Emma's Dance Recital

Our little Christmas tree performed her heart out in front of hundreds of people today, and she rocked it! Have I ever seen her dance so well? Aside from rehearsal, never. Was this mama proud? You better believe it.

Here's part of her performance:

We love you, little ballerina!

Emma's Dress Rehearsal

This fall Emma has been taking dance classes with Tara Cluck Dance Center. Tonight was the dress rehearsal before the big holiday performance on Sunday. The 2-3 year olds class Emma is in is the youngest age group at TCDC. I wasn't sure what to expect when she was on stage with her three little classmates, especially since for the majority of the classes I've had to wait outside the studio so Emma would participate in class. Would she come through and actually follow along with her teacher, Miss Michaela? Would she come screaming off the stage? I had no idea.

I certainly didn't expect this, though:

Not only did she participate, but she had the packed auditorium in a fit of laughter. And her mama, because this is so typical of Emma. She does things her own way and in her own time, and she doesn't care what anyone else thinks. This little tutu snafu has inspired a new phrase in our family: When life throws you a curve ball, just pull up your tutu and keep dancing!

Visiting Santa

This year, Emma is so excited about Santa Claus and the idea of Christmas. It's been a lot of fun including her in our holiday traditions, now that she's almost three. (Yes, a year has gone by since I last posted!) Our poor sweet second child, though; after visiting Santa she thought we'd be opening all the presents he brings to us. Guess this mama did a poor job of explaining how this Santa visit thing works.