker is a miracle worker.  These teeth are PERFECT!!!  Smile away my boy:)