Ballerina Baby

It's incredible to believe that my my baby is old enough to begin ballet, but she is!  We've been dancing with her since she was born so it's no wonder she loves to dance.  This summer we took our first official dance classes in the form of a princess dance camp.  Here she is, all ready for her first class.  I have never seen a more adorable ballerina.

I just had to take a picture of her first pair of real ballet shoes.  I'm sentimental like that.  

It was so fun that these girls could all take dance together, everything is more fun with friends!  Of course I cried when they all pranced into the studio on the first day.   

These little ballerinas learned a short dance and a few basic ballet steps.  Tessa's teachers were fabulous and she had a wonderful time.  On the last day, Cinderella made an appearance and watched the girls dance.    

Parents and grandparents were also invited into the studio on the last day.  I'm amazed at how much these girls picked up in just one short week!  Tessa added her own touch to the choreography with some extra fancy dance moves.  And notice that she is singing along too!  A star is born.

Independence Day

Happy 4th of July!  For America's birthday we spent the afternoon at the pool.  Watching Tessa have underwater tea parties with G&G was the highlight of my day, these are the priceless moments I want to remember forever.  And I just love summer food.  Sweet watermelon, homemade guacamole and salsa, grilled brats plus blue margaritas were on the menu at our house.  Gamma and Tessa made red, white and blue strawberries which were also a hit.  Hooray for the Red White and Blue!      

Swim Lessons

I LOVE the pool and much of my happy childhood was spent in the water.  I was a lifeguard, a swim team coach and even gave private swim lessons on the side.  My own child loves the water and we spend hours at the pool together.  She jumps and floats and dunks underwater with the best of them.  She doesn't wear floaties or a swim vest and isn't at all scared of the water.  But she needed to learn the basics of swimming.  So we forked out and paid for swim lessons at the sportsclub this summer.  At first I was underwhelmed - why was I paying someone to do what I should be able to do myself?  Then we made a breakthrough and my baby started swimming so well.  Face in the water, body horizontal, legs kicking like crazy - I could just cry.  So now we must practice, practice, practice.  Oh darn, more wonderful hours at the pool soaking up the warm summer sun.     

Happy Father's Day

For Father's Day we took the daddies out for Mexican food and then went to a baseball game.  Happy Father's Day!   

Tessa may have been scared of the cow last year, but this year she couldn't wait to see the Chick-Fil-A mascot.  Tessa was ecstatic when the cow sat down right on our row.  She climbed right over the little retired couple sitting next to us and parked herself next to her new friend.  So cute!

And, we also had to see Reedy Rippit.  Perhaps it is our current obsession with Tiana that made her so excited to see this frog.  

Tessa played at the playground, ordered herself a hot dog at concessions, and sang along to "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" & "Sweet Caroline." She even watched a few innings of the game.  Greenville won the game and we watched the fireworks from the parking lot. 

On Sunday the daddies opened presents.  Among other things, Tessa now has a new spy glass for her playset.  She and Ryan love to play pirates. "Aaaaarrrrrggggghhhhh!!!!!"

Later in the week we made a big pot of gumbo using our new Tiana cookbook. Tessa LOVES to cook.  We have a good time in the kitchen even though it can get pretty messy cooking with a pre-schooler. I think this was my best pot of gumbo yet.

Wedding Day

The big day had finally arrived. Tessa took an afternoon nap, a rare thing for us these days, and then it was time to primp for the wedding. She loved her long, fluffy dress and that she got to wear real jewelry like Momma. I had been very nervous that she would get fussy about the flowers in her hair. But, as you see, she's wearing them and looking like an angel. She's the prettiest flower girl I have ever seen.

We had time for a few pictures before the wedding started. Look at everyone all dressed up!

While the guests were being seated, we hung out with Aunt Carol and Frank.

Then it was time to walk down the aisle. The ring bearer, Tristan marched right down looking very handsome in his tux. Tessa either wanted the stage to herself or just got distracted with her flowers. My MIL had assured me Tessa would be cute, no matter what she did, as long as she wasn't crying. She was right. She came running down the aisle and was super cute. I loved hearing the guests say "awww!"

The beautiful bride made her grand entrance by boat, no small feat in 4 inch heels! It was a lovely ceremony and Tessa stood up with the bridesmaids for most of it. She came and sat down with us for a minute but then decided it was more fun to be up front.

Congratulations Blase and Jen, you make a stunning couple!

