Ballet/Swan Lake

Catching up with some special moments of 2011

(Dress Rehearsal for Swan Lake)

Cassidy was able to take Ballet lessons for three months last Spring. Her friend Hannah was in the same class. It was always nice to see our friends each week.

About taking ballet classes, let's just say...Cassidy got through ballet. It wasn't always her favorite thing to do. I would encourage her to keep going and it helped that she knew she would be performing in Swan Lake at the end of the three months. Probably her favorite part of dance class each week was when they could run and jump around the room and sit down and push their legs off the wall for fun. She would also run towards me during class and give me kisses and hugs (I actually didn't mind that). Sometimes I wonder if she would have done better without me there though. But I really enjoyed watching.

At the end of her instruction classes she had the chance to be in the "Swan Lake" Production, that Rachael's dance studio puts on. Rachael rents out a high school auditorium. It was a new experience for us all. She loved wearing her ballet costume and was excited about wearing make-up. But then got tired of make-up after a couple of dress-rehearsals before the actual show. She doesn't want to wear make-up until she's much older now except she still loves lip gloss. Daddy's happy about that!

Cassidy did such a good job on stage. She was so cute!

Cassidy with her friend Hannah

Cassidy with her ballet teacher Miss Jessica

Dressing room prior to performance. The girls had so much fun being together.

Cousins Erin, Damien, & Lydia came to support the little ballerina

Daddy gave his little girl flowers after the big show

So proud of our little girl that endured to the end!

Cassidy's teacher was Odette, the Swan Princess, in the performance

This Spring we went to watch the Spring Ballet performance "Coppelia" to watch Cassidy's friend Hannah perform.  Her Ballet Teacher, Jessica played Swanilda.  It was a beautiful performance.  After the performance Cassidy told me she would like to give Ballet another try.  We'll see what her future holds.

Welcoming...

Cassidy is excited for all of you to meet her new pet and friend... GEORGE. Oakley our dog, is more of the family's pet who became part of our family before Cassidy was born.  George (the Betta fish) only belongs to Cassidy. She is already taking good care of him, and enjoys talking to him. It's probably a friendship that will last forever.  It's also a great way to be responsible for something she cares about. 

Cassidy's 6th Birthday!

All Cassidy asked for, for her 6th birthday (Gotta love that girl)... a "Happy Face" Birthday cake, a bag of Cheetos, and some Squinkies. Pretty easy for her little heart to be content.

Derek and I decided since it was a "Friend Birthday" this year and we have saved some money, we surprised her with a party at Build a Bear with her friends. She was pretty excited!

On the way to the party...Cassidy was crowded with those happy face balloons and enjoyed every minute!

Here we are at Build A Bear. Derek told Cassidy she could pick out any animal she wanted...no matter what the cost...and the one she picked was an adorable white bear that was the least expensive. We love how content she is with things.

                             

Before the kids added stuffing to their animals they were each given hearts to put inside their animals with a wish and a kiss with love.  Each of Cassidy's friends added an extra wish and heart to put in her bear.  It was so cute and sweet to see the kids faces on how serious they took it and how tightly they closed their eyes to make a wish for Cassidy and for themselves. 

The kids with their new friends

Tyler, Emmeline, Reganne, Cassidy, Sheridan, Zoe, Alyson, Hannah

Silly Face Picture

On our way out with our new friends

"Fluffy" Cassidy's New Bear

Ready for Cake with our friends

My attempt at making a Happy Face birthday cake.  Cassidy was really happy about it.  Cassidy's favorite colors are pink and yellow

Cassidy making a birthday wish and blowing out the candles

Cassidy picked out lemon flavored birthday cake.  I thought it was a unique choice.  It was a hit!

Opening gifts: Princess Paper Dolls, new wallet, giant coloring books and crayons, school bag to decorate with markers, barbie doll, homemade cards, decorative garden stones, jewelry beads, outfits for stuffed animals, candy...

Cassidy invited some of the girls she adores that babysit her. (Isabel, Tara, & Olivia)

Actual Birthday morning

Cupcakes for Birthday treat for her kindergarten class.  Snow on the ground.

Birthday girl with her Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Panek

 

Cassidy had the choice to eat out for dinner but insisted we eat at Mamio's.  Her mom's kitchen.  Birthday Dinner, Menu: Spinach Cheese Ravioli, Caesar Salad, Garlic Toast

 All the birthday girl asked for, besides the happy face birthday cake