All Stars on the Plaza

It was a cold morning the Sunday before Thanksgiving and it was the one day of the season that the All Stars were scheduled to appear on the plaza before the game. It was also the day after our first snowfall. After getting myself mostly ready (my A-team was also scheduled to perform on the plaza) and then finding out that due to the cold the old ladies were staying home. At least the rest of my team stayed home where it was warm. I still had to go out with Anna. I put on some warmer clothes and grabbed a blanket then headed downtown. And it was cold!

The MVC All Star Purple team on the plaza. (Anna’s in the middle.)

Kicks were kept down a bit so as not to get injured in the cold.

Poms in the slush on purpose…really.

Dancing up a storm.

I think the move after this the slush went flying from their shoes into the crowd. The little girls in front of me loved that.

Still smiling despite the cold.

Anna and a friend.

Another friend and old teammate was a pleasant surprise to see.

Do we look cold?

Here is the team performing:

Sliding Like Otters

At the end of our fall hike, there was time to play on the playground that Ellie just happened to know about…(she’d been there on a school trip).

There really was a sign next to this slide that encouraged you to “slide like otters” on your belly. So Jeff and Ellie made like an otter…

Fall Photos by Ellie

Ellie did slow down for awhile…long enough to take a few photos.

Fall Outing

The weekend after our birthdays was absolutely gorgeous. We decided to spend the afternoon hiking at the Lowry Nature Center. Jeff had fun testing out his new video camera. I had fun taking photographs. And Ellie had fun exploring.

I’ve also made a few layouts already using some of the photographs from that day.

 

Jeff’s Birthday

Jeff’s birthday falls 3 days after mine and he loves to tease that we are the same age (at least for those few days each year). I baked a spice cake and Ellie helped with the decorations. (More sprinkles–because you need those on a birthday cake!)

Ellie had the coffee table all set for her Dad’s arrival home. The gifts, cards, cake and balloons all were in order.

 

Guess what they’re singing?

 

Father and daughter.

 

Ellie picked out this  little bear for her Dad. I think it’s so he has his own stuffed animal for when they play.

 

Jeff checking out some of his new classical music CDs.

 

New running shorts to help keep him motivated (and they’re not black).

 

Enjoying Anna’s card.

 

Anna’s clever collection of  Jeff-isms. Our favorite was Jeffy peanut butter.

 

Quite an original tribute to her favorite step-dad.

 

A Dad and his kids. Happy birthday honey–you’re still a year older!

Parent Nights at Dance

Last week parents were invited to sit in at dance class. Ellie’s was on Monday. They demonstrated how they stretch at the barre and on the floor. They showed all 5 ballet feet and arm positions and did a number of across the floor exercises. It was also the class where their recital costume is revealed and orders placed. Ellie’s class will be wearing a cute dress that has a white fitted bodice with embroidered flowers and a long, flowing, pink skirt.

I used these photos from dance class as part of a 30 minute challenge last Saturday to make this layout.

Anna’s jazz class was on Tuesday night. At her level they are leaping and turning all over the place. They do much of their work across the floor and it’s good to see that the instructor insists on working both left and right sides. Anna isn’t as thrilled with her costume, a black and red biketard, or maybe it’s the fishnet stockings that go with it. Anyway, I’m sure she’ll look amazing in it as always.

My Birthday

One week ago I turned 48 and I admit to being middle aged now. Besides the changing of my age, a lot of other things in life are changing. I’ve started a new job–so far just part-time, but I’m so enjoying working with a wonderful group of professionals. Physically I’m more aware of my diet, eating healthier, exercising 5 out of 7 days, drinking lots of water (and almost no pop) and minimizing sweets. And spiritually, my husband and I are in agreement with changes for our family. I am embracing these life changes, because, really what choice do you have?! I’m not in charge. So many of these changes are answers to prayers that I’ve had for so long. I’m excited to see where God is leading in my life and family.

Ellie and Jeff baked dark chocolate brownies and added pink frosting and sprinkles (because it’s just not a birthday treat without sprinkles).

Looks yummy!

One of my presents to start the holiday season.

Smiles on the birthday girl.

Celebrating with some of my kids…missing two (Brandon at college and Anna at tumbling practice). I did have a mini celebration with both girls after school at the Dairy Queen. Brandon sent me birthday greetings on facebook.

 

Us..aren’t we a cute couple! After our short family celebration Jeff took me out to dinner where I enjoyed a wonderful grilled salmon.

It was a wonderful birthday and I know it’s going to be a wonderful year for me.

First Cheer Competition

Anna recently started participating on a competitive cheer team in the area and a week ago her team had their first competition. It was an exciting event with many good teams.

Anna’s team really brought the energy and attitude and did everything they were suppose to do.

 

I was so proud of my girl and her teammates.

 

All three teams.  The youngest team took first place in their division. The senior team was there for support but did not participate due to too many injuries.

 

A third place finish was something to be proud of.

Cheering at the Diabetes Walk

Here’s a layout I made of Anna and her MVC All Star teammates cheering on the participants at last month’s Diabetes Walk.

Fall Layouts

“Piles of Smiles”

“Peter’s Pumpkins”

 

“Pumpkin Carving”

“Pretty Panda”

“Halloween Looks”