Tiny Dancer

This experience was a true testament to how time really does fly.  It seems like yesterday I was taking Olivia to her first dance class in January of 2009.  We had just moved to Texas and she was 3 years old.  She was so thrilled to begin this new adventure and I was so thrilled to see her do something that I spent 13 years of my life doing.  That was then...

January 2009 - Mommy and Olivia

and oh yeah...we had Addison tagging along...at a mere 4 months old.  And I mean tagging along...I spent countless hours in the car nursing her or pumping milk (sorry if that is TMI, but we tell it like it is here)...yes, right there in the parking lot of the dance studio.  I know...I was crazy...for sure.  Then she grew up and crawled to everyone's purse to check out their stuff, then she toddled around the doll house in the waiting room trying to play with the bigger kids, and then she learned to climb up the stools so she could watch through the one-way mirror.  That is when it all began....her L.O.V.E of dance.  Any time the door to the class would open she would run in the class and they SPOILED HER!  The teachers would let her sit in the ballet circle or hold her at times so she could watch...for 3 years people...they are the BEST!  She has patiently sat through 6 recitals (2 a year) and all of the hoopla that goes with it...HAIR ...MAKEUP....it ain't pretty in this house on those days.  But the results are...

May 2011 - Addison and Olivia

 So, there are no words to describe her absolute JOY when she finally got to go in the dance room in tights, a leotard, and tap shoes...to DANCE...all.by.herself!

 She picked out the biggest tutu dance outfit we own and she was ready!  And I mean ready...

She gave it a little shake...and then she let loose...

There is no greater joy in being a parent then giving our children the opportunity to do something that gives them such joy.  I will never forget her smile on that day...