My dancing (and soccer) girl

Hadley decided to switch things up this year and try something new. She gave up ballet for jazz; gave up basketball for soccer; and gave up piano for my sanity (she gets to try again in the fall, but only if she promises a better attitude!).

She loved the change in dance. It was more mellow than the last few years of ballet. Once a week compared to two times, she got to go with 3 of her friends and a dance teacher she loved. This is a note from her teacher:

I wanted you to know that Hadley is the best one in my class. She works hard and it definitely shows in how much she's improved from the beginning of the year. She always pays attention and is the kind of student every teacher loves to have in class!

Thanks,
Jamilyn

She had her dance recital last week. Her costume came with specific hair and make-up directions. Hair parted on the left in a low pony-tail. Eyes with purple eye shadow, mascara, heavy blush, and light lipstick. Hadley had so much fun with the make-up. It made me a little sad to realize how quickly she's growing up and she'll be wearing make-up, just for everyday getting ready stuff, before I know it! She loved looking at her eyes and kept saying, "I look so different!"

Brinley, Megan, Adi and Hadley

Grandma and Grandpa

"Enchanted" Dance

Dinner at Gepetto's after the recital

Hadley was excited to try soccer this year. But once it started, she was second guessing her decision. She was nervous out on the field and insecure around all of her teammates who had all played soccer for several years. Even though it wasn't her favorite thing, she played soccer all fall and improved a lot. But when the spring season rolled around, she didn't want to have a thing to do with it. She had a full blown 9 year old temper tantrum on the ride up to her first spring practice. I had to drag her out of the car, kicking and screaming, to her practice. And had to run back to the car faster than she did so she couldn't get back in. After the practice was over we talked about what it means to sign up to be on a team, how the team is depending on her and that there is no backing out until the season is over. She didn't have to sign up again but had to finish out the current season. And that her attitude would determine everything. It could be fun but it would all depend on her attitude. That was the last of the temper tantrums. She developed the confidence that she needed and became a great soccer player. And guess who asked if she could sign up for soccer again next season?