Dance Recital 2015

Abby and Ella both took dance this year. It was Ella's first year and Abby's second. They both loved every minute of it and looked forward to their classes each week. Abby took a Ballet/Tap combo class and Ella took Baby Ballet. What better way to celebrate a year of hard work, than with beautiful costumes and dances in an end of the year recital.

Waiting for recital day was like waiting for Christmas around our house.  After dinner each night, the girls would make us sit on the couch, so they could practice their routines for us. The girls kept asking to admire their pretty costumes hanging in their closets and Abby told Ella how much fun recital night is because "Mommy lets you put makeup on and does your hair really pretty". 

The girls practiced at their dance recital the week before the show.

Ella and Layla

The little sisters were waiting patiently while watching their big sisters practice!

On the day of the recital, Grandma and Uncle Cory spent the day with us and came to the show that night. It's always fun having Grandma around when there is makeup and hair involved! We had to capture all of the lovely in a photo shoot outside before heading downtown for the show.

Do you think she knows she looks lovely or what?

I can't get over how much their unique personalities come out in these pics!

Abby headed up the elevator with the big kids to go backstage before the show. Ella sat front row with me and the little ones waiting for their turn. Before the lights went down, Ella insisted we take some selfies.

almost their turn!

I think one of the most fun parts of the recital is not only seeing how the girls react to the lights and the stage, but seeing them accomplish personal goals they have for themselves. Last year, Abby did great, but she was stunned and very serious as she preformed. When we asked her why she didn't smile, she simply said "Did you see how many people there were in the audience?" She assured us that she had fun, but in her nervousness didn't smile. This year, we encouraged her to enjoy herself and have fun while she was up there. She told us in the days leading up to the show that it was her goal to smile more and enjoy herself because she knew what to expect this time. Watching her come out on stage and do that was such a special moment for me as a mom because I knew what she was personally working toward and accomplishing in that moment.

As a two year old, none of us could really predict what Ella would do when she went on stage for the first time. Knowing her, I didn't think she would cry, but wondered if she would enjoy the experience. After watching Abby in the first dance, Ella just kept asking if it was her turn. With each performance, she grew more eager for her chance on stage. When she got up there, she gave it her all. If you watch closely at the end of her "Do You Want To Build a Snowman" performance, you can see her stand up and cheer for herself! :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq_B-oGDirs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drbgHx__jGE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtEgw6QsIsc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GUB0xL7AFg

After the show, the girls were showered with some flowers and then we went out for a late dinner with Grandma and Uncle Cory to celebrate!

 

Memorial Day Weekend 2015

We kicked off the summer season with Memorial Day weekend at Lake Bluff. The weather was beautiful and the cottage was full of family. We spent lots of time with Grammy, G-Diddy, Uncle Brad, Aunt Alex, Uncle Tommy, Nana and Uncle John.

The sun was shining for an afternoon on the dock and a chilly, but beautiful boat ride!

Abby is all about the speed and always wants G-Diddy to go faster and faster. She likes the waves. Ella likes the boat, but prefers begs for slower, smoother rides. After a long winter, it was great being back on the water.

G-Diddy's co-captain

hanging on the dock with Grammy

After the kiddos fell asleep, a bunch of us gathered for a bonfire and s'mores.

 On Day 2, the women had lunch and celebrated at a bridal shower for Amy. The little girls took a boat ride to lunch with the guys and had a blast. Two little girls with all of the attention they could get from their Daddy, G-Diddy and two uncles.

Abby and Ella played with Lauren and Jack any chance they got. It was fun to see Ella and Jack play together even more this year because they were that much older. How exciting to think Julie and I could be having baby #3 within weeks of each other.

 

After long days filled with nonstop activity, winding down for bedtime at the Bluff can be a challenge.  It takes a while to help the girls stop moving and let their minds settle down, but once they do they crash and they crash hard!

Everyone pulled up a chair to watch Uncle Brad's Crossfit workout. It was pretty intense and impressive. Abby even joined him for some push ups!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WMfjy5TmFk

Before heading home on our last afternoon, the girls went fishing. Joe and Mary took all the kids down to the dock to catch some fish, while I helped Grammy pack up the cottage. Joe went down to supervise, but Mary had to take care of all the worms and slimy fish!

love this one.

Of course a visit would not be complete without some Lite Brite.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnSCEBYBlao

hanging out with Jax

On our way home from the Bluff, we couldn't wait to spend time with some of our favorites and meet their newest addition, sweet Hannah. The kids ran around and played together while we visited with Rob and Kelly. Then, we each got our turn to love this little peanut for a bit.

Do you think these girls are ready to meet their little sister or what?