First Dance Recital and a Birthday!

This last week was a crazy one, albeit a REALLY FUN one. Adelynn had her very first dance recital at the festival of trees. She was so excited, because Santa was there to watch her. The anticipation for this has been building for weeks, and she has worked really hard to perfect her dance. I really am so proud of her, because she practiced and practiced, and it all paid off. When the little kids were paraded out onto the stage, all of them started looking around for their parents, and waving. The place was packed, and Adi couldn't see us, so I waved and waved, but she just timidly stared around at all the strange faces. Then the music started, and she immediately knew what to do and began dancing. Then a few steps into it she saw me and waved. My heart nearly exploded with pride at that moment! Then she quickly got back into her steps. She was so good, and the most important thing is that she was proud of herself, and it was a positive experience for her. After her first dance I went back to check on her, and she was just as giddy as a little pony! She immediately wanted to know if Santa saw her, and I told her he did. Then she wanted to know if he clapped for her, and I said "oh yes! He is so proud of you! You were such a beautiful little dancer!" She told me "I know, I am a beautiful dancer!" Then I gave her some kisses and went back out to watch the next dance. She performed wonderfully again. It was a crazy night, so many people, but it was so fun. After her dances she got to go see Santa, and that was the highlight of the whole night. She asked for Unicorns for Christmas. It was a festive night with all the trees and lights, and she looked beautiful, and danced great! Oh, I just love that little girl. Here are some pics from that night. (I don't have pics of her dancing, but I do have video. I just can't get it to load, so for any family that wants to see it, let us know and I'll get you a disc.)

Getting ready for the big night.

Lookin' so cute!

In the warm-up room between dances. So happy!

Here she is telling Santa exactly what she would like. And don't you just love this picture? It's my fave. They are both so intent and serious. This is business people! :)

He was so sweet with her and made her feel very special. What a perfect Santa!

We got home and the excitement had not worn off. We continued to dance...

And dance!

So after the recital we had a day break, and then the big 3rd birthday! It was such a great day. I stayed up Thursday night decorating the house and making her cake so that everything would be ready for Friday. I got the idea for this cake from my sister in law, and it's perfect. But, I was up till 1:00 in the morning with this cake, because I was not doing very good on my fondant. I could just not get the right consistency! Oh well. It turned out well enough for her to be thrilled, and completely appreciate it, and if that's what we got, well then it was worth it! We decided just to spend the day together with our own little family. It was nice and cozy this way. Just some quality time together. But during the morning she kept asking for her cousin Nadia, so we called them and they met up with us to get some Pizza for lunch and play at Adi's favortie place, Game World. She calls it her ticket store because she loves to collect those tickets and get prizes. All in all it was a great day. We all spent some nice time together, and she got to do whatever she wanted for a day, plus she got a princess cake and some tickets, and presents! Woohoo! Here is the cake.

She LOVED it!

Thanks momma!

I'm just glad it made her happy. (and glad it's done!)

Shooting some balls at the "ticket store". She's actually a good shot!

I can't leave a post without one cute pic of little Emi! She loved the party too! She was really sweet to sister, and although there was some screaming, it was minimal:)

Blowing out the candles. (she wished for unicorns!)

Opening presents. She has been really wanting these "sparkly shoes". And was so excited to open them! (I love the cake on her face!)

Some pink lego's...awesome!

Grandma was sweet to get Emi a dress and shoes too. It was kind of nice that she had something so she wasn't stealing from Adi! She does look so pretty!

Adi really loves her dress and shoes. They are so pretty too!

We just love you little Adelynn.

You really light up our lives. Happy Birthday.

(and thanks again everyone for your gifts and cards and money and thoughfulness in coming to watch Adi dance, we do appreciate your support, and love you all!)