The Show

I just wish Mia's hat had been pushed back a bit so her eyes weren't shadowed over.

The little kids came out at intermission to sit with their families. I got the girls each a dozen pink roses.

Sydney and Amy, the only other senior student at Columbia Dance, did a duet that they choreographed themselves. It was incredible.

The photos of this part of the performance had to be edited a bit. The lighting was pretty minimal and they turned out pretty dark. Thank God for PhotoShop.

All the students went up and danced the Hoedown Throw Down for the finale.

I'm so glad Sydney and Mia stood together for it!

Sydney right after she came out of the dressing room to see us.

Sydney and Amy. Their last performance together.

Sydney and Miss Jeanne, the owner/director of CDA.

They say all good things must come to an end. (Who the heck are "they" and why do "they" get to say all the cool stuff?)

As parents, we are continually enjoying the "firsts" that our children go through...first steps, first words, first day of school. Now that Sydney is almost 18, I'm faced with more "lasts" than I'd like. I've found that I like the firsts a lot better. They are much easier to deal with than the lasts.

Last night was the dance recital. Sydney's last. Hopefully the 2nd of many more for Mia. It hit me when the curtain went down after the final performance.....I'm so going to miss watching Sydney dance. Over the last 9 years she has become an amazing dancer. I find myself reflecting back to her first performance when she was 8 years old. They danced to "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast. I had no idea then that she would continue on to become such a beautiful dancer. I'll borrow a line from "Stayin' Alive." Watching Sydney dance is "like watching smoke move." Her grace and beauty on the stage also brings to mind the image of watching water flow. I can't describe how proud I am of the amazing performer she has become. Many times my eyes filled with tears when I looked at her up on that stage. She was in 5 different dances last night. It wasn't enough. I wanted MORE. I could literally sit and watch her for hours.

Yes, they say all things must come to an end, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

Congratulations, Sydney, on your wonderful performance last night. I love you. And to you, Miss Mia...your performance was also wonderful. I hope for continuing to watch you dance! I love you!

We ended the evening with a trip to I HOP to eat. We were all famished. Thomas made a funny comment while we were eating...."How come I don't get roses after I play a soccer game?" Careful what you wish for buddy. You never know....I just might bring a dozen red roses to your next game.