Surprise!

Chris Meneer, the director of Ballet Theatre of Ohio, called today to tell us that Grace's hard work has paid off and she will get her pointe shoes next Sunday.   This was her reaction:

This also means another 1-hour class each week.  On Thursdays, she will be at the studio from 4:30-9:00pm.  But she doesn't care - so EXCITED!!

Keep her little

Grace seems to be growing up over night.  I love that we have a combination of a big kid with a mind of her own and a curiosity about the world. She wants us to give her the freedom to go play at her friends' houses in the neighborhood without a chaperone to walk her there. She has been great about getting dressed in the morning without 100 reminders and she comes home from school and calls me every day, like clockwork before making a snack and "chilling out" until I get home. There is some talk about boys, going to the high school football game, and the Halloween dance.

But, then we have these times when Grace wants to cuddle, play with her Calico Critters and Lori dolls, and asks me to dry her after a bath, and lay with her before she goes to sleep.  I cherish those moments as I hold on dearly to my little girl. I just need time to slow down a little....

I guess the Tooth Fairy is coming tonight

Okay...Grace doesn't believe in the Tooth Fairy anymore. But, after having four teeth pulled today to make room for her adult teeth (and braces next summer) she deserves "Tooth Fairy Mom" to give her something for being so tough!

After "laughing gas" and A LOT of novocaine Grace slept for a few hours this afternoon.  And, then she went to ballet!

This was a big weekend

Fall was in the air this Friday night and Grace asked to go to the high school football game.  This was a first for us.  Kyle took her and watched her run around the stadium with many other 5th grade intermediate school kids who are in the "tween" stage and not sure what to do with themselves.

Another part of 5th grade is deciding if you want to be in band, orchestra, or choir.  Grace chose band and auditioned to be in the percussion section.  She made it (WooHoo!) but that meant that we needed to buy a percussion kit.  I had no idea what that was but it includes a snare drum pad, bells (really an xylophone), mallets, drum sticks, books, and a music stand.  All stored in a wheeled carry case.  And, good thing, too.  That baby is HEAVY!

This is turning out to be a great year at school with many "firsts".  I am so proud of Grace for trying new things and stepping out of her comfort zone.

Human pretzel

Grace was flipping for this new outfit Nana and Ba bought her to start school.  I think she likes it!