Lindsay Anderson

"Before we go on stage, guys, I want to pray for us." I said, as my teammates and I waited our turn to go on stage. Immediately, everyone agreed to it. Moments later, we were gathering in a circle, holding each other's hands and closed our eyes." Dear God," I began. "You know what is on our hearts. You know our nerves, excitement, and our wanting to win this State competition today. Please help us give everything that we have and be brave and confident. In Your name, Amen.""Amen." Everyone repeated.

"THANK you for taking me, Mom." I smiled. "I really appreciate it.""Anytime, sweetie." Mom smiled, taking my hand in hers. "Are you excited about getting back in the routine and seeing your dance team?""I sure am." I replied. "It will be so good to see them again." During the week before school started, the Renwood Rangers dance team participates in a week long dance practice. It occurs from Monday-Thursday from 9am-3pm. On that Friday, the dance team sleepover occurs. With this said, it is a big week for the Rangers dance team. Most importantly, however, it is also a very fun one.

Boarding the airplane with my parents and the Freemans, I feel two things. The first feeling is tired. After all, my parents and I were up at 3:45 this morning to get cleaned up and ready for the Freemans and our trip to Henley Beach, Florida. Even though I am a morning person, getting up this early was extremely difficult. The second feeling that I feel is excited. This is the first Christmas that my wonderful boyfriend and his wonderful parents will be spending Christmas with my parents and me at our beach house in Henley Beach. I am truly excited about all of us spending Christmas together that I can barely stand it As all of us took our seats in first class, I could not help but smile. After all, a wonderful and amazing Christmas was waiting for my parents, the Freemans, and me.

As I crossed the stage, shook Mrs. Krueger's hand, and received my diploma, it hit me once again that today was my best friends and I were graduating from Linson. With this said, I could not help but silently ask myself how this was possible. After all, it felt like it was just yesterday that my best friends and I were stepping through the doors of Linson for the first time. Now, we were saying goodbye. Even though I was excited about what was to come in the future, like my summer tour and college, I was a little sad about saying goodbye to my time at Linson. After all, it had been my best friends and my school home since kindergarten

It has been two years since I have seen her in person. Sure, we text, talk on the phone, and FaceTime constantly. However, that is not the same as seeing her in person. I have missed her so much it hurts. The fact that I am secretly and completely in love with her makes it hurt even more. On a different note, I am very excited. After two years of not seeing each other, Astrid and I will finally be reunited. As my parents and I make our way from Orlando International Airport to Henley Beach, excitement and anticipation fills my heart

As my sisters, best friend, Coach Ella (Our wonderful and amazing gymnastics coach), and I made our way to the competition, I thought about what an amazing year our gymnastics team has had. We had won every competition that we had competed in. We had even won State back in December. If we won today, it would mean that we would be the best high school gymnastics team in the U. S. A. With this said, all of really want to win

As the plane touched down at Orlando International Airport, I could not help but feel excited Not only had my parents and I just arrived in warm Florida, but the moment of seeing Jesse and his parents was getting closer and closer. Truth be told, I was getting more and more excited by the minute

Going through airport security is my least favorite thing about going on a trip. However, as my parents and I go though it as we speak, I don't mind it that much today. Why, you ask? Well.... I AM ON MY WAY TO SEEING TUCKER AND SPENDING THE WHOLE SUMMER WITH HIM, HIS PARENTS, AND MY PARENTS Yes, life is good.

My best friends in the entire world, Anya, Jamie, and Shelby Corren, are fraternal triplets. They were born on September 12th, 2000, exactly six months before I was born. They are truly some of the most caring and kind individuals that I have ever met. I am truly lucky to call them my best friends. Moving on, let me tell you about our Christmas tradition. Two days before Christmas, the four of us get together for a Christmas gathering and gift exchange. The reason that we get together on Christmas Eve Eve, and not Christmas Eve, is because my parents and I leave for Florida on Christmas Eve to meet up with Jesse and his family. Ringing the Corren's door bell, I could not help but smile. After all, some serious fun was about to take place.

