Little Girls' Dance Camp Week

 Last week, Maisie and Ruby participated in a fun dance camp in town.  My niece joined us for the week so that she could go along.  It was one of those weeks in life where you know that you bit off a wee too much but wouldn't go back and change a thing.   The girls danced/sang/painted and basically had the time of their lives each day for FOUR hours.  Daphne, Henry and I did a few special things of our own while they were busy.  And then in the other hours of the day we spoiled Phoebe with things us "Riddle gals" love to do in our hometown...swim, visit our favorite ice cream shop, watch girl movies that her brothers would NOT appreciate, and also a variety of activities that aren't exactly special, but part of OUR every week, like the gym kid room, hours in the backyard and bedtime story time that goes on and on.

I loved the girl cousin time, and the leisurely things Daphne and I were able to do together....like lunch at the Sage, lunch on a bench in Carlton, and taking her girlfriends swimming too.    Was I exhausted?  Yes (there was lots of laundry, LOTS of lunches packed, and little fighting too)  But, you have to be intentional with relationships and Phoebe was worth it.  We'll do it again for sure!

The recital on Friday was the sweetest thing I've ever witnessed.  Ruby danced like-n a four year old "butterfly" should ....with total girlie-ness and pride.  You all would have died...as my sister-in-law or good friend.  All the girls were so stinkin' cute.  It really was a wonderful experience for the girls.

I can't close this post without saying that on top of all the busyness of our lives, the week was made more emotional with the announced move of my neighbor girlfriend and her special family.  After two years here on our block, they were headed back to their home state.  So, when I wasn't preoccupied with my charges, I was planning their goodbye bbq and feeling sad for our loss.  You will see Maggie, their eldest daughter in some of these pictures too.  She's the blond with the big brown eyes...a friend Ruby and my girls will surely miss!  Me too. 

It was a week full of memories for sure!

o