Twirls of Pink

This past Saturday was Parent Observation week at dance.  Matt and I were invited in to watch Lily Grace's ballet class and to get a glimpse into all she is doing and learning.  It was absolutely adorable.  Her little face just beams and she appears to enjoy every second of it.  Matt and I had the best time watching her class and Lily Grace do something that brings her such joy.  

Happy BIrthday Molly!

You can imagine how much fun clean up is.  Lord, please let the sun come out.   Needless to say, Molly enjoys it much, much more than we do.  

Click on the picture to get a better appreciation for her messy fun!

Well, we have made it!  We have made it through the first year.  Anyone who has owned a dog knows how many changes and phases a puppy goes through.  Whew!!  Molly celebrates her first birthday today.  That fluffy ball of fur who at just 9 weeks old melted our hearts has grown into 50+lbs of fun cuteness.  
Molly has more personality than any dog I have ever been around.  She is so animated and funny.  
Molly's had quite the perfect birthday.  Our Christmas elf Bob left her a birthday surprise this morning which tickled Lily Grace and it rained.  Rain you may be thinking, how does that make for a perfect birthday?  Well, rain makes MUD!!  That's right our cute light haired fluffy girl who graces the front of our Christmas card, can't resist it.  She loves to dig and run in it.  The minute we let her out, you can bet she is going to find some mud. (just gotta love a yard that retains water for your inside dog to take advantage of outside)  Thank goodness we have a large back yard because she makes use of every inch of it and oh yes, it's more opportunity to get a little dirty.  We never just let her do it, but she is a sneaky one.  She's quite proud of herself as you can see.  I mean come on, she posed for a picture wearing the evidence.  Oh! Miss Molly, you are a mess- literally!  Happy Birthday!

Christmas Singing and Dancing

On their way to their first Daddy-Daughter Dance

School Christmas Prgram

Last weekend, Lily Grace and Matt attended their first Daddy-Daughter Dance, held by Lily Grace's school.  The two of them had been looking forward to it.  Lily Grace was so excited and Matt was one proud daddy.  After getting all dressed up, they met friends for dinner and then danced the night away.  Matt sent me a short video (gotta love iPhone) about 30 minutes in to the dance and I couldn't decide who was having more fun, him or Lily Grace. 
The performing continued yesterday as Lily Grace's school put on their Christmas program.  They all looked so cute and Lily Grace did a great job with her speaking part.  Matt and I sat in disbelief that Kindergarten is half over.  What wonderful memories we are making along the way. 

Nutcracker Ballet 2011

Tonight we made our annual trip downtown for the Nutcracker Ballet.  Lily Grace of course was beside herself with excitement.  She even ran into a friend this year.
As always, the performance was beautiful and entertaining and made even more special this year by the accompaniment of the orchestra.  
Lily Grace went pretty conservative with this years Nutcracker selection as opposed to the glitter and sequins of years past.  

Christmas Excitement!

We've been busy decorating for Christmas around here and Lily Grace has been doing her own decorating.  This year she go to have her own Christmas tree in her room, complete with pink lights of course.  She also chose all of the ornaments.  It's really cute.  
We have our family tree  up as well and presents wrapped and tucked nicely under it.  I am happy to report since many of you have inquired, that yes, the tree and presents are surviving Molly.  She did take a little bite of a branch when we first put it up and that has been her last.  Hopefully it's out of her system and I haven't given her premature credit here. Ha!
This morning we enjoyed Breakfast with Santa.  Lily Grace was so excited and the look on her face each time Santa was near her was just precious!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The shirt says it all!

Thanks be to our Heavenly Father for all the blessings that we enjoy, often take for granted and cherish.  
Peace be yours today and always!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Feast: Kindergarten Style

Before leaving home for school

All smiles

So proud to be the momma of this adorable little Pilgrim

Table of Pilgrims and Indians 

On Tuesday, Lily Grace's class enjoyed a Thanksgiving Feast for lunch.  A drawing was held weeks prior to determine who  would attend as a Pilgrim and who would be an Indian.  While Lily Grace had hopes of being an Indian, she made a really cute Pilgrim.  
The kids had a great time and looked adorable seated around the tables filled with traditional Thanksgiving food sent in by parents.  

Tea with a Sugar Plum Fairy

In the lobby of the Peabody Hotel before the tea

We were seated at the Dew Drop Fairy Table

Making her autograph card

Lily Grace and The Sugar Plum Fairy 

Getting autographs from some of the dances and posing for pictures with them

Tea was served

Enjoying a mini performance by some of the dances who play "toy dolls" in the nutcracker ballet

Oh!  The cupcake decorating station...Lily Grace was in heaven

Having fun dancing... that big open mouth smile says it all

Dancing with the Sugar Plum Fairy

PRICELESS

A spin on the floor with daddy..so sweet

A wonderfully sweet ending to a wonderful and most memorable day

Matt and I started taking Lily Grace to see the Nutcracker Ballet when she was 3.  Even then, she was smitten with aspects of it and loved to come home and pretend to be the dancers, in particular, Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy.  Now at 5 and a half she has a much better understanding of the story and her love for it only seems to grow.  
This year, we decided to take her to the Nutcracker Tea at the Peabody Hotel.  She has been so excited and by lunch today, she could hardly contain herself.  
We arrived in the "Land of Sweets" around 2:00 pm and it was beautiful, fun and entertaining the entire time we were there.  All dressed up, she was served high tea with finger sandwiches, and some delectable desserts.  
She was I must say, a little in awe when her turn came to get her picture made with none other than the Sugar Plum Fairy.  There was no need to tell her to smile, she couldn't stop.  It was sooo cute!!! 
She also enjoyed getting autographs from the other dancers, games, a  mini lesson with some of the professional dancers from the Nutcracker ballet, a cupcake station, a candy pot station and lots, I mean lots of dancing.  She not only danced with several of the dancers, but daddy too and that was just as exciting and sweet.
We ended our evening with the march of the Peabody ducks back up to their home and we headed for home as well.  
While her favorite character Clara was not there, according to Lily Grace, her favorite part was "EVERYTHING.!!"  
What special memories were made today.  Watching Lily Grace get so excited and come face to face with some of the people she admires and imitates was just something I will cherish always.  We all had so much fun and we can't wait to do it again next year.