Dance, Take 2 & Why We Are Done Having Babies

Remember when Lainey started ballet last year?  It didn't last long.  If you remember, the instructor was considering teaching out of her home, but decided it wasn't a good fit for her family.

I'm almost positive it wasn't because The Starnes and McNamara girls were signed up.

Almost positive.

Regardless, we're giving it another try.

This time, at a formal studio with lots of structure and rules and expenses.

In fact, we will spend more this year on ballet and tap than I did on my first car.

True story.

But, how cute is this?

This child was put on the earth to dance and twirl and be Lainey.

I love it.  I love to see her face light up.

I did not like, however, managing kids while trying to figure out how this whole operation works.  Measurements, recitals, dance tights, tap shoes, ballet shoes, leotards, costumes, etc, etc.

Too much.

So, I shall be finding alternative arrangements for the boys moving forward.

Here are Lainey's costumes.

Mary Poppins for ballet and Wonderful World for tap.

They are so over the top cute.

These two goons are a sight to see.

Allison and I didn't know what to do.  They are such a mess.

I will be shocked if they are anywhere near each other on stage come recital time.

So, why are we done having children?

Because if we were to have a 4th and she turn out a girl, we'd be in the poor house.

We're pretty close already.

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Kids are out of school Friday and Monday.

Carter is off to Disneyland with friends and we're staying put to celebrate Rylee's 5th birthday.  Angry Bird style.  I'm not entirely sure what an Angry Bird is, but I will figure it out tomorrow.

Up early and off to La Jolla in the morning. 

Night!

Her First Ballet Lesson

I was as nervous as Laine.

Because this was my first lesson, too.  As a child, I never took Dance.  This will be detailed in a long list of grievances regarding my childhood.......coming soon in memoir form.  OK, probably not that soon.  I've got a few things on my plate at the moment.

Anyway, I always wanted to.  I think every little girl should.

Except for Shiloh Jolie Pitt.  That wouldn't work.

The crew.

Lainey Caroline, Rylee and Cailyn.

"Give us a ballet pose, girls!"

(((said the paparrazi Allison and me)))

They obviously have some work to do.

Better.

Allison will have fantastic pictures b/c she's even more aggressive than I am when it comes to getting a good shot.  Unfortunately, we won't see those pictures for several months. 

Love ya, Allison!

You can check out her blog here, btw.

Today was a trial run.

Lainey glowed the entire time.  I'm pretty sure her little 3 year old mind was about to burst with happiness. 

After researching options in our area, Allison and I settled on a very laid back option.....a dance instructor who just left her former studio is doing lessons at home......perfect.

Can you hear her squealing?

I honestly believe this might have been the happiest I have ever seen our sweet daughter. 

 I cried.  Real tears, people!  It was very emotional for me.

Jack didn't cry.

In case you were wondering.

Can you see me there in the background?  I am giddy.  Had a blast watching my girl.

But, don't worry.  Our dainty little ballerina shredded her tights at the Davidge house later in the evening trying to keep up with the boys.

 She's not all "girl".

Keepin' it real, folks.