Just Dance

Since school has begun we're back into our regular fall schedule with dance too.  Isabelle still absolutely loves shakin' her groove thang and is even on the dance team at her studio this year!  She's the youngest one and is trying her best to keep up with the other girls, some of whom are 4-5 years older than her!  She had a blast at dance camps this summer and spends much of her time dancing around the house or perfecting body contortions like the splits and holding her foot above her head.  Ewww!

Pics. from her recital last June:

Look who's joined the dance crew!  

After years of gazing longingly at the dancers through the studio windows, Madeleine's day has finally come.  She took a "Tutus for Tots" class this summer and is now in "Creative Movement". 

Like most things "Maddy", we're never quite sure what she'll say or do (e.g., yelling out, "Hey dude! You look like a lollipop!" at the grocery store).  Luckily she's been following directions like a champ, despite the fact she thought Miss Amy would be teaching her break dancing in addition to ballet this term.  For now we're spending four days a week at the studio - happy girls = happy parents.  :)

In Case You're Wondering...

...Isabelle did not flunk out of kindergarten.  She did indeed graduate and I'm quite sure that had "honors" been bestowed she would have received them.  Luckily, Isabelle is moving onto first grade  despite her mommy's lack of blogging about said graduation.  Three months late isn't too bad, right?

Here's how it went down one warm evening last June...

Isabelle donned the requisite caterpillar costume for a profound reading of Eric Carle's, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and received her diploma from her wonderful teacher Mrs. Odegaard.

She then mingled with friends...

...and had a lovely time on the playground.

Fast forward a couple months and it's time for one last barbecue.  We were so glad Grandma and Papa could visit for a couple days.

And cousins came too!

And here it is.  The first day of 1st grade.  As you can see, Madeleine is under the impression she too is heading to that wonderful place called school.  You can also tell we didn't correct that assumption until after the picture was taken. 

Is it just me, or is Isabelle growing up too fast? 

The Dog Days Are (Almost) Over

Well, it's come down to this.  One final weekend of frivolity before heading back to the classroom for another fun-filled year of kindergarten.  The summer has gone by way too fast, probably because the sun really just decided to stick around for a few days last week.  The irony is not lost on me that the weather forecasters are predicting the warmest days of summer to hit on the first day back to school.  Ugh!  

Before closing the season, here's what we did to keep busy these last few weeks...

 Play dates!  Nothing better than Twister.

 Isabelle hosted her friend Laney for a slumber party/junk food fest.

The girls were gracious enough to let Madeleine join in the fun.

However, when it came time for the goodnight sundaes, they enjoyed some private big girl time.

Madeleine had her boyfriend Aiden over for a BBQ...

...while big sister Isabelle chaperoned.

Isabelle practiced her photography skills...

...and Madeleine was only too happy to pose.

We were super excited to visit with our friends Rachel and Wade from Minnesota at Rachel's parent's house.

Isabelle and Madeleine had a blast playing with Liam and Lucy!

But, what we mostly did this summer was wake up late, linger over coffee, dance while doing the dishes, and dress up in our most fashionable clothes, modeled here by Maddy.  Our motto is: "Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize."  (That bandaid is not covering an owie - it's just what's trending for Fall.)

But, just like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get when it's time for the 360 spin...Really, Maddy?  I think you may have forgotten something important. 

What I will remember about this summer is laughter, some tears; playing, some squabbling; big sisters helping little sisters...

...and my little girls in their tutus and tiaras.

Goodbye Summer - we hardly knew ya'!