Nationals

 Nationals were in Anaheim this year. Tessa and I flew out just the two of us again. We found a motel about half a mile from the convention center so we could walk there Sunday morning. 

She was nervous, but excited too. This year it was Kezie, Lexi, and Tessa that went. Kezie's session was earlier in the morning, and then Lexi and Tessa competed mid-day. They prepared a cute jump to do when they were announced.

They started on beam, and they were the first girls to compete. Their nerves were not settled yet, and it was kinda tough to be the first ones to compete. I could tell both Tessa and Lexi were nervous. I wish they had been able to settle in more, but we have no control over that. She wobbled on some skills she usually has solid, and ended up with a 9.3.

Next was floor, and they both seemed to have calmed down a bit and were feeling more comfortable. Tess scored a 9.55. 

Vault was next and she did really well on this. She stuck the landing again on her first pass. It looked really good! She got a 9.5.

Bars were last, and she did really well on this too. She's been working so so hard on her kip and it looked better than it has all season! She scored a 9.425.

The vault and bars were really hard to see for the parents, so her coaches took my phone over to film the girls for us. I found some fun pics on my phone when I got it back. :)

It was so sweet that Kezie stayed and supported Lexi and Tessa. They loved having her there!

Tessa tied for 3rd on vault.

And she tied for 3rd on bars.

They medaled out 8 places, and Tessa took 9th on beam, so she didn't get a medal for that one. She took 6th place on floor.

And she took 3rd place all-around with a score of 37.775!!!

Way to go Tessa!!! That is seriously impressive, and hard to do, to take 3rd place in the nation!!

She was breathing easier and smiling bigger after the meet was over. :)

She decided to buy a Nationals leotard. She and Lexi both loved this one and have matching ones now. :)

We got some dinner after the meet and then went swimming at our motel. There was a Denny's next door and Tessa loved that they had mac & cheese and fries. Her 2 favorite foods. :)

The next day we went to Knott's Berry Farm.

We loved this ride that was like the Spider at Lagoon.

They had some rides that were very unique. We laid down on this one and flew around in a circle.

She bought herself a Snoopy.

Our favorite ride was the Pony Express. It's a roller coaster, but you're riding a horse. It was so fun and we rode it many times.

The next day we flew home. Snoopy was well taken care of all day long. :)

Tessa was worn out and slept on the way home from the airport. It was a super fun trip, but we were exhausted!