Danjela is an Artist!

So last week, I was leaving Danjela's parent/teacher conference and ran into her art teacher in the hallway.  He looked at me and said, "Congratulations!"  The confused look on my face must have shown because he went on to explain that one of Danjela's pieces of art was chosen to represent her school for the Youth Art Month Celebration which would be displayed during the Arts and Humanities Center's Annual Art Show.

Needless to say, we're so, so proud of her!!

So tonight was the private reception and viewing for the "artists" and their families.  Danjela's art teacher, Mr. Lopez, also presented her with a Certificate of Achievement recognizing her hard work.

Her art - "Pattern Elephant" done in water colors

See!  That one's mine!

Danjela and her AMAZING art teacher, Mr. Lopez

Her "Certificate of Achievement" and her Happy Meal (her choice for dinner!)

So now we'll be off this weekend to get her some more art supplies!!

Ballet Class

This past Saturday was Parent Observation Day at Danjela's ballet class.  She has the same teacher that she has had for the past two years - Miss Erin.

Another One Bites The Dust

Danjela lost her second front tooth this afternoon!!!

1st Day of 1st Grade!

The "Back-To-School" Fairy left Danjela a present of a new journal and a pen to write her adventures in first grade.
(She started writing in it as soon as she got home from school!)

Special "First Day of School" breakfast of teddy bear and heart-shaped pancakes

Someone was very happy with her surprise!

Daddy's girl

On her way!
(And no, we did NOT let her walk by herself)

Someone else can't wait to go to school.
She even has her own lunchbox.

One last hug from mommy

On her way!



I baked some cookies for an after school snack.
She got home, we had some cookies and milk and she told us all about her first day.
She had a great time -- and yes, she'll go back tomorrow.



Danjela's Self-Portrait

Surprise!

First front tooth gone.  Second one starting to wiggle slightly!

Father's Day

Photos I took of the girls for Marc's Father's Day gift.  (We'll celebrate when he comes home!)  All three pictures wouldn't fit straight across - but you get the idea!

Vail

This past weekend, the girls and I spent the weekend at Vail.  I had to attend a military FRG conference (Family Readiness Group).  As part of my role as "den mother" to our unit's soldiers and families, I attended this conference to network and get some great information that will help me help our families now and during our upcoming deployment. 

While I was in sessions, the girls were with the Youth Program and having a ball.  Danjela got to ride the gondola to the top of the mountain and participate in activities up there.  Nadija and her group spent a lot of time outside at the park down on the riverwalk.

Even though we missed Marc (who comes home tomorrow!!!) we still had a great time.  Here's a few photos from the weekend!

My favorite photo of my babies!

Goofballs!

Village Square

Gondola rides to the top of the mountain.
(This is what Danjela rode!)

Mommy - can we please take her home with us?

Nadija chasing a bird

A local just checking things out!

Mommy!  He's eating my pigtails!

Ok - so Nadija is still sleeping in her crib and the hotel beds were, like, 2 feet off the floor.
I knew Nadija would roll off, so I set the girls up "camping style" on the floor with their DVD player.
The first night - not so good.  The novelty of sleeping together led to giggling, laughing, and general mayhem which was not conducive to mommy getting any sleep - so I had to separate them.
The second night went better since they were so exhausted from their activities!

Recital Day!

Today was a big day for Danjela!  It was Recital Day!!  Danjela was so excited that when I went into her room last night, she had her costume hanging on a little padded hangar with her hairbow in a plastic bag around the hangar and her tights hanging over it.  She was ready!

We had a GREAT dress rehearsal this morning - and after watching the other classes, Danjela has decided that she wants to try tap and maybe jazz next year too.  We'll probably let her pick one more in addition to ballet.  Fortunately, she'll continue on with her teacher Miss Erin -- who is the BEST ballet teacher EVER!

Below are some photos and the video of Danjela's dance.

Even though Marc missed it, we are both so very proud of her!!

Waiting to start



Fellow classmates




Danjela and her friend Beverly




Taking direction from Miss Erin





She said stand here and don't move......




Tippy Toes




First position



Danjela and the best ballet teacher - ever - Miss Erin

She's definitely got mommy's eyelashes -- and the same problem of smudging every time she blinks!

Being just like Sissy!



And spin......



And twirl........

And jump!

And jump again!

Hmmmm......what number is Sissy?

After performance pictures - just like a pro!



Me too mommy!



And this is my JCPenney Catalog pose......