First Dance Recital

The girls had their first dance recital after a great year of Creative Movement. They were so excited to finally get to wear their costumes - and make-up too! Here I am with my dancin' beauties, Hayden and Madison.

After the show Daddy and I gave the girls ballerina dolls and Grandma gave Payson got a personalized baseball book as a gift for his great T-ball season! Payson was such a supportive brother and actually enjoyed watching the performances and learning about the backdrops, stage and production side of it. He said it was like watching TV!

Pops and Nunie gave the girls a bouquet of flowers as did Payson, Daddy and me. The girls performed towards the beginning of the show and wanted to stay and watch every single dance in the 3-hour show. Then they were delighted to get to return to the stage after the finale for a bow. It was a late night but they loved every minute of it!

Here is a little video of Madison and Hayden at dress rehearsal. Their dance teacher did such a great job choreographing a routine that 3 and 4-year-olds could actually pull off on stage!

These girls are very into dance and they literally dream of being ballerinas. Hayden told me after her recital that when she closes her eyes she sees dancing in them. She also said, "When I go home and sleep, I'm going to close my eyes and feel like dancing. Thank you for bringing me to this dance! I really love it!" Here they are admiring an older ballerina after one of their classes. They always ask if they can stay and watch after class.

And Hayden likes to practice at home too! She will watch a YouTube video or play a preschool dance DVD and follow along with the steps. She even wants to change into her ballet clothes and use her little barre!

One day Hayden asked me to take photos of her in various dance poses.

After watching Hayden, Payson ran up and asked me to take a picture of how strong he is at holding up a chair over his head. Cute boy!

I have to say that I am delighted that they have chosen an activity that I love myself. I also began dancing when I was age 3! Hayden even likes to wear my dance costumes from when I was about her age.

And here's me in the same costume in 1985!

Payson's T-ball season was a success and he had a ball (hee, hee) with all of his buddies on the team. His team ended the season with a fun pool and pizza party with these amazing cake balls decorated like baseballs that one of the moms made.

Payson was so proud to receive his first trophy and he is sure that it is because he got one of the Pirates out at first base a few games before the season ended.

Payson celebrated a great season with his teammates.

Madison took in the view through Keith's sunglasses and relaxed poolside during the festivities.