Fancy Nancy Reading Extravaganza

The kids always have a month long Reading Extravaganza at school.  They have certain goals each week to try to meet and then if they meet them as a class they have a fun party to celebrate.  One week it was pajama day, one week they had game day, one week they had gum and candy day and the final week they had an ice cream party. It is something they always look forward to. This year they had a special night for the girls and a special night for the boys. The girls had a Fancy Nancy Night they were invited to.  They talked for weeks about what they were going to wear in anticipation of this fun night! 

When they arrived they decided they wanted to do make up first.

There was a lot of excitement in the air among the girls.

Next they decided to get their hair curled.

They had fun enjoying some fancy treats. 

Then we were off to the photo booth! 

Look at those two! 

We decided it was time for some chocolate! 

The girls loved the chocolate fountain.

They finished the night with some paraffin wax on their hands.

We had a fun night .... just us girls!

The Nutcracker Ballet

 The excitement was elevating as the weekend for the Nutcracker drew near.  The girls have worked hard all fall learning their routine for their big debut.  We went to the Nutcracker their ballet studio puts on 2 years ago and the girls loved it.  This year they got to take part in it and could hardly wait.

They were there early to get their make up done!

In one of the girls performances our friend Tessa got to ride in the sleigh!

The girls spent time watching Christmas movies, coloring, reading and having fun with dance friends while they waited for their big debut on stage! 

In costume and ready to go! 

I loved how their personalities shine through even on stage! Emma came bouncing on stage with a grin on her face you couldn't wipe off if you tried.  You can tell she is just having a blast.  She did say she was pretty nervous though but by her smile you would have never known.

Alexa came on stage with a smile but a more serious demeanor.  She was concentrating on her every move and every move was spot on! She loves dance and has really learned a lot this year and takes all her moves and poses very serious.  She is often dancing around the house practicing her steps. 

It was so much fun to see the girls on stage! 

Their dance studio did an amazing job putting on a wonderful show! 

Emma loved when the Sugar Plum Fairy came out! 

Emma bowing before she exited! 

Alexa was the last to leave the stage! 

It was such a fun experience for the girls.  I am so proud of them!



Alexa's good friend Reagan was Claire.  She was beautiful and did an amazing job! 

Papa and Grammy and the girl's cousins came to see one of their performances.  The girls were excited to have special people in the audience watching them.

It was a great way to kick of Christmas season at our house! It is starting to feel a lot like Christmas.  We just need a little snow now!

The Big Black One

For the last couple years there has been a lot of talk about "The Big Black One" at our house.  The big black side at Wild Water West is a little intimidating.  My girls have gone back and forth the last two years about when they were going to take the plunge and try it.  I was just fine with them waiting a while to try it because it even makes me a little shaky in the knees.  

I have no idea what did it but one day the girls decided this was the day and the summer they were going to try the "Big Black One!" I of course quickly grabbed my camera. 

Alexa was going to try it first.  She looked so little but was coming down with perfect form.  Her legs were crossed and arms were across her chest. 

When Emma came down it was obvious that she was flailing a little and all form went out the window.  

Here comes her landing.

They were all giddy with excitement over their accomplishment.  Everyone wanted to talk but no one could get the words out fast enough.  Eric was reenacting Emma's decent and they were all giggling.  

Alexa said her stomach felt shaky because it was a little scary.

Guess who liked the thrill of it all? Yes, Alexa went for round two.

I loved catching their reactions at the bottom!

Emma decided to try it again too.  This time her feet were together but she tried the sideways approach! I love that girl. 

Just can't avoid that major water wedgie :)!! The girls were very proud of themselves and talked friends and cousins into doing it throughout the summer!  We will see if they can talk their brother into it next summer! 

Two Ballerinas

The girls loved dance last year and waited patiently to see how Max adjusted before we jumped back in for the spring recital.  The girls were very excited to be part of dance again.  This year they were in a class together which made it easy for all of us. 

 Alexa continued to improve on the base that she built last year and was very precise as she practiced her moves at home.  

Emma was excited to be in Alexa's class but was a little nervous as it was harder and the expectations were greater.  She rose to the occasion and worked hard and asked Alexa to practice with her when she felt like some of the moves were hard.  

My brown eyed girl!

My blue eyed beauty!

I loved watching these two sisters work together this year and grow in the process.

It is always fun to see all the girls getting ready for their big performance.  Their is excitement in the room! 

The girls were with their class doing different activities until it was their turn to be on stage!

 Grammy got to sneak back stage and see the girls before their big performance.  The girls were a little nervous because they had the wedding the night of rehearsal so didn't get to practice on the big stage. I was a little bummed because I didn't get a chance to video their performance or take pictures of their group because you can only do that during rehearsal.  The girls did great and didn't look a bit nervous.

They got hugs and kisses from papa when they were done! 

They loved their flowers from their daddy! 

Great job Alexa and Emma we are so proud of you! 

The Royal Wedding

The girls were so excited to watch the Royal Wedding.  We talked about it as it approached and the girls were so excited they they were going to be able to watch a real princess wedding.  I knew this would probably be a once in a life time for the girls so we decided to make it a special event for the girls in our household.

We made one of our favorite scone recipes for the big event.



While the scones were cooking we got ready.  The girls got their fancy princess dresses on and Alexa asked me if I could put a fancy dress on too.

The tea was brewed and scones beeped in the oven ... we were ready.

We all got cozy and ready to start our English Tea while we watched the Royal Wedding.

Of course a tea party isn't complete without the sugar stir sticks.

All the sugar makes the tea worth drinking!

The girls were mesmerized as they watch the parade and then finally the wedding.

Alexa kept saying if she was Kate she would be really nervous because so many people were watching her. I couldn't agree more.

We made so fun memories as we watched the Royal Wedding together.  I loved chatting about all the details and parts of history with the girls.  I am sure this will be an event in history that they will remember fondly.