Ballet & Basketball

The girls have both been participating in ballet this past school year.  Unfortunately, the studio is set-up so that parents are unable to see their little dancers while in class.  However, two times a year "parent observations" are offered and we get a sneak peek into class routine.  Watching Audrey's class was more humorous than anything, because an adorable class full of girls dressed in pink, with buns in their hair, attempting to perform an arabesque or a plie' is truly a delightfully sight.    

Amelia's class was a bit more serious including an unconventional teacher who uses phrases like "that looks icky" or "yuck" frequently.  At times she has struggled with class and is not especially fond of her teacher's choice phrases, but acknowledges that she has improved under the direction of a skilled performer.  

Will Amelia return to dance class next year?…the jury is still out.  

Avery and Amelia also participated in basketball this winter season.  Unfortunately, the procrastinator in me took zero pictures except the ones you see below.  Amelia started the season not liking basketball and ended the season loving the sport.  This is the first year she was able to play with a team of girls and it made all the difference in the world.  She went from being timid to being slightly timid, which is a huge improvement for Amelia.  The best part of the whole season was watching Amelia get excited for practice and games!   

First Reconciliation

During the school year Avery and Amelia have been preparing to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion.  The preparation process has been a journey that has involved church commitments and religious education at home.  As part of the homeschooling experience I felt called to incorporate a preparatory religious curriculum that has been both educational and personally rewarding to teach.  From a curricular stand point both kids have gained a personal understanding of how and why an intimate relationship with God through religious experience is important.  From a spiritual standpoint both are attempting to create a personal relationship with the Lord.  I feel both honored and humbled to be part of the religious and spiritual development in all my children.   

The day after we returned from skiing the kids had their 1st Reconciliation at our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.  They both prepared a confession list and did an examination of the conscience, covering the 10 commandments.  I was surprised at their personal honesty and willingness to share their less desirable acts with an unknown priest (6 priests present to accommodate all the children and all the sins:).  Both commented on a personal feeling of content after their First Reconciliation.  It was a good experience filled with personal and spiritual growth.  They make me proud and I feel so blessed to be their mama!!!  

I can't help but notice the priest in this picture, with an eye that has the appearance of concern,  and  I can only imagine him saying…."you did what?"

Steamboat & Skiing

 For spring break we headed to Steamboat Springs for a fun vacation filled with snow!  Immediately upon arrival the kids were thrilled to find plenty of white stuff covering the ground and enthusiastically jumped in the snow without donning appropriate gear.  They quickly realized that doing so without hats, gloves, boots, and snow pants makes playtime in the snow a bit wet and chilly.

Upon arrival we immediately signed all the kids up for ski school.  This was Audrey's first time while getting to be a bit more routine for her siblings.  Avery was stoked to ski some blue's and prayed for a ski instructor that would quickly bypass most greens.  His wish was granted and then some.  Amelia was quite apprehensive (no surprise there) and whimpered down the first bunny slope she skied down.  She was all too happy to stay on greens.  Audrey was somewhat indifferent, obediently following her ski instructor around cones, utilizing as wide a 'pizza' technique as possible to maintain complete control of the situation (also no surprise given her personality).

After our first day of skiing, Avery begged to be reenrolled in ski school because he wanted to do more "tree skiing" with his instructor and other boys….hmmmmm.  Amelia was all too happy to return to the comfort zone of others like herself.  Audrey was still indifferent.  Shane got sick. I skied by myself most of the day and amazingly finished the day unscathed.

On our third day we all went tubing, Papa included.  Tubing is always a great way to end a ski vacation, a little thrill without the burn.  

On our last day Avery pled for more skiing professing his love for the sport, ranking it #1 along with football.  Amelia was sad to be leaving extended family.  She had fun with Papa!  Audrey LOVED tubing and requested more tubing and less skiing on our next trip.