A visit to Hollywood for American Idol and congrats to MCKenna

Welp, our favorite McKenna made it to the TOP SEVEN for American Idol.

Can you even believe how awesome that is? We are so proud of her and she is just so talented.

But let’s back up for a second before I talk about that.

I posted her audition a while back.

Elle got to go watch her soar in Hawaii. Grace got to go watch the show live in Hollywood last night.

And Lu and I got to go on a special date to watch her live in Hollywood a couple weeks ago.

Yep, you could say we are some pretty big fans around here.

A Visit to Hollywood with My Lucy

This was a pretty timely trip for Lu. She has been working so hard with school and life in general and it was pretty special to get some time with just the two of us. Away from her magnifier and piles of homework and stress.

I was a little apprehensive that we were leaving at 5:30am and coming home at 5am the next morning since it could have thrown a hanger in the works for her to be ready for her SIX MCO concerts coming up later that week. That girl needs her sleep!

But as I sat next to Lucy in that venue with her clapping her little heart next to me, whooping and hollering for McKenna who she loves so much, I realized I shouldn’t have second-guessed that decision.

We had a little date earlier in the day:

Then hitched a ride with some friends to the American Idol venue.

Grace was so excited watching from home because she sent us this screenshot in our group family text claiming that she could see us back there behind the judges. Can you?

HA!! Here’s a close-up…can you even see us now? If you can you’re pretty awesome. Needless to say, Grace sure has a good eye!

It happened to be the night when Gene Simmons (from the band Kiss) was coaching all the contestants. Can you see him there in the front below?

I’m sorry to say I don’t know much about Gene Simmons, but I do know he sure helped all these contestants put on a pretty great show with all his coaching. It was like we were at a concert, they were all SO GOOD!

I thought this picture was funny that Elle and McKenna’s friend sent me on the left below. Can you see Katy Perry crawling on the runway in front as the guy in back is leading McKenna onto the stage? Not sure if she was giving out autographs or what.

Anyway, McKenna was INCREDIBLE and it was so fun to watch in person.

Love that all these friends from the desert made the trek to be there to support. And love that mama in the middle, McKenna’s mom who is my friend. It makes me a little teary to think of mothers and how they journey through so much with their kids.

I love this journey these two have been on together.

The Aftermath after the show

And I love that we got to meet up after the show with McKenna.

Lucy was in a puddle of tears by this time. The excitement had worn off, she was hungry, and she wasn’t sure if she’d actually be able to see McKenna. But then there she was.

Not only is McKenna a star, and so talented with her voice, anyone who can make Lucy smile like that is a hero in my book. Love her so much!

Making it through more American Idol rounds

Well, McKenna made it through three more rounds after that.

She sang her whole heart out and blew us away. As I mentioned at the top, she made it to the TOP SEVEN, and performed again last night.

American Idol is based on the America vote here at the end, and she didn’t make it through to the top five.

But BOY HOWDY, she made it so dang far, and we are so proud of her! She did it all with so much grace and beauty. And of course, this is not the end of the road for this girl.

She’s had the chance to shine for America, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds in store for her.

Love you forever McKenna, and you’ll always be our number one American Idol!!