The Show Must Go On

Abby's Christmas recital was last week. I was a little nervous about the whole thing because she really didn't want anything to do with it last year. She was afraid of the "big girl room" and she didn't want to perform in front of all the parents. She spent most of the recital in my lap.

I tried to be understanding since she was only two years old.

I'm good like that.

But this year she is three and there are just no excuses. She rocked her preschool program, thus I was confident in her ability to master the dance recital.

Let me tell you people, she did not disappoint. Seems I have a little performer on my hands. This girl loves the spotlight and she wants it focused on her 100% of the time!

The girls had a small ballet class for the parents to observe before the show.




Then, they disappeared with the teacher to put on their Christmas costumes.

Their dance was to the song "Away In A Manger."


Away in a manger, no crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head.


The stars in the sky looked down where He lay


The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.


The cattle are lowing,the Baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes


I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.


Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay,
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray!


Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care


And take us to heaven, to Live with Thee there.

Hold on...this next one doesn't look like it's part of the dance.

And, it's not really Abby's fault. See the girl in the pink leotard in the previous picture? The one with the baby doll flung over the top of her head? Yeah, her.

That baby doll came straight down onto Abby's head just as the song was ending.

Abby tried to hold it together. She really did. Her face crumpled and her bottom lip stuck out. Her eyes filled with tears and then she ran into the arms of her teacher for comfort.


After a few hugs (and the promise of a glittery fairy wand), Abby re-joined the group to finish the show.

I was so proud of her.

She cheered up as we joined the other families for cookies and juice, and she wanted a picture with her sweet ballet teacher.


And, when all was said and done, I don't think it bothered anyone that Abby's "Baby Jesus" was wearing a pink shirt.

What?

You didn't notice that?

Yeah, me either...

What An Honor!

Guess what? Our family visited Disney World 47 times last year with our seasonal passes! I'm pretty sure we've set some kind of record.

You know, for being lame enough to go to Disney 47 times in one year.

Anyway, check this out! (click the arrow to play once it finishes loading)



Thanks, Aunt Ellen! ;)

Way Back Whensday #8

Christmas 2006.

Abby is 20 months old.



Indeed, Happy Birthday Baby Jesus.

Santa Visit

The kids had a great time visiting Santa this year. They weren't shy at all - they loved him!

Hope you enjoy this little slide show.

Hints for better viewing:
1. Click on "full screen" (top right while loading or lower left hand corner once the slide show begins)
2. Roll over any picture you would like to see larger and click. Click a second time to return it to it's original size.

Merry Christmas!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

The One Good Thing About A Rainy Day...

is Abby Grace in a raincoat!

Way Back Whensday #7

Christmas 2005.

The year that my best friend, Danielle, saved me from a Christmas card nightmare.

I had two cute kids. Two cute outfits. No cooperation.

So, I took this picture -


And this picture -


And then my sweet, wonderfully talented, generous, and non judgemental friend of over 25 years did this -


There is a special place in heaven for anyone who helps me with my OCD need to have everything perfect and then decides to keep loving me anyway.

Lucky for me, that's a pretty long list.

Anyway, as a side note, the rolls on Abby's thigh in this picture just make me swoon. Is there anything yummier than chubby, baby thighs?


I dare say not.

Fear No Terrain

I described Drew's enthusiasm for kindergarten in a previous post. We are now almost halfway through the school year and it still has not abated. He LOVES school and I'm just so proud of his effort and positive attitude.

I also mentioned in that post that Drew has a favorite teacher. He really loves all the adults at that school - especially his main teacher. However, he thinks one of his PE coaches hung the moon. I don't know how it all started, but he just loves her to pieces.

One day, she told the PE class about a thing at school called running club and Drew had to be a part of it. If this coach was going to be there then so was he.

So, Drew's first school club is running club and it has been a great experience for him. All three coaches are wonderful and I really like the way they are with the kids. Abby and I make sure to be there every Thursday so we can watch the runners - it's one of the highlights of my week!

Here's Abby waving to her brother as he walks to the covered court.



The runners get a ticket for each lap they complete. Once they earn five tickets they get a "bear foot" to wear on a chain. Here is Drew turning in his first set of five tickets and getting his chain with his first bear foot.


This is his favorite coach. Look at him beaming at her as she helps him put the bear foot on the chain. It's just so sweet!


These running club buddies are also in Drew's kindergarten class!


The coaches manage this big group of 5-7 year olds very well. I couldn't believe how smoothly the whole thing went. The students do their warm-ups, listen to announcements, and then run 2-3 laps around the field.








Drew was so excited to receive his first "bear foot." He wears the chain to school every.single.day.


And, the running club motto:


You gotta love that!