Dancing Divas

My incredible sister-in-law Tiffany decided she wasn't being stretched enough, what with her husband gone at law school every week and all. So, being the saint that she is, she decided to invite eight 3-4 year old girls for the next five Wednesdays to the church gym for free dance instruction. I know. Wow!

I was so impressed today when the eight pretty princesses experienced a real professional dance class. Tiffany had outlined lesson plans so creative and fun that the kids were jumping with excitement. Mary had a blast, and I felt like a proud mama cheering them on. Mary's the second one on the right.




This week's theme was Jungle Mania! The lucky little ladies moved like jungle animals to special jungle music with their special jungle toy (Mary had a bear). These girls made the most darling elephants, snakes, and monkeys I have ever seen. The group even began a routine that will be shown in all it's glory at a dance recital on May 15th. Stay tuned for that. Where does Tiffany come up with all this great stuff? It must be from all her years dancing and cheering. I mean, look at this move. I know. Wow!




This new stage was probably more exciting for me than Mary. It felt like such a "moment" purchasing her first dance outfit and rolling her hair into a bun. We went to my mom's just before the lesson to show off her new digs. I could see her mind flash back twenty five years...apparently Mary looks just like me. Poor girl. Luckily she's got her Daddy's amazing eyelashes and incredible dance moves. Here's a photo from when I was 5 in a similar get up (side note: That Basque man is my brother Damian during Halloween--not some creepy small guy--I was way too shy to go near anyone like that). So, can you see the mother/daughter connection?






Or...perhaps she resembles her uncle Jared more? It's a toss up.




Anyway, enjoy this video of some of today's lesson and the dance expertise of my amazing sister Tiffany.

The Magic of Bubble Gum, Grandma, and Joyln

Mary reminds me every so often of her favorite photographer, Joyln Hutsell with Ambience Photography. She works magic. She can masterfully capture your kids' beauty and unique expressions in a 10 minute or less photo shoot. Now, Mary's smart. She has picked up on this magic and sings her praises whenever the word picture is mentioned, literally, she sings about her all the time. Her song mostly consists of the following lyrics in a variety of tunes: "Jolyn, Jolyn, Jolyn, takes my pictures, and then...I get bubble gum".

Yes, the other magic trick to help get incredible pictures is to bribe your children with bubble gum. If you buy that bubble tape stuff it lasts for a long time, so they think their getting a great deal. Noah doesn't chew bubble gum yet, but he also doesn't require bribing...just a few toys during the shoot and Grandma's amazing distractive techniques. She has a gift.

Somehow your years of terrible camera work and minimal numbers of professional photo shoots get washed away with experiences like these. I hope I take some time to get more done of the whole family...and soon! They grow way too fast!

So, which picture do you like best?

Noah 1:

Noah 2:

Noah 3:

Noah 4:

Noah 5:



Mary 1:

Mary 2:

Mary 3:

Mary 4:

Mary 5:



Together 1:

Together 2:

Together 3:

Together 4: