Dance Recital

Smudge was in her second dance recital this past weekend, and I must say, she was the star of the show!  She was a follower last year, but this year she was the class leader.  She set the pace, and the other kids followed her.

The theme this was was Going on a Cruise, and Smudge's class was the sunshine.   Very appropriate indeed.

Here we see her on her tippiest tip-toes, hands held just so. leading the group.

I love this one with her ribbons flying as she pirouetted

Lining up and getting into position for the toe point.  She is taking things very seriously while her classmates do their own thing.

Oh, lovely toe point...

...leading into another pirouette.

Join hands and skip in a circle.  Pay attention to what your feet are doing.

One more circle girls, and then lets line up.

Tip-toe to the front of the stage...

Stop and pose...

...then kneel down and wait for the rest of the class to join you.

Sit and look pretty..

listen intently to the music...

Check with your teacher standing in the wings to see if she has any instructions for you.

Get ready for your cue to stand....

...and pirouette...

...and pirouette...

...then kneel down for the finish.

Time to pose with a friend during intermission.

On stage again for the grand finale.

Smudge clapped enthusiastically for each award presented.

And listened intently to her teacher.

Magic Stairs

We had to go into the big city for an appointment the other day, and JJ thought the shopping mall we wandered through, while we waited for Buppa, was a pretty fabulous place.  He especially liked the magic stairs that moved all by themselves.  I had a few parcels, a sippy cup full of apple juice and a purse to wrestle with, so I wouldn't take him on the magic stairs until Buppa was there to help.  We patiently waited for Buppa, and as soon as we saw him, we all made a B-line for the stairs.  I sat on a bench while the boys went up and down, and up and down, and up and down. 

JJ held on to Buppa's hand for the first few rides...

But was soon managing all on his own. 

What an adventure...magic stairs that move all by themselves.  How neat!

Sunny Smiles

We are finally getting some relief from the rain, and JJ enjoyed a ride on his bike while waiting for Sister's bus to arrive.

Hot Rodder JJ is all smiles while zooming up and down the street

Smudge is sharing a smile with Buppa at Tim's after dance class.

Smudge does enjoy a visit to Tim's after twirling and spinning at dance class on Saturdays. 

Installing the community dock

It was such a fabulous day we decided to take JJ to the park, and we lucked out because the town work crew were there to install the boat dock.  Oh how exciting for the little nipper.

We set up our chairs right by the water's edge to get a clear view of the men at work.

I'm not sure if JJ was more interested in the event on the water or his umbrella

I lost count of the number of times I had to open and close the dab-blasted thing.

We finally rolled it up, then set off to get a closer look at the crane.

We had to stop for a closer look at a bug or two also.

I think JJ is contemplating grabbing the umbrella again .

The crane soon caught his attention though...

...and he and Buppa had a great view of the action when the workmen attached the legs to each piece of dock...

...before swinging it out over the water...

...and lowering it into place.

Finally the piece was fastened into place and the chains removed so the crane could lift another piece into place.

We had to leave before the workmen were through, but we promised JJ we would go back so he could run up and down along the dock.

Ballerina Bun

It was quite the task getting the Ballerina hair-do just right before Smudge's photo shoot for ballet class on Saturday.  We had to use Smudge's ballerina doll as a model for the hair-do.

JJ looks on and gives his approval

After using lots of gel and hairspray it was mission accomplished.

JJ joins in...

Then insists on taking a picture of Amma and Smudge. 

Little Miss Sunshine

Guess who's in a dance recital this week.  That's right, Little Miss Sunshine.

Getting ready for her photo shoot.

Her teacher helps her with a pose for a picture.

And another pose

And finally, with her class of sunbeams

Pink and Blue

On these warm spring mornings we wait for the school bus out on the front deck.  Today was a pink and blue day, and their outfits suited them perfectly.  JJ had comic book hero's on his shirt and Smudge had flowers on her dress and a Hello Kitty on her hat.  Yes, suited them to a T.

Smile for the camera. 

While JJ sings me a song, Smudge dons her sunglasses to complete her outfit.

The kids aren't looking at me, but AC is getting a good laugh at what they are doing.

Sharing

Can you see how Smudge is sharing the music with JJ?

Yes, she has one earphone and he has the other.

He loves them...

Yes, JJ is fascinated with bulldozers. 

He sure look small beside it doesn't he?

He was itching to climb up and get inside the cab.

Not feeling well today

Somebody was kept home from school today as she was not feeling well.

This is the way she spent most of the morning.  Curled up in a chair, listening to music. 

JJ's Big Adventure

We had an errand to run the other day, and took JJ along for the ride...or should I say walk.  He wasn't content to just walk along beside the water though, he had to climb the fence every chance he got. 

I'm sure he was fine, but he did give me a few new gray hairs along that walk.  Amma and Buppa kept a tight hold on him all along the walk. 

Getting a new perspective on life

Some days, looking at things up-side-down, is the only way to view the world and make any sense of it. 

Try it, you might like it.  JJ does!

Sweet music

By the look on her face, I think Smudge is hearing sweet music

Flying High

Smudge is working hard learning to skip and she is flying high while doing it. 

Action shot

Working hard

Hasn't quite got the timing right, but will get it soon.

We took time out to braid her hair...

Then she was right back at it.  

This was all before the school bus arrived in the morning.