all she wants to do is dance

Olivia's very first season of dance has come to an end. They had their big recital on Saturday night & performed for a sold-out crowd. We weren't allowed to take any picture or video during the recital. I snapped a couple of pictures during the dress rehearsal, but flash was not encouraged there either, so they didn't turn out very well.

Walking into the high school for the dress rehearsal. She's a pretty big deal.

Start of the jazz number they did.

In the dressing room (aka - my old home ec room in the high school). She was so pumped. And she got to wear some make-up.

Olivia, words cannot describe how proud we are of you! You accomplished so much during this 1st year of dance. You were an excellent student & a leader to your friends in your dance routines. I truly hope with all of my heart that you stick with dance. You are so happy when you are dancing, & I love to see you smile. It was so wonderful to see you realize your dreams & perform on the big stage. We are just so very proud of you, & we love you more than you will ever know! 

Livie Lou's 8th Birthday Party

June is a busy month for us this year. Therefore, we pushed Olivia's birthday party up a couple of weeks & celebrated on June 3rd. I cannot even begin to wrap my mind around my little baby girl turning 8. Seriously, where does the time go?

Olivia, with her cake.

Half Cubs, half Cardinals. Always wanting to please her family that is divided down to the core of Cubs Fans (YAY!!! CUBS RULE) & Cardinal Fans (BOO HISS!!!)

Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear, Olivia. Happy Birthday to you!

Make a wish!!!

Presents & cards.

General merriment. Jumping on the trampoline & swimming in the pool.

And Olivia, what did you do with all that loot you scored?

(please note, the busted lip in this picture. The poor dear fell face first onto the sidewalk. She get's her walking skills from her Mama)

That's right my friends. She is now the proud owner of her very own iPod touch. She's just a little bit happy about this purchase.

Happy early birthday, my dear sweet Olivia. We love you so very much!



more things that are awesome...

I have pictures of Olivia's birthday party to post, I promise I do. But in the meantime, here is another installment of "things that are awesome"...

• Jarrett had kidney stones & I had to take him to the ER - that part not so awesome. But him being under the influence of narcotic pain medication - awesome! He was so sweet & funny. He said "I love you, Baby" repeatedly. Not really sure where all that mushy talk came from considering he NEVER calls me baby, like NEVER ever.
• Another awesome thing, said kidney stones are gone. I will save you the details. (Jarrett, you're welcome. And see I didn't spew all of your personal business on the blog....yet.)
• You know that moment when you convince your 4 year old to kick her father right in the behind when he is bending over. Well, I get to experience that moment quite frequently. However, poor Rachel misjudged & kicked him not in the behind, but somewhere a little more sensitive. Awesome. Next on list of things to teach Rachel, how to avoid certain areas when kicking.
• Olivia received enough money as birthday presents to purchase her beloved iPod touch. When did 8 become the age when you absolutely-have-to-have-an-iPod-or-you-might-die? I'm pretty sure I still got barbie dolls & crap for my 8th birthday. This awesomeness is 2-fold. She's happy & I'm happy, now I don't have to share my iPod with her. And she will quit bugging me about playing on my phone while we are places.
• Rachel told me & I quote, "You are grumpy in da mornin' every mornin'. Is that because Liv is givin you a hard time this?" Hahaha - I had to laugh. I'm pretty sure I say almost every single day of my life "Please don't give me a hard time about this..."
• Vacation starts in precisely 8 days. Only 5 more working days if we are going to get specific. And believe me we are. I need a break like nobody's business. How I long to sip mixed drinks by the pool all the live long day. Oh, that's right the kids are going on said vacation too. How about not all the live long day, just after 5:00 pm.