OWAN

OWAN is finally here, and I am excited for it to be over.  The past couple months have been exhausting but so much fun!  This is the biggest fundraiser for the school, and I had the best committee.  

We had a fantastic turnout for the party, and everyone seemed to have a blast.  This is one of my favorite parts of this event - seeing everyone coming together.  

Kelsey, Vicki, & Abby were so much fun to work with on this event.  We all had our different challenges, but we all worked together to pull off a record breaking night.

And this is the end of the night when Jessica really cut loose.  Fireball!  

Elmo Makes Music

Ridley and I had tickets to Elmo Makes Music in Grand Prairie.  It was a fun date with my little lady, but I was a little nervous.  Ridley is scared to death of mascots or anyone dressed up in some sort of full coverage costume.  She made a scene at a Chuck E Cheese birthday not long ago, and I promised myself I would get her over it.  

Today, I learned that cotton candy and a little dancing can change the fear.  We danced and sang along to the show, and when the characters came out to the audience, Ridley was thrilled!  One of them came up and talked to her, and she didn't freak out.  I am so proud of my big girl!

Ridley's First Dance Recital

This was a dream come true.  I have wanted to share this experience with my little girl, and I was so proud of her.  She did a great job smiling and dancing at her recital.  She is a precious little snow angel.

We gave her a ballerina music box with a charm necklace, and she was so proud.  This was truly a special day.

Viewing Day

In order to keep the little ballerinas engaged in class, the viewing windows have curtains.  Every few weeks the studio will have an open curtain viewing day, so parents can watch their little ones dance.  Ridley did great, and she was very focused.  She loves to dance, and me watching didn't phase her one bit.

First Dance Costume

Ridley's recital is coming up in December, and she received her costume today at class.  It is absolutely precious.  I can't wait to see my little Snow Princess Angel.

First Ballet Class

I have been waiting for years to see my little girl start dance.  I think even before Ridley was born, I had dreamed of this day.  She had a great experience and was very excited.

I asked her to smile for a picture, and she gave me this adorable grin.

I did catch a sweet little pose with an angelic smile.

Princess Ballet Camp

It was finally Ridley's turn for summer camp.  She had a blast at Princess Ballet Camp dressed as Elsa from Frozen.  She is all girl and loved every minute.

National Dance Day

I was so excited about the fun dance activities planned at the gym.  One hour of Zumba followed by one hour of hip hop.  So much fun!  I knew I had to keep my eye on my heart rate, and that I probably wouldn't be able to complete the two full hours.  There was a huge turnout, and it was great to see the whole crew.  The event was complete with free prizes and drawings.

I was doing great until the second hour kicked into high gear.  The music went a bit more ghetto fantastic, and the intensity was a little too much for my preggo status.  The heart rate spiked well over where I was comfortable, but it felt so good.  It killed me to stop, but I did.  Oh, you little bambino, you are cramping my workout style. 

Music in Town Square

We took a much needed break from working in the front yard to enjoy the evening with the Brashears.  We had a delicious dinner at Mi Cocina and just happened across an outdoor concert in Town Square.  I have no clue who the band was, but we all had a great time dancing and being silly.  The boys decided to take a break and take off their shoes and socks.  Ryland and Reed helped Benton get comfy on the curb.  He fits right in with this crew.

Busting a move at Oktoberfest

We wanted to get out of the work one that we are calling home and get some fresh air. Southlake was having their annual Oktoberfest in Town Square, so we went to check out the junk food and live music. After a funnel cake, Ryland was ready to dance. He started just dancing a little and before we knew it he was up front by the band jamming out with the other kiddos and the band.
This picture was taken right before he decided to climb up on the stage. Guess what caught his attention? All of the wires. I had to carry him away because he wouldn't stop climbing up to the stage level. Crazy party animal.
Little did we know, John Chris and I would soon find the worst blown out diaper we have ever even thought about. When we arrived back at the truck, Ryland had a mess for us. He had to be stripped down completely. What a perfect way to wrap up the night!

Outdoor concert

We went to an outdoor concert in Southlake Town Square this evening, and it was nice to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air. Ryland and Harker thought the blankets were fun for about 5 minutes, and then it was time to run around.
Ryland was a dancing machine. He wanted to run and dance.
Ryland kept running to the front of the crowd. Right in front of the stage there were about 150 chairs set up, and that is where he wanted to be. In the mosh pit.
Don't hold me back dad. I am ready to dance.
After running and dancing in the heat for hours, Ryland is finally starting to run out of energy. I am completely done at this point. Worn out! We had a great time, and Ryland slept like a baby.

Library party

We participated in the summer reading program at our local library. To celebrate the success of the program, the library hosted a party. The theme was "Bank on Books", and the mascot was Oink the pig. Being a very dramatic pig, Oink decided to enter the party on one of the new firetrucks with the siren turned on.

Ryland was more impressed with the siren than the pig. He just sat back and played with his new stuffed snake he was just given. Whatever pig.

It isn't an awesome party unless there are animals. At the end of the street, there was a petting zoo. Ryland had a great time chasing the little goats and petting them.

I was just waiting for a burst of something. He just looks like he is devising a plan. "Gentle" was the key word I kept repeating. "Play gentle."

As if it wasn't hot enough for the animals and the kids, there was also a trailer. These poor animals need a raise.

Or a better attorney.

Anyone up for a little Electric Slide? It looks like Oink is going to bust a move at any moment.

Ryland scoots to the dance floor to show them up. The child loves to dance, and he jams out. We finish off the evening with cherry snow cones. Pure bliss!