Little Stars Showcase

Emily had her first recital with her Irish dance school last weekend and it was spectacular.  It wasn't a recital - it was a like a Broadway show!  The beginner dancers have their own recital and going into it, I was really disappointed that we weren't going to see the more advance dancers, which was always something I looked forward to when the girls took traditional dance.  Boy, was I in for a surprise.  The recital begin with singing and dancing, as close to 100 dancers took the stage to sing and dance to the opening number.  Then, amazing advanced and showcase performances were sprinkled in with all of the beginner dances.  Even though Emily was only in two numbers, we were not disappointed with the performance, as every minute of it was spectacular.

The dress rehearsal.  They don't actually wear their costumes for the dress rehearsal, which was something I had major difficulty grasping.  As did other moms, based on the fact that at least 20% of the new dancers showed up in costume. 

Finale rehearsal. 

Singing and dancing. 

Video of Emily's dance, taken at the dress rehearsal.  It was so much better at the show, they were much more focused, but this will have to do.

Beautifully detailed costumes.

A little practice before the recital....

Spring Concert

The Spring Concert was last week and it was really a great show.  The Cadet and Advanced Bands both performed, as well as the sixth grade chorus, the seventh and eighth grade chorus and the Praise Team.  Elizabeth is in the Cadet Band, which is made up of only fourth graders, all in their first year playing an instrument.  Truth be told, their performance is a bit painful - although such a huge improvement over their concert in December.  And then, once the Advanced Band plays, you realize how amazing things will be in just a year, as they are so good.  Elizabeth and her classmate are the only flutes in the band (Cadet and Advanced) and so will continue with their semi-private lessons next year. They both play really well and it's been fun to watch Elizabeth really advance in her playing.

Double trouble flute players.

Elizabeth and Laila have two "solos" in this song.  

Ode to Joy

   

Olympic Theme

Power Rock, like you've never heard it before.

20 Years

Lee's 20 year high school reunion was last Saturday and we spent the day at the Groton School.  The weather was gorgeous and we were able to reconnect with some of his closest friends from high school, which was wonderful.  They are such wonderful people and have married the most amazing women - it was just such a great way to spend a Saturday.  My conversations with two other spouses over dinner will stay in my heart for a long, long time.  Lee really enjoyed seeing so many old friends (some who he hasn't seen in 20 years!), as well as showing the girls his old stomping grounds.

The School House was definitely one of the favorites. 

The girls enjoyed finding Lee's name (and Uncle Mike's) on the wall. 

Elizabeth has become obsessed with Groton School over the last month or so, and peppered Lee with endless questions. She has her heart set on going there for high school already. 

Groton School boasts many distinguished alumni (including Lee, of course) and Elizabeth was determined to find President Roosevelt's name - and she did!

Lee's name is also engraved on a trophy in the Athletic Center, as he won an award for sportsmanship and character his last year.  This discovery led to a wonderful conversation about how important character is - even more important that being the best athlete. 

St. John's Chapel 

On the steps of the chapel.

Class of 1994 photo 

The 2nd generation, trying to break into one of their dads' old dorms.  We were eventually successful. 

In the library. 

Hanging out at the boat house. 

A little soccer before dinner. 

Keep Calm and Lax On

Elizabeth is playing lacrosse again this spring and is loving it.  The girls league merged with another area girls league and the result is that she is playing with girls her own age.  The games are completely chaotic and so much fun to watch.  It's so obviously that all of the girls are having a great time and they've already played seven games, which is five more than they played last year.  We are all loving this crazy sport.

The face off.

These are all from Lax Day - which was freeeeeezzzzzing. And very eventful, as Elizabeth took a ball in the forehead and got pulled out of the game.  No concussion, or symptoms of concussion (she's hardheaded, after all!), but later in the day, she also took a ball in the forehead in soccer (and was immediately removed from that game as well).  Hopefully, our concussion-conscious country will implement helmets in girls lacrosse before she hits high school.

Elizabeth splits the face-off duties with another player on her team.  The other girl is definitely better at it, but Elizabeth is getting better with every game.

This was their second night game - under the lights, although you can't really tell.