Ellie practicing her “Dumb Dog” dance at stage rehearsal.

After a successful stage rehearsal we headed home for lunch and a nap. Lunch happened, nap did not. That had me worried that a meltdown could potentially happen before, during or after the show or at all three moments. My fingers were crossed and I think I was holding my breath. She was so excited for the night that I didn’t want it sullied by not having a nap.

Ellie is all dressed and ready for her very first recital! Shaun is a great daddy for carrying Ellie’s costume bag, but I think we already knew that. It may not look like it here, but Ellie was ready to get the show on the road.

My beautiful little Ellie doing her Fly A Kite dance. She was having fun with her little friends. It makes my heart soar to know that she enjoyed it.

Beautiful arabesque!

Jumping and jumping over and over again. This was her favorite part of the dance to do!

“Dumb Dog, Why are you following me?” Nice big shuffles.

She actually sat down during this part of the dance! Usually she just stands there. I guess she didn’t like that part and for those who know Ellie, she doesn’t do anything she doesn’t want to do. My stubborn little girl.

My cute little cupcake. She loved this dance the most because of the costume. While the dance was to Dumb Dog from the musical Annie, she called it her “Minnie costume. She looked adorable!

Luckily the lack of a nap didn’t create any issues. Ellie was great and we even got a few smiles out of her on stage. Even though she seems so serious on stage its because Ellie loves to soak everything in. I know she was having fun though, because at one point in her ballet dance she spotted Shaun and myself in the audience. I waved at her and she waved right back with such an excited look. So lucky to have caught it on video too!

Ellie is all smiles with one of her teachers, Miss Jess. Thank you for such a wonderful year!

Smiles, hugs and flowers from Daddy! What a special night for both of them.

Mommy and Ellie are all smiles after the best first recital ever. So proud of you Ellie!

Ellie with her teacher, Miss Elizabeth. Ellie adores her! What an amazing young lady and teacher. She really has a gift with kids and as we saw tonight she is also a very gifted and talented choreographer. I think we will see a lot from Miss Elizabeth in the future!

The little dancer and her flowers. She didn’t want to put them down or have anyone hold them!

Ellie had one heck of a night and felt so special. Hugs and pictures with family and of course her teachers and then flowers from several people. She was all smiles afterwards and you couldn’t get her to stop talking about her wonderful night. We are so proud of you Ellie Belly! What a wonderful night for everyone! A little bittersweet but wonderful nonetheless. Love you Ellie!