Abby, The Recital Veteran

Ellie’s first recital has now come and gone and now its time for Abby’s turn! Abby can now call herself a “recital veteran” as this is her second recital. She is just as excited though and this time I don’t think she is quite as anxious about it.
So, just like Ellie we spent the morning at stage rehearsal where Abby practiced her dances and enjoyed time with her friends. She did a wonderful job too. Its amazing how much she has grown and changed over the last year. She is so confident and proud of all of the things that she accomplishes and you can see it on her face. 
A beautiful arabesque at stage rehearsal.  So serious and intense!

After rehearsal we headed home for some lunch and rest. We sat and laughed and giggled as Abby worked on getting her hair done. Both she and Ellie opened recital presents from Grandma and Grandpa Taylor as well as Auntie Fran. Pretty soon it was time to leave and head back to the theater. It was showtime!

What a gorgeous girl. All prepped and now its time to just wait for the curls to set.
“Dumb Dog, Why are you following me?”
Telling Sandy no with a little bit of attitude. That’s my girl!
Abby was having so much fun up there!
“Let’s Go Fly a Kite” Both girls sure love to jump!
What a dancer! Abby was so proud of her “big girl arabesque”.
Another perfect arabesque and a beautiful look on her face!
Having fun even sitting and clapping along for the finale. I think at this point she was looking for us in the audience.

Abby and Ellie’s classes each did the same dance, so Abby proudly danced to “Dumb Dog” from Annie and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” from Mary Poppins. Being that this will be her last recital at Bobbie’s I thought it was very fitting that she had the chance to dance to a song from one of her favorite movies. Made my heart melt. Abby did such a wonderful job with her dances. She did such a great job of remembering them and dancing on her own. Shaun and I are so proud of her. What a very special night.

Of course after the show was over, Abby was happy to be the center of attention and receive flowers from us and her grandparents. She took pictures with her teachers, family and friends and would have stayed all night talking and running around with them if she could.

Abby and her wonderful teacher, Miss Elizabeth. We are going to miss her so much next year!
Abby with Miss Elizabeth and Miss Jess. I think she was getting a little bit shy with all of the picture taking.
Abby and Miss Jess. I guess she had enough energy to smile for one more picture!
Abby and her little friend Lilah. These two were thick as thieves all year long. Such cuties!
Abby and her very proud Auntie Jillian.
During Ellie’s class on Saturdays, Abby made friends with a few of the big girls who were waiting for their rehearsals. They loved Abby and always let her sit and talk with them while she was there. One of the girls I have known since she was only two years old. Boy how time flies fast!
Sharing a few hugs and smiles with Daddy. We are so proud of you!
Enjoying a dancer of her own on an empty stage.

Leaving the theater tonight was bittersweet. I was so proud of Abby and the beautiful dancing she had done. I couldn’t have been happier. At the same time I had a feeling of sadness. This would be the last time that we danced at Bobbie’s. It was almost like the end of an era. Between dancing there myself, watching my sister dance too, working there and then watching Abby and Ellie dance there too, there was a lot of history and fond memories. We wont be gone for good and I know that we will visit when we are in town, but it wont be the same. I only hope that we can find a dance studio in Seattle that they love just as much but there will always be a little something missing.

Despite the sadness, I was also happy to be moving toward something new and exciting. All moves away from the familiar are bittersweet and you are always leaving something behind but the unknown will also be exciting and full of new beginnings and new memories. So as we packed our beautiful little dancer into the car and watched her smile as she held her flowers I knew that she would always have these great memories as well as new ones in the future. All that mattered was that she was happy. A perfect night.

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