Recital Time :)

I don't know that the girls feel the same way about dance that I do, but they really enjoyed this year  and they were so excited to show off what they had learned.  We were at a new studio this year, which  proved to be a much better fit for the girls.  They learned so much and got to perform multiple recital routines!  Tuesday was our first recital night.  Ava performed her tap and ballet routine.

Other than our photo sessions with the girls all dolled up, this post doesn't contain much else.  I tried to post the video just like in years past, but I'm guessing it didn't work, yet again.  If you want to see the routines I guess you'll have to come visit!  

I'm not sure what was so funny, but I love catching a picture of anyone mid-laugh!

One of MANY poses to come!

This is Ava and her friend Sienna before the big performance.  It's a crazy story but Sienna and Ava  (and Ella and Sienna's sister Macy who share a birthday) use to play together as babies and toddlers due to a mutual friend/family member.  The friend/family member moved away from STL years ago and we hadn't seen them since, until a few weeks into the class Sienna showed up.  They acted as if they were just playing the week before…and Ella and Macy who were just babies last time they saw each other, loved hanging out together! 

We had Wednesday night off, other than swim lessons, but we were back at it Thursday night for Ella.  Ella also got to perform a tap and ballet routine.  

Ella isn't quite as animated as Ava yet in front of the camera, but she does have a few poses!

Maybe it's the glasses, but I she looks a little older from last years recital.  I realize she IS older, but she has always still had a baby face to me and I think it's fading! :( 

I was trying to get a couple more pics of Ella but since Ava and Gavin kept photo bombing her I decided to just let them in.  Yes, Gavin is missing his pants.  This was one of his "I don't want pants, just underwear" days!  Rest assured I did make him put pants on to go to the recital.

It's only a matter of time before Gavin starts posing every time I ask him to say "cheese".  With girls it was never a big deal, but with a boy he may get some looks….we'll just have to give him a few of his own go to poses.

Ava and Ella did a much better job this year of remembering their routines and not getting so caught up with being on stage.  I told them "no matter what just keep a big smile"…Ella smiled even as they entered the stage!

 Being gone so much in the evening meant some lonely nights for Zoe. And being up late at night resulted in sleeping in late in the mornings. (luckily my kids do that pretty well)  So, during our little bit of down time the kids tried to give Zoe some love.

Gavin has been much better around Zoe.  Not that he was a problem before, it was more like he didn't act like she existed.  Now, every once in awhile he will play and/or cuddle with her.  

She's SO big…right?

I have no picture of Ella with Zoe.  On the morning I had the camera out, Ella slept till 10am!

Friday night we were back at it…with the final performance.  Ava took a Pom/Cheer class this year and LOVED it.  So on the final night of recitals we had just one dance we were awaiting.  

After a week of performing, posing, makeup, hairdo's and costumes, Ava pulled out all the stops for our last photo session!  She also did a number of "faces" during her performance…so cute!  I'm a bit biased but it's the truth :)

I don't think it's dance as much as being on stage and performing in front of hundreds that Ava enjoys.  She soaks up attention like the sun….it's dangerous!

I had to include this picture because despite what my pictures may lead you to believe, it wasn't all smiles during this long week.  There was also a lot of  me: "smile guys!" Gavin: "NO NO NO NO!".  He made sure he did not get forgotten through week!

If you take into account all the traveling, partying, late nights and activities these three YOUNG kids had to endure, they did exceptionally well…especially our little man!

I still have more updating!!!