Leah's Dance Recital

Leah has been practicing ballet and tap for 3 years now. Last year she missed the recital since we were in transition from NC to Vermont, but this year we got to see the fruits of all her efforts. I have loved the studio we chose here in VT for her lessons. They are easygoing and laid back but also very structured in their teaching and make them work hard. She was put in the beginner class at the beginning of the year because she had never taken lessons with this particular teacher and didn't know her style, positions, etc. and at first I thought it would take her back a level, but actually I think it was right where she needed to be and I believe she really excelled. She really seemed to be one of the more dedicated in the class and really was able to imitate the teacher's techniques. Her teacher was a little more experienced than the one in NC and Leah really liked her. I am hoping she continues to enjoy dancing because I feel that she really has a propensity to do well and become a great dancer.


We took a few pictures outside before we left in her costume. She had one costume from which the skirt could be removed to make a second costume, thus saving money on an extra costume. The skirt was on for the ballet portion.

I was so proud of the bun I made in her hair-- it turned out so well and stayed tight all day long. After the last recital which didn't turn out well at all, I looked it up online how to make a good one. And as it turns out, her teacher at this studio didn't really care quite as much whether her hair looked perfect in a bun.

She looked so grown up! I kept having flashbacks to the day she was born and she was just so tiny and now she is this beautiful young lady. (It's probably a good thing I won't have extra pregnancy hormones on her wedding day.)

I got this shot of the tap dance part of her costume backstage before the show started (minus the tap shoes, of course).

It's pretty hard to get good shots during the show from far away while also trying to actually watch the show and get a video and not use a flash, but you can get an idea. She is right in the center of the girls.

Of course, most of the time the girls were looking to their teacher on the sideline for direction, even though when I saw them practice these dances in class, they nailed them! Leah said she felt really good about the tap part but then couldn't remember a lot of the ballet song and couldn't see the teacher well. None of them seemed to have stage fright and even though it didn't look professional, they looked like they were enjoying themselves.

They actually had two identical shows, due to the size of the auditorium. So they performed at both 2:00 and 5:00. I went to both shows, but Brett, Andrew & Abi only came to the 2nd show (which I had to explain to Leah at least 3 times-- she kept thinking Daddy missed her show!). Between shows they had a little down time, since it was only about an hour long. Leah and some of her friends from class ran around outside (in their $75 costumes with moms hovering to be sure there were no rips or dirt stains!).

The 2nd show was just as good as the first and Andrew and Abi sat mesmerized the whole time. There was enough action for them to stay entertained.

In the finale they all got to come back out on stage and take their bows.

They were not professionally taping the show, so we were allowed to do our own video. So here is the tap song from the 2nd show:

And here is the ballet song, in two parts because I accidentally hit the wrong button on my phone.

And a portion of the finale, from the 1st show. (The girl that walks out in the red jacket after Leah's class takes their bow is her teacher, Miss Caitlin.)

And of course the best part is flowers from Daddy, and a trip to McDonalds for dinner afterwards ('cause we're classy like that!).

May Lately

We've had such beautiful weather this May we have tried to go outside as much as possible. It's been a pretty busy month, with regular activities finishing up and new summer activities lying ahead.

We got our garden put in a little at a time the week of Memorial Day and after. Last year we had a lot of success with many things, and other things didn't turn out so well, so we adjusted this year and we'll see what comes up! We like to get the kids involved in it as much as possible. Of course, Abi could care less, but Andrew, especially, loves to help Daddy with all the mowing, digging, and planting. He was out there all day for at least 3 different days. I think Leah just likes to have the wide open spaces to practice her dance moves.

They must be working hard on the corn seeds here. They did pretty well planting the seeds correctly as long as I showed them where they needed to go. I'm pretty sure they could tell you everything we're growing and where it is planted.

We had indoor activities too! Leah and Abigail and I were invited to a Tea Party Bridal Shower for a young lady in our small group at church whom Brett is marrying in July. Of course Leah is all about a tea party, so she was so excited! We got dressed up and Leah even tried some tea. She didn't really like it, but in her defense, I gave her a flavored tea and then we put milk and sugar in it which probably didn't need to go in.

Abi got a little antsy at the party but didn't get into too much trouble. She just got a little bored after 30 minutes of watching presents being opened!

One of my favorite things about spring at our house is the sunsets. They seem to fill the sky with colors you could never imagine even existed! We are surrounded by mountains on all side, so it's just a beautiful wonder of God's creation we get to enjoy!

One day I just took my camera outside when the kids were playing. So I call these shots "childhood unplugged."

Spring is finally here!

As we were warned, winter in Vermont was long and cold and snowy. It could have been a lot worse-- we had no major snow storms and were never stuck at home more than a day or so. However, now we understand why so many Vermonters are outside all spring and summer. The cold weather definitely makes you appreciate the warm weather so much more! The kids were so excited the second week of April when it finally started getting nice out. It seems as if we replaced the winter coats & gloves with shorts. It's still usually 70's or 80's, but it's pretty hot to us. So we try to get outside a little every day.

The kids got into the sidewalk chalk on the porch for a few days.

Abi has gotten quite good at going down the hill on her own on the car. It scared me at first but she is in a phase where she wants to do everything by herself!

A friend from church offered to take them fishing. They didn't catch anything but they had fun trying something new.

Abi enjoyed running back and forth from the water to the car.

Don't they look picturesque?

And we found a new playground we love. It's at the elementary school, though, so we have to go only when school's out. We enjoyed a picnic the other day.

So now we are really looking forward to summer and this year we will know to soak it in as much as possible, because it doesn't last long before it's cold once again.