Dance Recital - 2015

The girls participated in their annual dance recital this last weekend.  It was Samantha's third year (but her first time dancing in TWO dances) and Sophia's first year.  They were SO excited ... even on the dress rehearsal, which was on Friday night.

For the dress rehearsal, Steve stayed home with Jack and my mom went with me so that she would have a chance to see the girls dance.  Then on Saturday afternoon, she stayed home with Jack and Steve went with me to watch the recital.  It was the perfect plan.

We arrived at the high school in Lansing early so that the girls could get their pictures taken before the rehearsal.  I opted to have them pose together (far more economical), so Samantha wore her ballet costume to complement Sophia's costume.

Waiting in line to have their picture taken professionally:

After they had their picture taken, the girls quickly undressed and we left in search of a quick dinner.  We had to go to Plan B for that ... rushing through it ... but managed to make it back in enough time to get the girls dress, yet again, and head down to the auditorium.  With a few minutes to spare, the girls got to play around on the big stage before the rehearsal began.

Sophia was completely in her element.  She loved everything about it -- the make-up, the costumes, the lights, the size of the stage and the music.

My girls all dressed up and ready to go:

I recorded their dances and then only used my camera to take one or two pictures; its difficult to do both!

Here, Sophia was exiting the stage after they practiced their mini finale:

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful Spring day for the recital ...

Getting ready to load up in the van to head to the recital:

It goes without saying that Sophia absolutely LOVED her costume.  After all, pink and purple are her two favorite colors.

And when did this girl turn 12?  She looks so grown up to me.

In the backstage dressing room:

One last picture before I left to join Steve in the audience:

We are so proud of the girls.  Sophia was able to join us in the audience after her mini finale (ten dances after the start), and she watched the remaining show on our laps.  She did well for having to sit there for two hours while I kept running back and forth to check on Sam and help with wardrobe changes.

Afterwards, I got the girls changed and we headed to a special dinner at Applebee's.  They have been begging to go for quite some time, and it was special to have a meal with just them.  And Jack?  He was a perfect angel for Grammy!