Toes!

Every girl needs pretty toes for vacation!  This morning, we are headed to the "Land of Eternal Spring".

Wild Water Kingdom

This summer we decided to get season passes to a water park about 20 minutes away.  They have a lot to do - slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a splash area - and (this makes me happy) the water is really warm!  We took two of Grace's friends from school with us for a few hours.  Grace, Alyssa, and Devin had a great time.  My favorite part was the giggles in the back seat on the way home when they played all 200 sound effects on Grace's iPod.  This is where deep breathing and the ability to tune things out comes in handy!

Meet "Bill"

Bill is a female (yes, you read that correctly) "roBOX" that Grace created this week.  There are multiple faces for when she is happy, sad, and surprised.  And Grace recorded an introduction on her iPod in a robotic voice.

I love our lake!

Because you see things like this!

Cell phone dump

Like everyone else in the world, I use my cell phone camera to chronicle the day-to-day happenings around here. It makes it very easy to post to Facebook and to send photos so family and friends who live far away can be a part of our lives.  Today, I was "cleaning up" my cell phone photo album and laughed at how the photos show Grace's true, funny, goofy personality and some of the silly things she does.  So, here is a cell phone dump from the last few months.

Grace found this burlap coffee sack when we were having coffee and dessert at a little shop in Hudson.  We passed on buying it, though - $50!

As the ballerina's hair gets longer, we try to find ways to keep it under control.  The side pony with a headband is one of my favorite styles.

Off to ballet class!

At El Campesino for her birthday dinner.

Sometimes I think we are living with a teenager.

There is a kids' clothing styling service called Kidpik.  You go online and complete a style profile and then you sign up to receive a box of clothes.  You only pay for what you keep and shipping is free. These next three photos show what Grace got in her box.  We kept it all!

Tennis, swimming, and golf all week at Old Train summer camp.  She had a great time.

Cooling off...don't ask!

Splashing in the sprinkler

I remember as a kid growing up in Brooklyn, my dad would put a sprinkler head on the fire hydrant so we could all play in the water on hot summer days.  Here is our version using the garden hose!

The grass is getting watered and the girls are having a great time.  They built an obstacle course through the water spray.   I love when they are outside and being creative!

Just fishin'

Summer is in full swing around here - camp during the day and fishing with Camryn at night.

They were catching bass and bluegill.  I bet Buddy would like some dinner!

It's a choice

Last night, Kyle and I took a "date night" cooking class at the Western Reserve School of Cooking. After the class was over and we sampled food as good as any restaurant, he commented how no one was on their phone - texting, taking a call, or posting to social media - for 3 hours.  That is a big deal today.  I felt the same way about Grace's recital today.  At times, I really wanted a video of her dances so I could watch (okay, critique) them again.  But then I thought about just being present and enjoying the moment for what it was.  Grace did great.  Driving to her call time, we talked about "Confident" being her theme song today.  And, it truly was.  She was so beautiful and poised on the stage.

So....all that being said, I only have these two photos of the finale (far right, waving) and in front of the HCB sign.  It makes me really happy I was there for the rehearsals to have a handful of photos to remember this stage in Grace's life.

Dress rehearsal

This weekend completes two years that Grace has been dancing with Hudson Conservatory of Ballet. This year, she has danced three days per week - almost 6 hours - taking ballet and jazz classes.  Their spring recital (or "review" as the directors call it) is Sunday.  With the slower pace at work now that school is done for the summer, I was able to volunteer in the dressing rooms.  Here is a little glimpse of the backstage world of our little dancers.

Grace and Addison

They are dancing to Katy Perry's "Firework" for their jazz dance.  Uncle Chris thinks these outfits are too short!

Last costume change for the night.  Grace is one of the few who are in the jazz number and then have to quickly change into ballet again.  She was hot and tired, but still gave me a little pose (only because I told her it makes Ba happy!)

In the car on the way home, Grace said, "This is a lot for a 9-year old".  She added that Mr. Eric (the headmaster) gave her some things to work on - smile, strong arms and legs, timing, and not to look at anyone else - and she needed to think about all that before Sunday.

Aubrey and Grace helping to clean up.