Busy Week

Whew, last week was a crazy busy week! We had something every night but it was all so much fun and worth the business. 

On Wednesday night, we went to Santa's Bag with the girls. It is annual tradition for us and Ella's third time going and Maddie's first time. It is where the children go shopping with elf helpers and buy gifts for there family. I think it is so important to teach them about giving and let's be honest, opening those presents on Christmas morning are always the highlight of our day. And now with both of them buying presents, there is no telling what to expect!

 Our church also hosts an annual Breakfast with Mary and it is something Ella looks forward to all year long. Each year, they make a different part of the nativity scene and this year was the three wiremen. It is something that Ella and I just do together and something I will do with Maddie when she is older as well. The children come and have breakfast and then learn the story of Mary while also signing Christmas carols. This time of year can be so crazy so any way to incorporate the true meaning is great. Plus, this girl loves anything to do with crafts. #littlepicasso

 With her completed wisemen

 We went with our good friends and neighbors, these three are so sweet.

 Last week we had a lot of rain and wind and the final leaves fell in the yard. Sunday morning, Mike raked them into a huge pile and the girls loved jumping in them one final time for the season.

 Sunday afternoon, Ella had her winter ballet recital Sunday afternoon. This one is much smaller than the fall one but she was just as excited!

 I still can't believe that my once upon a time super shy child now LOVES the stage. She would to be dancing and performing all the time. 

 The recital was in Mike's building and each December they set up a singing bear display. After the recital, the girls got to go see the bears.

 I am not sure what it is about these bears, I find them super lame but my girls have always loved them and apparently the love continues this year as well. We only saw the very end so we will be back for sure!

 And she had to keep dancing, even after the recital.

The week also included a pj pancake dinner at preschool and neighborhood adult party, we were tired by Sunday night but lots of fun memories were made! #Hennessyholidays

Tiny Dancer

Right now, Elton John's song is playing in my head as I write this post. Back in the middle of May (yes, I am a little behind), Ella had her final dance recital. She has done dance camps before but never a full dance class and this year she was ready. Or maybe I was finally ready. Growing up, I never went to dance class and it is a little foreign to me. I had an older brother and grew up watching him play sports so naturally I wanted to do the same things he did and immediately starting playing sports instead of dance. My little girl though, oh, she is all GIRL. She is a girly girl and was dying to try dance so we gave it a whirl and she loved it. They did tap and ballet and she loved going every single week to the class but the recital is what she has been waiting for. She knew they got a costume and she couldn't wait.

Her class had a "sailor" theme and she looked so adorable! I snapped a couple pictures on Friday before her dress rehearsal just in case we were too busy on Saturday. 

 They invited the Moms into the class so we got to see her practice and Ella loved it but I was still nervous how she would do in a huge theatre on performance day. 

 Well sister owned it! She is the one in the front middle (sorry pictures are blurry) but she came out with so much confidence and smiled and knew all her moves. I have a feeling that Mike and I will have a lot more dance recitals in our future.

Her class with their beloved teacher, Ms Meeghan

Rocking it on the tap dance

Hands on your hips!

Post performance with flowers from Daddy

 Immediately after her recital, we quickly changed and went right to soccer for her final game. Ella really enjoyed soccer but she is not competitive and preferred to stay on the edge of the action. Mike nicknamed her the "orbiting moon" because she was around all the action and the ball but never got too close!

 But she had a blast and always had a smile on her face so I am glad that we are exposing her to lots of different things and then once she gets older, she can decide what she enjoys the most.

It was a busy and fun day but it was a blast and loved seeing my big girl shine!