Dance Recital 2011

Before the recital, Madison had to get ready! This meant hair, makeup and costume! The dance instructor says that a little bit of makeup works with the lighting and helps show off their faces. So, we applied a little and she looked gorgeous! Oh, to have those eye lashes!!

Next, we headed to the beauty salon to get her hair done. She needed it put up into a tight bun. A work that only Grandma can do!
After getting her hair done, we headed for the recital venue. She had to be there an hour early for group photos. Grandma and I took her to her room and got her settled in. Before heading out, we took a few photos. The room was filled with excitement. The girls were giggly and anxious about performing. With all of the practices, we knew they'd do great.

Camille, Madison & Jordan

Madison taking a quick peek at herself in the mirror.

The studio allows us to purchase a DVD of the event which we've done. This makes it nice so we can sit back and enjoy the actual performance without having a camera in our face blocking the view. We get to live in the actual moment!

A tradition for the dancers is to receive flowers from their family and friends. Every year we get a picture of Madison & Jordan together. Best friends and best dancers!

Congratulations Madison! You did a great job. We're so proud of you!

Mom and Madison

Pigtails

I've been letting Emmalene grow her bangs out hoping that it'll all get to one length. This hasn't been easy! She pulls out her hair clips which makes her hair drop back into her eyes. She doesn't seem bothered by it, but she looks like a thrown away child! So, while eating dinner the other night, Madison decided that she'd try to put Emmalene's hair up in pigtails since she was occupied by eating. Well, it was a great thought, but...she quit eating and went right to being fascinated by what Madison was trying to do.

Nothing is cuter than a little girl in pigtails!

A little lopsided!

She realizes something is different and puts her hands up to investigate!

Approval!

Mother's Day

Bruce's mom surprised him and came down for Mother's Day weekend. She arrived on Friday night and spent the night with Loretta, Bruce's sister. On Saturday, she came over for dinner and visited with us and the kids. On Sunday, we took her out for breakfast and spent the morning together. She headed back home on Monday morning. This was a surprise that we all enjoyed!

My Mother's Day was special too. In addition to taking Bruce's mom out for breakfast (my favorite meal of the day to eat out), we spent the afternoon together. The kids gave me two nightgowns.

We cooked dinner for my mom and she, my dad and my brother came over to visit and eat together. This Mother's Day was wonderful. I'm grateful that I am the mom to two beautiful girls who make me laugh everyday which makes my heart overflow with love!

Grandma and Grandpa's House on Easter

After church on Easter Sunday, we headed over to Grandma & Grandpa's for lunch, egg hunting and basket opening!

Madison got all kinds of neat stuff in her basket.

Busy opening...no time to look at the camera and smile!
Emmalene was a little slow starting. She was intrigued by the packaging and watching Madison & Mark tear into their baskets.

Mark waiting for the go ahead.

Madison and her basket.

Grandma & Emmalene

spending time on the big rocker. Emmalene loves to play with the blocks at Grandma's.

Emmalene pulling the grass out of everyone's basket.

Emmalene watched every move that Madison made while opening her basket.

A yellow rubber duckie for the bathtub.

Easter Sunday

After church on Easter morning, we came back home to get ready to go to Grandma and Grandpa's for lunch. Before changing, we headed outside for picutres. Everyone was dressed in their Sunday best!

Just the girls!

Madison was showing Emmalene the flowers growing in the front yard.

A quick up close photo of one of those flowers. After watching Madison have her photo taken by the column, Emmalene wanted Madison to lift her up too.

Easter Baskets

At our home, the Easter Bunny leaves eggs in your baskets with clues inside. You have to read the clue and find your treasure! Madison's clues led her to an iTunes gift card, bubble wand, paddle ball, candy, and a few other small items. Emmalene got a grocery cart, Elmo ball, and a stuffed bunny.

Having to acutally find your gifts by solving the clues allows "basket time" to last a little bit longer! Solving the clues can be difficult as the Easter Bunny wants you to have to think hard about what he's hidden for you. :)

Emmalene required Madison's help to find her items. Once found, they were busy playing! We ate breakfast and headed off to church for the early service. We enjoyed the music and message and followed up our morning with lunch at Grandma and Grandpa's.