The Wonder Ball

Last Saturday Clint took Mallory and Hadley to The Wonder Ball - a father/daughter dance hosted by a local non-profit.  The girls were very excited about the ball and were very happy to wear their flower girl dresses from last summer.  I was excited for a night alone with Shelby (who went to bed at 6:15!) and happy that their flower girl dresses still fit!

They got home around 9pm and were bubbling with enthusiasm.  According to stories, they danced, played in balloon lagoons, had their faces painted, made wands and ate ice cream.  

It's hard to say what experiences will sink in with your kids and leave lasting impressions or memories.  But to my untrained eye, this seems like something they will remember for a long time.  Both girls seemed to feel it was an extra special night that they shared with each other and their daddy. 

I love witnessing the energy Clint devotes to our girls.  They probably think all dads are as involved and enthusiastic as their dad - but I know that isn't the case.  We are a lucky group of gals to have Clint in our lives! 

Springing up

Evidence of a spring growth spurt at our house...check out how grown up both girls look!

4 Years

4 years ago, Hadley Helen came into the world as a dark headed, chubby wonder.  And now look at her!  Lovely and light with a sparkle in her eyes and a sunshine that seems to follow her.  

It is appropriate that she adores anything "fancy" and "golden" and "sparkly" because she is all of those things and more. 

Hadley's birthday party was a fun-filled backyard affair.  We had great weather, tons of kiddos and enough ice cream to feed the whole 'hood.  

Nana and Amanda were the artists in residence.  They earned their ice cream several times over by face painting (which morphed into bracelet, ring, necklace painting).  I think Mallory and Hadley together had a combined total of 10 things painted on their bodies. 

We scored these cute green cups from our local fro-yo shop.  The kids decorated their cups before they built their own ice cream sundaes.  

And lastly, we had our first bouncy house in our backyard.  Hadley chose the castle version because to her, this entire party was a 'princess party'.  I decided to not confuse things by continually reminding her it was an ice cream party. 

We had the mirror outside so the kids could see themselves after having their faces painted.  Shelby was quite taken with the mirror.  SO cute!

Toolin' around town

We have been working with both of the big girls on getting comfortable riding their bikes.  Mallory scored a new bike (sans training wheels) and Hadley happily adopted the hand-me-down bike.  We have found some good places nearby with smooth wide sidewalks and gentle curves and hills.  I think another couple of training sessions and they will be off and running, er, biking!  

For the sake of the girls and all those around them, we are making sure they know how to brake before turning them completely loose.

Notice the add on basket.  Mallory didn't care at all which bike she got as long as we added a basket. 

 Hadley "helping" give Mallory a starting push.  Mallory kept smiling for the camera which meant she would inadvertently turn her wheels.  Eek!

 This is what being a dad of 3 girls looks like...helping one learn to ride a bike, while another trails behind in a costume and sweater and the third chills out in the stroller.  There is no doubt that Clint has his hands full!  

And for that reason alone, I won't comment on his black socks.  Oops.  I guess I just did. 

Hadley - unhappy about something, which unfortunately has been the theme for her these past few weeks.

Hadley's turn

 

Notice the bulge under her sweater...that would be from the built in wings from her ladybug costume.  I am choosing my clothing battles carefully...and since she agreed to wear her soccer uniform this weekend, I tried to look past this humpback style.  

My subjects

I am taking a photography class at a local arts school and I am getting various levels of cooperation from my primary subjects.  

One won't put down her spoon, even for a moment to smile...

One thinks I really care about seeing her ice cream more than her pretty face...

And one knows that if she smiles and smirks enough, she will claim all of the attention for herself!

While my pictures may not be the best in my class, I am certain my subjects are by far the cutest!

The individualist

Both Mallory and Hadley have started playing soccer for the first time.  It has been an interesting experiment so far, particularly for Hadley.  Check out the difference in week 1 and week 2...

Walking to the fields.  Hadley insisted on wearing a skirt and I was certain she would be the only girl there not wearing shorts.  But I didn't worry too much about it because I knew she would be given her uniform at the field.  I figured she would want to put it on right away.  WRONG on both accounts!

Once we were at the field, Hadley reluctantly put on her shirt.  She would have no part of the shorts.

Hadley was not the only one in a skirt...

Not sure the point of this move but they were practicing putting their heads on the balls

This picture and body language pretty much sums up Hadley's attitude during the entire practice.  

Fast forward to week 2...

Hadley asked if she could wear her princess dress (Halloween costume from 2 years ago).  I let her wear it and instantly her attitude about soccer did a 180.

The girls played "Catch the Monkey" with the coaches wearing a monkey tail.  Hadley loved it!

One of our objectives of playing soccer is to expose the girls to team sports.  So I am hopeful that another week or two in her princess dress and then Hadley will be ready to be a "team player" and wear her uniform.  We shall see.  At least she is having more fun!

Some other pictures from both weeks of soccer