Don't Be Fancy, Just Get Dancey

It was recital weekend and this year Madeleine was in 3 dances in both of the dance academy's recitals.  If I'm being honest, I was dreading this weekend knowing what a huge time commitment it would be. It also got off to a shaky start on Friday evening when Madeleine started getting dressed for rehearsal and we noticed a run in her tights (crisis was averted because mom bought her another pair after I called her on the way to rehearsal in a panic - Thank You!), halfway to rehearsal I sifted through Madeleine's dance bag at a stop light to make sure I didn't forget anything and I did; the ever important bun maker!!! I called Steven (who was meeting us there) to let him know I would be dropping her off so I could run home, and it was at that time that he casually threw in there that his car died (it had been acting up so it wasn't a surprise but the timing stunk).  Argh!!!  I got Madeleine to rehearsal, got the bun maker, and made it back in time to see most of her first dance.  By the last dance, the skies opened up and it started pouring rain.  God then uproariously applauded the girls with a loud clap of  thunder that shook the auditorium.  After Friday's rocky start I was determined to turn my attitude around for Saturday, convinced that all of the evening's glitches would not have been so bad if I had just had a more suitable attitude.  I also prayed, knowing that I couldn't shake my attitude and anxiousness about the looming 12 hour day without God's help.  Come Saturday morning I woke up at 6:00 in a good mood (which is a miracle in and of itself!) and we did not just survive recital day, we THRIVED!  It was long and I don't know how Madeleine did it, but she flourished. I would have collapsed, but she rocked!   She had fun while on stage dancing then passed the time backstage by hanging out with friends, coloring, or my personal favorite, journaling.  I was able to participate in adult conversation and basked in the fun that is being a stage mom.  :) 

Their jazz number was done to Pop Goes the Weasle.

Even though she is slightly out of focus, I love this picture because of her smile.  She worked that adorable smile through the entire dance.

Long days are made better when you have a good friend.

For ballet they danced an interpretation of The Ugly Duckling. 

The Ugly Ducking pictured with her mother and sister ducks.

Swimming goldfish.

The Ugly Duckling being flanked by all of the woodland creatures back stage. 

She tapped to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy

Here is Audrey with the flowers she picked out for Madeleine.

At the end of a long day she received flowers for a job well done.  We are so proud of our little dancer!