Anyway, the best part of our Mother's Day celebration morning/early afternoon, was of course, the kids. We also gave the grandmas silhouettes we had cute a few weeks ago. I can't wait to get mine framed, too.
All those things aside, the real highlight of the day was Libby's dance recital. We got there about 15 minutes early to get her ready and I got to take her to the "dressing room" at the church and help out. I was a bit concerned that the turquoise and purple outfits would be super tacky, but not - they were super sweet! They had definitely not practiced with the real tutus before, and you can tell Libby was enjoying the tulle.
It was fun seeing all the girls get dressed and they their hair clicked back with gel, bobby pins and hair spray. Brought back SO many memories, and boy were those official helpers that got their hair fixed in about one minute, true pros! I took mental notes. And before I left the room, I may have had a bit of wet in my eyes again.
Libby was a little nervous before she got started, but I reminded her to do it just like she had been doing in class for months, gave her a big hug, and walked out to the audience area to claim my video spot. I wondered for a minute whether she would wind up sitting with us and watching her class perform, as I had done to my grandparents when I was two or three years old. But my mild concern was laid aside as she walked out.
So, it was precious. It was even better than I ever expected. And it was longer than I expected. They did so much! They did their changements, chasses, releves, tendus, plies, grand plies, arabesques, cotes, echappes, jetes, pirouettes, and more! But her ronde de jambes - she made them TRES RONDE!
I think all parents of children who take part in activities personally loved by the parent will understand the joy of seeing your child do, and enjoy, the same things. What a thrill to share together. I don't feel quite the same way about swim team, but I love that she enjoys it and is pushing herself a bit further each time.
But, oh, the dancing. For 13 years some form of dance (mostly ballet) was a near daily, sometimes twice daily, major part of my life. I even took ballroom for three years. And I still love to dance. Dance parties with the kids are one of my very favorite things we do together. I would love to take ballroom lessons again if I had the time.
I never expected to see her personality come through so much in the last show-stopping number, "Broadway Baby!" She was just so clearly IN TO that one. It was such fun to see her enjoy herself and enjoy performing so much. I had never quite seen that level from her.
And after watching that one, along with the "silly dance" portion of the Aladdin song, I understand why she asked to take more dance lessons next year. When she mentioned that to me, I was caught off guard, because she'd always talked about taking gymnastics classes again. I asked her why she wanted more dance lessons and she said she liked practicing for the recital.
Of course, it didn't hurt that they also received wands from Tinker Belle!
So next year, we're definitely going to get back to some gymnastics, but I also think we're going to have to look in to more dance at some point. I can't let this go...
We loved Tinker-belles Ballet and her teacher, Ms. Katrina!
Libby was not excited more additional photos following the performance, but we forced a few anyway...
The event was quickly followed by a birthday party at Kira's house and Ansley Fuller's birthday party at the park on Sunday!
Meanwhile, here's one more photo from her class end-of-the-year party at school that I would be remiss if I didn't post.
The ballet recital was so, so special. Our little Miss B performed so well and was so grown up. And "Broadway Baby" was too, too cute. Love, GiGi and Papa
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