While everyone else went in for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, the wedding party stayed outside for formal pictures.

Instead of a receiving line, the parents and the wedding party were announced by the DJ. Tessa and Tristan walked in together and took their place at the edge of the dance floor to watch the first dance. Then it was time for the wedding party to dance. Tessa grabbed Tristan and they started dancing just like the adults. It was the cutest thing.

Oh the cake! The gorgeous wedding cake was right in front of our table and Tessa couldn't wait to have a piece. Thankfully she remembered all of our discussions about not sticking her finger in it or tasting it early. The cake remained intact until Blase and Jen cut it. It was comical to watch Tessa's face fall when the servers then whisked the cake off to the back to finish cutting it. Never fear, she ended up with two pieces of the red velvet cake and even managed to keep her dress clean.

The reception was so much fun. The food was great, Tessa danced her little heart out, Heath caught the garter and I learned a new wedding tradition. After the bride dance the guests all circled around Jen and linked arms. Tessa and I were wedged in the innermost part of the circle. Then Blase had to try to fight his way through friends and family to get to his bride. We all did our best to keep him out but he eventually just picked up Jen's mom and busted through. 

Did I mention that Tessa liked the dancing? Fast dancing, slow dancing, salsa, polka - I think the only time she wasn't dancing was when she was eating cake. We all took turns with her, she even got Uncle Carl and Heath out on the floor. But Blase was by far her favorite because he swung her in really high circles. She was flying and giggling and having the time of her life.  She would have danced all night but we finally took her back to the room and put her to bed at about 11pm.  She laid in bed happily telling her Cinderella doll all about the wedding.  This child makes me laugh.

It was wonderful to be able to participate in Blase and Jen's special day.  I was so proud of Tessa and how she behaved as the flower girl.  She had so much fun that when she woke up the next day she asked if we could play wedding again.

Rehearsal Dinner

A storm rolled in just as the rehearsal was supposed to start. It poured down rain so we headed inside to practice. We all hoped that it wouldn't rain again the next day because the wedding was supposed to be outside on the lawn. Daddy and his little flower girl pose on our porch. Me with Aunt Carol, the mother of the groom.

The groom, Ryan's cousin Blase.

Tessa and her cousin Heath.
The rehearsal dinner was a delicious four course meal with a choice of steak or crab stuffed shrimp. Good job Aunt Carol!After the meal, Tessa made rounds and socialized with everyone. She isn't shy! She hugged on the ring bearer Tristan, gave stickers to all the groomsmen and posed for pictures with the bride and groom and bridesmaids.

The Poconos

We all caravanned to the Poconos and Heath rode with us. Our car was rockin' out to the Tiana soundtrack and we were car dancing and singing along. Ryan and I realized we are "that family."  The Griswalds have nothin' on us. Our destination was this resort on Lake Wallenpaupack. Both sides of the family and the wedding party stayed here, so we pretty much took over the place. It's an old fashioned inn with lake access, a pool, a playground, paddleboats and more. Ryan taught Tessa how to fish from the docks. She had a good time casting but I'm not sure how she would have felt if she actually caught something.

Ryan's cousin Ben brought his two boats. Tessa went for a very abbreviated ride. She's not fond of lifejackets but she doesn't swim well enough yet to go without one. Ryan and Heath headed out on a longer trip with Ben to fish and explore. They saw a bald eagle nest with babies in it.

Freeland

Tessa did fabulous on the long car ride to Pennsylvania. She was so happy listening to music, coloring and reading that we didn't even use the dvd player that day. We all met in Frank & Paula's hometown on Wednesday night. The next day we visited with family including Granny Bobbie who is turning 90 this year! She was so sweet coloring with Tessa.

Then we went to the park and let the kids run off some energy. Ryan & Heather used to play here with their cousins and Ryan remembers this slide being so huge. It still looks pretty tall to me! It's fun to have cousins to play with. Heath and Tessa became best buds. He was very patient with her and she loved the attention.
Most homes and buildings up there are not air conditioned which isn't usually a problem thanks to the high elevation. Of course, we arrived in the middle of a heat wave. 95 degrees and no a/c made for a hot visit.

Flower Girl

We're headed to the Poconos where my little darling will be the flower girl in Ryan's cousin's wedding. Wish us luck!

Vacation Bible School

It's VBS week at church. The kids are headed to the Big Apple to learn about Jesus through music, missions, crafts and games.