A year of dance

It was a great year of dance for Haley and Hannah!  They were invited to join Tribute Dance Company, which is the competitive dance group at our studio.  This meant about four extra hours of rehearsal a week, added to their 12 hours of regular classes, but the girls did not mind one bit.  We went to three competitions throughout the year.  Two in Sacramento and one in San Diego.  Then we went to Las Vegas for a week long dance extravaganza.  The girls both did incredibly well at each of the competitions.  They learned a lot and had so much fun.  For the end of the year recital in Bakersfield, Hannah was cast as Jiminy Cricket in the ballet, and Haley was one of four girls chosen to be a snow princess on pointe! The girls love to dance, and I love to watch them perform!

The kid's got moves!!!!

For the past 3 years Ben has had the priveledge of attending an after school group for young adults with disabilities. He joins them three days a week and participates in such activities as bowling, movies, skating, sports, shopping, eating out, visiting museums, and playing at the park.  At the end of this school year, the clients put on a talent show with the help of the staff.  It was fabulous and I am so very grateful for people who go above and beyond to provide enriching activities for these youth!!  Ben thought he was a rockstar!  Do you recognize him in the blue shirt with the wig?  His group performed a Jackson Five song….and let me tell you…..they rocked it!! The boy in front on the guitar is Ben's very best friend, Chris.

Ben's new ride….

Bike riding is one of our favorite family hobbies. Unfortunately, we had a big problem... Ben was not able to join us.  We had a very small "tag along" bike that Ben had outgrown, and he was not capable of riding a bicycle by himself yet…..so we came up with a solution.  We bought this beauty!! It is a perfect way for Ben to safely join us on our family outings.  Ben loves this new bike.  

The girls were excited to give it a try as well!! 

Hurray for family bike rides to Dewar's!! (Our favorite ice cream shop)

Impromptu photo shoot