The Little Mermaid - Allegro Ballet Recital

Seoul and Sydney both took dance at Allegro Dance Studio this year. They really enjoyed it, although admittedly they don't always love going to class. The ballet recital was a performance of The Little Mermaid, which was perfect because they love the story. Seoul was a seahorse and Sydney was a crab.

Seoul was offered the opportunity to switch classes to one that was a bit more fast paced. She didn't know anyone in this class but it has turned out to be a good choice. I'm pleased watching the differences in the dances between the two classes.

Sydney is so high energy that the crab dance was perfect for her. Plus she got to dance with her cousin Ella, who was the chef.

Seoul refuses to smile while dancing. She is very focused. During the 2nd performance I was indicating a smiley face, and she fully shook her head at me. Totally made me laugh but she did have a slight smile on her face since she knew she communicated.

Sydney told me she couldn't go on stage because her legs were tired already. Just from walking into the building.

Both girls had the nervous pee, which makes me laugh every time.

Seoul's favorite part of dance is being on stage. Surprising? Yes! She fights going to class the most but loves dancing in front of the people.

Sydney was so excited and focused on her part she actually pushed the girls in front of her while performing. Not intentionally, but just to make sure she was in her place. Two out of three performances she did that. Sigh.

Both girls LOVE getting flowers.


{Here are all the pictures... had a hard time choosing. They are marked by a slide in between each performance, though.}

Running time 3:06

Preschool Field Trip: Pump It Up

Lucky Sydney girl had two field trips in one week! Lily's Pad Learning hosted their trip to Pump It Up the day after we went to the fire station. Surprisingly Sydney was scared, even though she has been on bouncy slides numerous times. Honestly I think she was feeling a bit hesitant because big sister Seoul wasn't there to be with her. Although she runs at 110 mph, there is a bit of timidity hiding in there. She went enthusiastically up the big slide, but then sat up there and cried. Poor girl. I climbed up and went down with her. Then she was off and running... at least on that particular slide. I had to go up one more slide to help her out. She played mostly on her own. Sierra was extremely timid and couldn't really do anything on her own. James just had fun wandering around, although he tried so hard to be a big kid and climb everything. Good times!

I love this girl, and I'm so glad to have the opportunity to spend time with her!

Preschool Field Trip: Fire Station

One morning we went to the Fire Station to get a tour and talk to the firemen. They were so great at talking at the kids' level and keeping things moving right along. The kids got to look around the fire station and see where the firemen/firewomen eat, sleep, watch tv, and work out. I'm not sure if they were intimidated, but they were all surprisingly reserved. Then they got to go into an ambulance and fire truck. One fireman talked about emergency procedures and then showed them piece by piece the gear they have to wear. He kept them entertained. It was a lot of fun! Then we hit DQ for a yummy treat... but I was the only mom that got her own ice cream cone ;/

Just yesterday (2/3) we saw a fire truck in a waiting area near our house. Sydney said excitedly, "I see our friends! They are the men we saw at the fire station!" So fun to have that memory.

Thanks for coordinating this, Jessica!

OMSI with friends

We jumped at the chance to go to OMSI with friends. This cool museum is so fun, but it's always helpful to have another set of eyes on the scattered kids. The girls are funny because they clearly remember the gift shop and the binoculars we got there last time. Once we got inside they remembered all the previous exhibits and events we saw. Oh, to have such a good memory! They enjoyed running around and checking things out. James clearly did NOT want to be contained in the stroller this time.

James enjoyed the rotating chain and the feeling of it on his fingers. He would do his high-pitched scream when he was excited... which was often.

Sand. Always a favorite... they could play in it for hours probably. Then play doh and arts & crafts. Seoul really liked the magnetic shapes to make her own pattern. Sydney did enjoy the science exhibits. From the various science-y things we have done over time, she really shows an aptitude for understanding the logic and science behind the experiments. (This must be from Kelley's side of the family - ha!)

The kids had a lot of fun! I'm glad we were able to go and have fun with friends.

Sydney is 5, oh my!

Our lively Syd-Syd is a whopping 5 years old! She has been looking forward to this for so long, of course. She said she doesn't feel any older or bigger, but she feels happier. When she chooses to be she is extremely loving and helpful, but she has learned to assert herself and emphatically declare, "NO!" when asked to do something. Discipline is always a work in progress with her since everything boils down to her choosing and the mindset she is in. Her enthusiasm for everything {she likes} is contagious! As they say, strong-willed children become great leaders, right? We love her to pieces!

 

Of course our tradition of breakfast donuts and chocolate milk continues. I failed and forgot the birthday banner, which was pointed out to me numerous times.

She chose Red Robin for dinner. Just for the sundae of course. She is very good about sharing her treat with the sibs.

Her friend, Natalie, brought some yummy cupcakes so I was off the hook making a cake this day.

She is beautiful, exuberant, loving, and so very willing to share. She loves being in preschool (both co-op and Lilly's Pad Learning). Her enthusiasm to learn and grow is fantastic. She has even started reading words and doing math. She took on the challenge of learning to ride her bike without training wheels this past fall and accomplished it with minimal injuries. She loves ballet/dancing and dressing up. She also loves soccer and t-ball and motion. I'm pretty sure this silly kid doesn't realize she is constantly moving and making noise of some sort. Her smile lights up the room and her laughter is contagious. Happy birthday to our sweet Sydney and may this coming year be filled with even more fun.

Snow!! {for real}

The first Sunday of the year was a snow day!! Total surprise to wake up to white... not a lot, but enough to make some hearts happy. Yesterday {Saturday} Seoul asked if we could go up to the mountain tomorrow to play in snow.When we awoke to snow, she exclaimed, "My wish came true!!"

We had Sacrament Meeting only, then the rest of the meetings were cancelled. The girls were in heaven that they could go play in the snow! We bundled up and spent a good couple hours outside running around, making snowmen, playing with our friends and their sled, and of course a little light saber action. Great memories made!

Oh, Kelley and his silly expressions!