Summer Dance

Today was the first day of summer dance class.

Brooke loved it. I could tell she had missed it.

This was Lily's first time doing dance and I think she was a bit more interested in checking herself out in the mirror...at every angle...then actually dancing. I think she will enjoy it even more next week when she is more used to the class :)

Jack & Caroline were a little bummed they were not in the class...so I made sure to take some pictures with them pre-dance.

Standard "Pose Off"

 

Group Shot!!

Family Reunion....Buchheit Style

BUCHHEITS

This weekend, we a Buchheit family reunion-the first that the Fleming family has attended.

We had a great time...and I think mom was feeling pretty BA with all those "You are now entering Buchheit Country" signs around every corner....and I mean EVERY corner.

Matching t-shirts are awesome.

(www.justmeapparel.com For all your family reunion needs!)

Dinosaur poses are awesome too.

There were self imposed contests.

Pie eating, wheel barrow racing and the classic hula hoop competition.

Let it be noted that I still ROCK the hula hoop.

Even mom got in on the fun!
Totally awkward hula hooper though...

See those cows in the distance?? Kids love cows.

Ending the day with a classic family photo...with a little Lily on the side.

........

I have the best time when I am out with my friends....but it is super sweet to return to these girlys...

Happy Summer

PS-Can you belive it is almost July???

Mom(s) Night Out

This past weekend, I headed to Chicago to celebrate my friend Bethany's 30th birthday. I cannot believe that so many of us are turning 30 this year...and that I am next. We had a FABULOUS time.

We had dinner at Sabor Saveur where I tasted the fruit of the cacti. We then headed to a local hot spot Innjoy where I danced like it was 2001. Total blast.

Thanks to Bethany for hosting us and showing us such a GREAT time! I think that I need to make more frequent visits.

Weddings cont...

Last weekend we had another Fleming family wedding-this time on Grandma Mary Anne's side. We couldn't make it to the actual ceremony due to Brooke's recital, but the girls were rearing to go for the reception!! All they could think about was dancing. The second we got there, Brooke was asking when the music would start.

Things have really changed for us 'adults' at weddings these days. Whereas we used to enjoy cocktails and conversation, we are now dance partners for our daughters...where they run the show and we wouldn't have it any other way :)

Brooke was quite the 'big girl' at this wedding. Maybe she was still on a dance high from earlier in the day. She even requested songs for the DJ to play (Katie Perry: Fireworks...of course).

A Happy Family picture..except totally not our family :)
Hanging with cousin (soon to be DR) Mike!

Kiddie Cocktails are the BEST!

Caroline really came to play that night. She entered her first dance circle (you know-the standard ones at weddings) and broke it down with a bridesmaid. She finished by high fiving everyone in the circle and was given mad applause. I couldn't be prouder :)

And we are not done yet! Another wedding to come in July!

PS-Yes, we were the same dresses to EVERY wedding. They are monogrammed and I will get my use out of them!

Dance, Dance, Dance

Ok, just one more day of dance posting :) If you didn't know already then you do now...but Brooke had her dance recital on Saturday! She was amazing. For the girl that acted shy 50% of the time in dance class....she totally rocked the stage. Sparkles, lights and make-up must work for her.

Her great-grandma Mary Jerry would be Oh.So.Proud.

Stage Smile

With her teacher Miss Jeannine

The studio wouldn't let us take any pictures of video during the girls performance. I ordered the professional video and as soon as I get it, I will be attempting to post her two dance online.

The dancing will continue this summer! Brooke is taking class all summer long-after a week break-and her cousin Lilly will be joining in the fun! We cannot wait!!

So you think you can dance....

Since Brooke and I were watching SYTYCD last night...

I thought I would share a preview of dance #1 "Walking on Sunshine" that will be on stage this weekend.

This was following dance pictures a few weeks ago.

We don't usually get this glammed up for glass (i.e. WAY high bow and hot red lips)

Dance Week

This weekend is Brooke's first dance recital. I am not sure who is more excited-me or Brooke.

