Let the Leah Love continue...

As promised, here is a photo of Leah from her dance recital. They were supposed to be Hawaiian girls - the headpiece and lei may work, but I don't know about the white leotard & tights - even Leah thought that was off. Also, their "skirts" were pastel chiffon ribbons...a far cry from grass. But whatever. They were rented, and we didn't have to buy them.

As I anticipated, Leah was the girl on stage making sure she had her steps correct (even though I screwed up her big chance at stardom) and kept her eyes pretty much glued to her teacher in the wings. She was also trying to direct another girl towards the end of the routine...my little know-it-all. I don't know WHERE she gets it.

It was Leah's idea to pose by the stockings, which I did make myself a couple years ago. Mom made this amazing dress for her to wear this Christmas, and informed me that she'd like to have all her granddaughters wear it. She's ambitious, that lady - she's already aiming for multiple granddaughters!

I love that it is different from the other little girls' Christmas dresses out there - no chiffon, no tulle, no glitter - but lots and lots of ribbons! I also especially love the Asian feel it has, from the Mandarin collar, and the turned cuffs...it's just unique.

Also, I actually styled Leah's hair. You can't see it here, but she has two little red bows on pigtails at the back of her head. Soo cute. Leah's Christmas program was Sunday, and she sang delightfully. There's nothing like a choir of 4 and 5 year olds to choke up a mom.

Ben, on the other hand, suddenly came down with a serious case of the bashfuls, and fortunately I am a helper in his age group, so it was okay that I sat with the kids and held Ben on my lap for their whole section. He refused to open his mouth OR do any of the signs, and even grumped at me when I tried to "help" him. Oh well. (And yes, I KNOW he's only 2, but there were several other kids his same age up there both singing AND doing actions...little buggers.)

And on the topic of stockings (yes, we were on that topic!) Aaron and I each have our own right now, but I'm debating whether or not we should retire ours and turn them over to Ben and Leah. Then, I wouldn't have to make another one for the baby, AND we'd have an extra for a possible 4th! Or, I could just suck it up and make another stocking already.

Folks, I am in a crazed state the last couple of days. Posts may be scattered this week, but I'll try to at least get photos up. I feel like this is the week before our 4-H Achievement Days (or the county fair, to other 4-Hers out there) with all the baking and sewing that is going on...that never happens the other 51 weeks of the year.