Kindergarten dance recital

Last night Zadie had her big dance recital and it was adorable.  This is, of course, my completely unbiased opinion.  

It has been a challenging year for dance, to say the least.  Zadie wasn't able to be home from school in time to take dance class with the girls her age, so we thought it would work out just as well to be with girls a little older.  It shook her confidence a bit, though, and I think  she felt that she didn't catch on as quickly as the other girls.  I just hope we can talk her into giving it another chance in a year or so.
I think for a 5 year old in a group of seven year olds, she was fantastic.

Her brother thought so, too.  He is also a completely fair and impartial judge.

Besides, he got to pitch again last night, so nothing (not even a two hour dance recital) could have wiped that smile off his face.

Wordless Wednesday: Leaf races

The in-between time

Those of you who move often, for whatever reason, know all too well the mixed emotions that come with the in-between time.  The time after you learn of your next move, but before its time for full on packing and saying goodbye.  

It's a time when you have more on your to-do list than can ever get done.  And yet, the things that rise to the top of the list are zoo days, birthday parties and play dates.  Your kids can talk you into a sleep over easier than they ever dreamed because you are as aware as they are that there are not many Saturday nights left.

 I seem to go back and forth (sometimes 10 times in one day) between feeling ready to be in our new home tomorrow, and wishing we had a few more months to do all the things we've been meaning to do for the four years that we have lived here and now may never actually get to do.

I'm determined that this time I will not wish away the in-between time.  With all it's stress and hurriedness, I will not overlook all the moments of joy that come with the extra zoo trips and late nights at the ball field.  I will not be to busy packing to play in the hose and invite the neighbor kids over to see our baby bunnies.

The boxes will get packed.  The floors will get swept and the children will have to say goodbye.  But in the in-between time, we'll make each day count.

We'll play in the yard and squish in the mud.

We'll be at the ball park and cheer for the Dodgers.   And even when they don't win, we'll know that with only three games left this season, playing with these sweet friends is a gift that won't last forever.  And we'll go out swinging.

Field day

How do I know summer is upon us?  Because today the children got to cast off their much lamented school uniforms, throw on a t-shirt and shorts, and rush out the door like they were headed to Disney World.  That's right, today was Field Day (Also known as the greatest day in the history of school)!!!!  

I have to admit that I was a bit smushy and sentimental today.  This was Andy's last field day and one of my last chances to spend time with his sweet class.  Because our school is so small, he has been in class with the same dozen or so kids for  the last 3 years.

Sweet Kendall giving it all she's got

End of tug collapse  

Sydney showing some serious determination... I'm sure Andy being on the other team added to his motivation.

Killian getting a little help from Coach Creel 

This was Zadie's first and last Field Day at Holy Cross.  Now she may not always enjoy things like tug-of-war, or anything that requires you to get hot, or dirty, or tired.  But at our field day, there is something for everyone.

Bobbing for donuts anyone?

Silly dress up clothes,

And cheering for her friends.  Zadie had a ball!

Some of the coolest parents (I'm talking about myself of course) even joined in on a few of the games.  I proved to be quite helpful at the tug-of-war, not so much at the relay races.  Ah well, you can't win them all.

I suppose I better face it.  Talent Show, kindergarten graduation, and then we'll be putting this school year in the books.  It was a good one.

Wordless Wednesday; April- the month in moments