BACKSTAGE @ RECITAL

The first mom/daughter thing that Tessa and I get to do together each summer is dance recital.  No, I don't get to dance, but I do get to hang out at the theater for a gazillion hours.  Really.  Ask Edie if you don't believe me. And I enjoy almost every minute of watching my little girl interact with her friends and dance her heart out.  I say almost because those theater seats have to be the most uncomfortable . . . well, never you mind, it was all worth it.  I have worked a lot this year and did not spend time at the studio, so each dance Tessa did left me totally amazed.  I had no idea how much she had grown as a dancer.  Some people hate backstage time, but not Tessa.  She loves it all!

spending time with friends

snack time

watching the younger dancers

the make-up

the costumes

the shoes that are like old friends

the chaos

the dinner break with mom between performances

the need for organization

the memories

the finishing touches

LET THE SUMMER BEGIN

Nothing says summer like happy faces and blue skies.  Just saying.

And some would say that wind you your face says summer.

Or is it water in your face?  I'm not so sure any more.

Whatever, summer just makes everyone happier--even Aunt Marie!

Camping at the lake with your buddies says summer. 

Ross, Seth, and Aidan

That includes girl buddies, too!

Abby, Tessa, Hannah

And, of course, what would summer be without a little drama, right?

Olivia, cast member

Conrad and Elijah, cast members

The impromptu lake performers getting into the plot.  

Well, plot is a strong word.

Perhaps they are searching for a plot.

Some think snazzy costumes can take the place of a plot.

The captivated audience anticipates the next scene.  Captivated is also a strong word.

I do remember there was a princess and an ogre . . .

Does that ogre have icing on his face and pickles for teeth?
Whose idea was that?  *wink*

This fellow has come a long way since his days in the NFL.

As a recap--there was a princess and an ogre . . .
. . . and a bunch of blondes . . .

. . . and a finale!

Can I hear an Amen or a Hallelujah or Thank the good Lord---anything but ENCORE!

Yes, summer says MEMORIES!

SOME WEEK

I have spent the last week in Ohio by my mother's hospital bed.  There were many sad and emotional moments as my brother, sister, and I received her diagnosis of lung and brain cancer.  There  were also moments of  laughter and smiles.  Many of those moments were spent with my great-niece, Hayden--or thrift shopping with my sister-in-law, Marie--and my chef brother's cooking was something to smile about as well.

The days ahead are full of uncertainty, but I know the One who holds all of my tomorrows, and I am so thankful that I will be able to trust Him to walk beside me each step of the way.  I don't know what people do without Jesus and Christian friends.  I am so very blessed.

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE APRIL WENT?

I used to laugh when people said that time goes by faster when you are older.  It's really not so funny now.  I have no idea where the days and months keep going.  It just doesn't seem possible that another school year is almost over.  And can my little girl be half way through her thirteenth year?  Certainly not. 

Tessa and the grandchildren ran in their first race today at a fundraiser for the school.  There are some advantages to living right downtown, and today we were blessed to be able to just walk the two blocks to the start line.  Translated that means that we did not have to get up as early as most of the other participants and race planners.  I liked that.  Every one of our family members either ran or volunteered.  Of course, I volunteered.  The main race was 5K, but the kids could choose to run the mile course.

Nate, Tessa, Kenzie, Hannah, Tabitha, and Ross

Tessa, Morgan, and Hannah

Ross and Kenzie

Tessa crossing the finish line.  She came in first.  I was very excited!

Nate came in second and Ross came in fifth.  Not bad for being related to me.

I drive to the mailbox.

She doesn't even look tired, but she was.

Michael ran with Kenzie.  She made it the entire way.

The happy girl with her basket of goodies!

Morgan ran the 5K.  She said it was her first and last.