Due to the fact that my family and I leave for Henley Beach, Florida tomorrow after church, Isabel and I had decided to have a girl's day at the mall. Besides getting our nails, toes, and hair done, we also did some summer shopping (I even did some last minute shopping for my upcoming trip). Afterwards, Isabel and I grabbed some lunch in the food court. As we enjoyed our lunch, Isabel and I gossiped, laughed, and talked. Truly, a good time was being had by all.

"Thank you so much for doing this, Tucker." I smiled. "It means a lot to me.""Thanks for asking me " Tucker smiled back, getting the camera set up and ready. "I am excited about doing this video with you "A few days ago, I had come up with the idea for Tucker and me to make a video to put up on YouTube. In the video, we would be dancing to Adam Lambert's "Cuckoo". After a few days of practicing our dance, it was time for Tucker and me to show off and film our dance.

Dear Journal, Today is the Fourth of July, and I could not be more excited Not only does this one mark eight days until my eighteenth birthday, but Tucker's parents, my parents, Tucker, and I get to spend it together this year The last time that we got to spend it together was two years ago. Two years later, we both families are reunited and able to Fourth of July together again I am so excited that I can barely stand it -Astrid

Normally during summer vacation, I am not one who wakes up early. In fact, I sleep in until 9:30 or 10. Today, however, is different. Today is my eighteenth birthday, and excitement and anticipation is running through my veins.

As all of us sat in the living room, exchanged and opened gifts, I could not help but smile. I was with my family, secret love interest, and his family on the most beautiful and awesome holiday of the year. The fact that my parents and I only get to see the Clarkson's once a year on this holiday makes today even more special.

"Who are you guys looking forward to dancing with tonight?" Annie asked." Patrick, for sure " Serena replied, blushing a little." I thought so After all, he is your boyfriend ""I am so excited and happy for you, girl " I smiled. "You guys have been secretly in love with each other for years, and, as of two days ago, you are together " "Thanks, girl " Serena smiled. Giving me a knowing look and grin, she asked, "So, girl, who are you looking forward to dancing with tonight?""It's Nick, isn't it?" Rydel asked, grinning from ear to ear." Yes." I smiled, my face growing hot. Instantly, my cabin mates began to squeal, me included." I have a feeling that he likes you as more than a friend.""Same here " Annie added. "I have seen the way that he looks at you, and the way that he smiles when you walk in the room.""I like him, too." I confessed, blushing a little.

Okay, so here is the truth. Very few have ever heard me sing. The only people who have heard me are my family, Serena, and Serena's family. There is a reason that these wonderful people are the only ones who have ever heard me sing. I have a great fear of singing in front of crowds. I am scared that I will be judged by people, and they will not like my voice. Moving on, I am conquering my fear tonight at the talent show, and singing a solo. Even though I am a little nervous about singing a solo, I am also excited and proud. As my cabin mates, counselor, the other high school campers, and I made our way into the place where the Tuesday night talent show would be happening in fifteen minutes, I could not help but smile. After all, I had a feeling that tonight was going to be fun.

"How is it possible that this year will be our final year at Briar Christian Camp?" I asked, taking a bite of my French fry. "It's insane.""I know, right?" Serena asked. "I have been trying to wrap my head around the same thing that has you in question." Ever since the summer before fifth grade, Serena and I had attended Briar Christian Camp, a 5th-12th Christian camp for campers with learning disabilities located ten miles outside of Los Angeles. Just like always, Serena and I would be spending all of June (Session 1) at this wonderful camp where we have a plethora of good and genuine friends, awesome counselors, great memories, and good times had by all." Here's to a great summer at BCC." Serena smiled, raising her cup of root beer. "Cheers.""Cheers." I smiled back, clinking my cup with hers.