Ballroom Dance

For the past four weeks, the 4th and 5th graders at the girls' school have been learning how to ballroom dance in lieu of their Music & P.E. classes. 

There has been much dramatization at home about expectations, partner pairings, etc., but in general, Camryn seemed to enjoy the experience.  Last night, the students performed their partner dances: the Tango, Merengue, and Swing, as well as an all-grade level Line Dance that resembled something like an amazing flash mob.  In short, it was AWESOME!!!  ALL of the kids, parents, and teachers were beaming from ear to ear, and hundreds of cameras were capturing every moment.  It was truly mesmerizing to see these kids enjoy themselves in this way. 

Camryn's partner came about as one of the benefits of being one of the shortest in her grade.  (Finally, a perk!)  When all the kids were paired off by height, there were two girls left, so Camryn and her friend Finley were ecstatic to be a dancing pair. Finley agreed to be the lead, and even wore a bow tie for the occasion.  :)  As a duo, their best dance was by far the Tango.  They were incredibly stoic and dramatic for this serious dance.  It was impressive! 

The judges for the evening were local adults who are also dancers, and they moved in and around the kids, watching their form, and knowledge of the steps.  In the end, Camryn's class was crowned the the winner!

I am so glad she got to have this opportunity, and even more so that we all got to be there to witness it.  It was definitely a memory-maker! 

  

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

2nd grade music program

School carnival!

Aubrey's first piano recital

This Saturday, Aubrey played in her very first piano recital.  She played two pieces:  "It's a Mystery," and "Little Shooting Star," both songs she's learned in her weekly lessons with Abbie.  She was soooo nervous, but was lucky enough to have her Mimi, Papa, and Grandma on hand for extra support, in addition to the three of us and some assorted friends. 

Though she was panicking inside, she was very careful and deliberate as she introduced herself, and her songs, and prepared her bench and piano for playing.  An outsider wouldn't have even known!   She played both songs perfectly and beautifully, and even took a bow.  :)  We were so proud of our little pianist! 

Girl Scouts sort books

Recently, I organized a book drive at my school, to collect books for a small, but growing population of needy kids.  To put it mildly, our community responded en force.  In total, we collected over 3,000 books(!!!)  This was so many, in fact, that I needed some help to sort them all by level, and organize them in such a way that kids could access what they needed.  Luckily, I happen to know a few girls who are always looking for ways to help their community.  :)  Troop 45602 to the rescue! 

It took us exactly two hours to unbox the books, sort them into piles by level, genre, and even size, and then rearrange and organize them into a cupboard that can be much more easily accessed.  Thank you, Girl Scouts!  Your work will make a difference!

Softball season, continued...

There is a mom on Aubrey's team who is *amazing* at taking action shots of the girls.  These are a few of the ones she's captured of Aubrey so far...