Who am I kidding...I am WAY more excited.

A couple of weeks ago, we had our dance pictures. I don't have the professional ones yet, but here is a sneak peak.

Getting Ready!!

Ballet Dance
"Me & My Teddy Bear"

Tap
"Walking on Sunshine"

Last day of practice before the stage on Saturday!!

Go Cardinals!

This weekend we had a last minute treat. Uncle Brian, Aunt Lisa and Mary Ellen were in town and called to see if we wanted to join them for a Cardinals game. I had not been to a game since I was preg with Caroline and Brooke had been asking to go to a game for awhile now. Caroline would be sitting this one out. We just didn't think that she could handle sitting still for all those innings.

It happened to be the best first game to go to for Brooke. Ariel and Flounder, along with Elle Woods, were there to throw out the first pitch! Brooke was so excited....but a little confused as to why there was no water...

Mid-way through the game, we headed to the Family Pavilion. They have an air conditioned video gaming area, batting cages and a mall-like play area. Brooke loved it. It wasn't the coolest place to be (it was the only time she broke a sweat all evening) but she was having a blast!

There was another little cutie that was having a great time too! Mary Ellen had it right by wearing ruffle diaper cover only. It was so fun to play with her!! I mean, she is crawling, pulling up and doing a super cute dance bounce that I got to see-love this girl!!

It was the BEST first Cardinals experience for Brooke and mom & dad had a great time too-didn't even mind the record breaking heat we had that day! We cannot wait to go again!

As Brooke would say, "Go Birds!"

18....

Guess who's almost 2??

Well...she is not quite 'almost' 2...but we are half way there.

I cannot believe that our baby is 1.5 years!

 

Caroline is full of energy. From the second she wakes up with a HUGE grin on her face...until she is put in bed...crying a bit because she doesn't want to miss out on any of the fun!

She has grown up quite a bit these days. She now has a bedtime routine of sitting in her PBK chair and picking out 2 books to read (usually the same 2 every night) before reaching for her bed and laying right down.

Caroline is also totally obsessed with hugging. She hugs everyone. She also doesn't agree that one hug is sufficient. She usually requires 3-4 consecutive hugs before she is fully satisfied. I am not sure how all of the hug receivers feel, but I am a huge fan.

She is putting up with her big sister who still wants to totally be "in charge" "the leader" and "first." I have a strong feeling that Caroline will only be putting up with this a bit longer before she takes charge-she does have quite the personality.

We are officially running. She loves to go all the way up the hill in the backyard and charge down it. Sure, she totally wipes out, but no tears from this girl! Much to my fear...she has also decided she wants to be a big girl and climb up to the top of the swing set..just like Brooke. I am on constant watch now.

Caroline is talking so much more and people other then Gary, Brooke and me can understand her! I love her little raspy voice and laugh-it's the best.

Jumping. This is her new favorite thing in the world. While she has yet to get actual 'air time' she is almost there. Just ask her to jump and she will flash that toothy smile and go to town. Dancing is also a fav and I have a feeling she will be joining big sis in class in no time. The last two weekends we have also discovered we have a fish in our family. While Brooke has always been a bit more cautious around the lake and the pool, Caroline jumps right in. Now when she sees her puddle jumper, she lunges for it. Swim lessons here we come!

Can you imagine what the next 6 months leading up to TWO will bring??

Love this sweet Caroline.



A Wedding Weekend

This past weekend we had a family wedding.

It was super fun...until we had to ask our daughter to leave the dance floor at almost 10:00 p.m.

Caroline, our newest addition to the dance floor, was a maniac...

This was right before she younger the other girl to dance....and when rejected...pushed the little girl down on her back.
Lovely Caroline.


And then Caroline started getting wild...this will only be cute for the next few years :)

We told Brooke it was time to leave...but then Cha Cha Slide came one (which we then thought of Tracie..not sure why??!!...) so we stayed just a few min longer...in our p.j's. :)

Happy Wedding Weekend Beth!!