Day 2516 | Dance Competition Weekend

We got to observe just a couple of dances yesterday—today was the big show! Anni was incredible (as always!) and we all enjoyed watching her perform so much.

It was a bit of a bittersweet day today, though, as this is probably the last dance competition I’ll attend. Anni’s graduating this year so we won’t have anymore dancers. Sniffle, sniffle. I’ve enjoyed participating in these event so much over the past 15+ years. And even with all the crazy stuff going on (having babies, raising babies, dealing with my own kids’ activities, etc.), I still managed to make it back for a competition most years. It brought me much joy to witness all the hard work and practice pay off. It’s been truly inspiring—I’m one proud aunt.

Day 2504 | He's 11!

Check out this 11-year-old! He had the best day ever: restaurant breakfast, game day with his good friend, two birthday desserts, family pizza dinner, and oodles of presents.

I feel lucky every day to be his mom.

Day 2503 | One Last Night

Tonight is the last night the boys will be sharing a room. I’ll give you a minute to pull yourself together. Sniffle, sniffle.

Chase decided it was time to move out on his own so he’ll be venturing across the hall tomorrow night so that he can wake up in his new room on his birthday. That’s a big deal, right?

Don’t be expecting a big room reveal tomorrow, though. At this point, he’s got the necessities in the room and that’s all—a bed, curtains up, a fresh coat of paint, and new carpet. We’ve got big plans for the rest, and it will come eventually. For now, it’s nice that he’ll have to visit his old room once and awhile to get clothes and whatnot.

Day 2501 | Piano Competition

On Saturday, the boys participated in a piano competition held at the local university (we even walked!). Both of the boys rocked their pieces—they had to memorize three songs each—and aced the theory portion of the competition, too. It was a fun way to spend a Saturday morning and was a nice example of how hard work does pay off.

*Photo above from the practice room before the boys played for the judges.