Nana, Ba, and the Boca Ballet

On June 10th, Grace and I flew to Florida so she could spend two weeks staying with Nana and Ba while she attended the Boca Ballet Theatre's summer intensive program. When you are 10, it is pretty cool to get spoiled by your grandparents every day! Nana drove Grace to ballet each morning. When she picked Grace up in the afternoons they went on an afternoon adventure that included things like: shopping, swimming, going to the beach, getting a manicure, playing Calico Critters, eating ice cream, and going to iHop.

The Boca Ballet's summer program was 5 hours of dance each day.  Grace was nervous at first, but by lunch time on the first day, she had made friends with the other girls.

By the second week, Grace was very comfortable at the new ballet school.

She said she loved Miss Ines, the instructor, who seemed to be very nice to the dancers.  I flew back down for the final class demonstration where the students showed what they had learned that week. They danced to music from "Don Quixote" and there was even a boy in the class - Ross Patrick!

Grace's fan club all came to cheer her on!

Sleepovers are S'more fun!

Grace and Gabriella decided tonight was a great night for a sleepover.  So, we made S'mores, watched a movie, and (hopefully) they will be off to bed pretty soon.

Gabriella also just completed 4th grade. She lives in our neighborhood but she goes to a different school.  This is a new friendship, but we hope it becomes one that lasts.

Like a Native American

We went for a family bike ride.  This is the "before" photo.

And then the rain came.  It was a huge downpour and we sought shelter under some trees (don't worry - no lightning!) like Native Americans must have done.  I think.  I don't really know.

We. Got. Wet.

Defend the Land

Last year, the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Finals.  It was a pretty cool accomplishment and one that was especially important for people who grew up in Northeast Ohio as the teams here had not one a sports finals in a LONG time.

I don't like to watch sports on television.  It is much better to be there as part of the action.  But, given the ticket prices for some sports, that is not always possible.  But, in celebration of an early Father's Day (since Grace will be in Florida for Father's Day this year), we went to the Cavs "Watch Party" at Quicken Loans Arena for Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

It was quite a party!  The arena was sold out and everything was the same as if a game was happening there....only the game was on the big screens.

There were plenty of things to do - make a sign, dance, eat (of course!), watch the entertainment, etc.

I think Grace was surprised at all the action.  We hoped to get on the big screen, but this "selfie" was all we got.