Symphony Circus

Mamie and Pops gave the girls Discovery Series Symphony tickets for Christmas. It was really great. It was great music and wonderful dancers and the girls really had a ball. This theme was the Circus and the dancers were dressed as clowns as you can see. There are 3 shows in the season and I definitely think we will get season tickets next year. The only bad thing is the time, 2pm, because the girls still nap and they were really tired by that night. By the sounds of all the other kids there, everyone was in need of a nap. I wish they had a 10am time. Oh Well!

The clown ballet performs

Our riveted audience

The guest conductor was even dressed up as a clown

Joiner enjoying the show. She was our most drowsy!

Carly showing her enjoyment

Taking a bow

Thanks Mamie and Pops!

Swimming Lessons

The girls started swimming lessons last week at our YMCA. They have asked to take swimming lessons forever and I don't know what took me so long, but they love it. They were so excited to be there that they just sat on the bleachers waiting and randomly laughing. Joiner has trouble with strong emotions and she either laughs or cries when she is happy, surprised, sad, or just basically overwhelmed.

They are in different groups in their lessons, always a good thing. Here is one teacher coming to get my babies and take them to the pool. These pictures are all a little dark, but you can see their white bathing suits and pink goggles.

Sitting on the wall and waiting for instructions.

Going in one by one. Joiner started out really stong and I guess they thought she was doing really well, so they let go and she just sank. I was taking a picture of how well she was doing and I get this picture of her little head under the water. She got really scared after that and she held onto the teacher the rest of the lesson. She has gotten much braver the next few times.

Ready to jump in

Just hanging out

Carly in for a few laps with her teacher

Carly on her way back to us after a successful lesson

Daddy was having a pretty good day and was able to swing by for the last few minutes. Of course he is the only one looking at the camera!

We got these little swim vests this weekend and the girls and I can swim together after I work out on Mondays and Fridays. It is really fun and they both do really well. Plus it really helps with their lessons when we can practice.

Daddy/ Grumpa- Daughter Dance

The Children's Museum had a Daddy-Daughter Dance on Saturday night. The girls asked Grumpa to be a date as well. They were so excited. I had bought new dresses at the Gap outlet in Blowing Rock when I was with the Youth ($8) that I got with the idea for Christmas next year, but I pulled them out in case they wanted to wear them and, of course, they did.

Gigi helping Carly get ready Joiner in her new dress

Gigi and Joiner getting warmed up for the dance

Carly all dressed-up

We bought wrist corsages and they thought it was the most wonderful thing ever. Daddy helping Carly put on her flower.

Grumpa helping Joiner

You can see that Carly is not one for the camera:)

Joiner and Grumpa

Daddy and his girls

The party girls

The whole dance gang

Once they got to the museum, they went upstairs to eat and pose with the donut truck!

Joiner with her pizza. Apparently the drink of choice was some kind of fruit punch thing and if you know my kids, this was a highlight!

Carly and her pizza

After dinner, there was some time to play before the real action started. Joiner with the wishing well.

Carly fishing

Then off to our favorite place, the grocery store. This was my favorite place when I would visit the museum with my grandparents, so I never mind coming here. I have only ever shopped in formal wear before sorority parties, however:)

Got to get a donut hat.

The the dancing began. I think we are doing the YMCA at this point. Both girls were very impressed that Grumpa knew this dance.

Carly in the moment

Dancing with daddy

Learning the new dances

Apparently, once Carly was on the stage, she didn't want to get off. You can see they are both having such a good time.

Daddy and Carly

Joiner and Grumpa
More dancing

Groovin' with Daddy

Daddy hug

After the dance, they went to Krispy Kreme to pick out a donut. I think it was the best night of the girls' lives so far! Mom and I tried to go out to dinner while they were gone, but apparently people celebrated Valentine's Day early and every single restaurant we went to was packed. We had a nice meal at Panera! I guess since we don't normally celebrate Valentine's Day that I was out of the loop with the popularity!