1st Dance Class

Today was Charlotte's first dance class. Since we slept very little last night, we were scrambling a bit this morning to get out the door and across town to the studio. We have been saving our dance attire (leos, tights, etc.) in a very special place for this day. Today was the first time we put on the ballet outfit. We talked about each thing as we put it on - why we wear leotards, the smooth texture of tights, etc. I wasn't prepared for such an emotional response to such an ordinary action. Who knew getting dressed could be so wrought with emotion? As Charlotte stood before me, a sweet ballerina, my sweet daughter, I was filled with joy for her. I am so blessed to be a mommy. And I am so blessed to share my passion for dance with my daughter. I don't care if she becomes a dancer. I just care that she finds something that truly makes her heart sing. For me it is the world of dance....I wonder what it will be for my daughter.

Hanging out before class, getting a special skirt. Each dancer picked their favorite color. All the moms waited in the lobby while the girls eagerly went into class with Ms. Adele.
Excited for class to begin - Charlotte and Ms. Adele.

Lollipops after class!

Hanging out with ballet friends.

All in all, I was amazed and impressed with this first 'Twinkle Toes' class. As a dance teacher and a studio owner, I understand that going into class without Mom and participating is a huge thing. At the studio, we generally count on 8 weeks for kids in our young dancer program (2-6 years) to get into a groove and feel comfortable in the studio environment. I was so happy today that the dancers in C's class felt safe and comfortable to enter class freely, participate with all of the lesson plan and just enjoy moving about the whole space. They were engaged the whole time. I was so proud! Kudos to Ms. Adele. What a fun class!

4 months old!

finley in the cozy green chair. 4 months old....where did the time go?
Snuggle bugs in c's big girl bed.

First Day of School

1st Day of School at Westlake United Methodist Church

Today was an emotional day. It was the first day of school. I use the word 'school' in the very loose sense of the word - it is a total of 7 hours a week. But still it marked the end of summer. Mommy was really sad b/c I have had the amazing opportunity to hang out the whole summer with these two amazing little people. I am so honored and blessed to be their Mommy. Now we're back to regular schedules and classes, etc. It is an exciting time, but we will miss our lazy summer days and all of our travels!

This picture shows Charlotte with socks on her hands. This is one of her favorite things to do. They are her 'mittens.' It started in the winter time when we would wear real mittens (maybe for a week?!?) and now she does it all the time when she is playing in her kitchen.

Well, this morning she made "Tomato & Lettuce" soup for me. She brought the soup downstairs to share with me at the dining table. I had walked down the stairs just before her. Anyway, as she walked down, the pink bowl of 'soup' launched out of her hands. Charlotte bent down to pink it up and slipped on the carpeted floor with her carefully mitted-hands. She log-rolled all the way down the stairs. Her poor face was so red and so surprised. This was our very first tumble all the way down the stairs. I knew it would happen one day; I just wasn't ready for it to happen today. Anyway, luckily I was right there and caught her on the second-to-last stair. Thankfully she didn't hit the hard tile floor.

It was quite a day. Luckily C loves her new school with her new teachers, Ms. Jane and Ms. Cathryn. Mommy was a real mess. My little girl is growing up....

Visit to D.C. Area

Eating dinner in Cambridge, MD. Charlotte loved watching the boats and the drawbridge.
Having lunch - Gigi with an armful of girls!

Hanging out at the pool.

Crazy hair.

We just returned from our trip to the Washington D.C. area. We spent time with Grandparents in Purcellville, VA and with Mommy's friends from college, Michelle and Tim in the Silver Spring area. It was so much fun! We were totally off-schedule but the girls were real troopers and had a blast. Thanks for the great memories!