Dance Class

We are quickly approaching the end of our year-long dance classes. They have been great! Every Saturday morning; a combination of tap, ballet, and tumbling. Both of the girls loved their class and their teacher. They got to put on their costumes for pictures last week - which was very exciting. Meri loved hopping around watching her skirt twist and twirl. The picture is pretty blurry, but you can still see the joy on her face. Ali didn't love her costume when we first saw pictures of it, but after we put the whole thing together with the "funky" hair and make-up... she was digging it. The final dress rehearsal and recital is coming up this weekend. Ali thinks that is the best part of it all. She loves performing for all the people in her costume and make up. Natalie and Ali are old pros! I am interested to see how Merilyn does out on stage... it could be interesting.

My Hair Cut

Guest Post by Alison

I decided to cut my hair because my dad and I were talking about my hair. He said it would be easy to comb, wash, dry, and get out the tangles in my hair if my hair was short. And then I said, "Maybe I should cut my hair on Thursday."

My hair cut was awesome! When I saw all the hair on the floor, I was amazed! When it was done, everybody started to tell me that I was cute. I thought it looked so different and I looked like Selena Gomez. I sent a picture to my daddy and I know that in the morning he will be amazed... just like I was. So will Grandma Sandy and so will Grandma Barb. I think everybody will be surprised when they see my hair.

Movie Night

The girls finally wore us down! We didn't want them to watch the new Alice in Wonderland because it looked a little dark and scary. However, when they saw it at Costco... it was all over. So, our movie night came a few nights early. Other than Meri hid under her blanket a few times, it wasn't bad. We've talked our way through it and giggled at the Red Queen's head. Ali said she "kind of liked this one, but she likes the other one better." We figured that would be the case!

This year we've really had to let go of having control over Alison's clothing choices. I've just chalked it up to "She's 7," and frankly, I just don't have time to deal with it. Travis, on the other hand, is having a harder time choosing his battles. Being the daddy to little girls can be tough on many levels... but he's getting better. :)

However, Ali's newest "trend" is a battle I'm pretty sure I'll fight. She thinks it's cute. I just don't get it.

I've been listening to many people grumble and complain about our weather. It's been rain, rain, and more rain. It can get a little dreary after awhile, but I'm okay with the liquid sunshine for a few reasons. It has given me a really good excuse NOT to work in my yard. Although, the girls and I have tried a couple of times to get out there in between rain showers! There have been some random patterns of sun and rain... and on those days the girls and I always look for the rainbows. I'm also grateful for the rain because it makes going to work every day a little easier. I'm at the time of year when I'm struggling with the feeling of burn-out and just being "done". If I had to look outside my classroom window and see bright, sunny skies? Ugh. Being inside when I'd much rather be anywhere else is much less difficult when all I see are dark clouds and downpours.

I had a little taste of summer last weekend... sunny days working and playing in the yard, and evenings in the craft room with the girls. *deep sigh* I am really looking forward to summer! I'm trying really hard be present in the "now" and not start counting down the days left in school!

We took a little road trip up to Great Wolf Lodge last weekend for Mom's birthday. We drove up on Saturday morning to get checked in and start swimming! Meri was more than happy to stay in the kiddie pools and hopping {small} waves in the wave pool. However, Ali was super excited to tackle the big rides and slides with her daddy. She swam until her fingers and toes were prunes! Meri and Johnna wanted to head back to the room after a little while for snacks and playtime...

That night we went to dinner at a nearby Mexican restaurant...with a sombrero for the birthday girl and chocolate sundaes for all of the little girls!

After dinner, the girls all got in their pajamas and we went to the main room for story time and a hug for the coyote mascot.

The girls slept really well that night! :)

The next morning we had a wonderful breakfast. I think it was the best buffet I've had in a long time. There was so much good food, and something for everyone. Next, we headed back to the pool for more swimming. I had to take Travis back to work, so Mom and Mike graciously offered to keep Ali and Meri so they could swim longer.

They had such a great time... Meri was asleep as soon as the car hit the freeway!