Cut! That's a Wrap!

We are tying up the 2015-2016, as well as our six years in Blacksburg, with festive ribbon these days. Our hearts are heavy because they are full. 

Adele finished preschool Friday. 

Pictures from the dance party her class had during the last week. Miss Pam & Miss Pame are in her heart forever! She's gained so much self-esteem and so many skills and abilities from her year at Blacksburg United Methodist Preschool.

Miles finished first grade, his second year at Gilbert Linkous Elementary. This is a seriously special school. He's struggling with leaving it behind!

GLE is part of his identity

He'll be a Belmont Rattler next year. Still a reptile! We point out

The kids also finished out their dance year with sparkling performances at their recital. 

From the dress rehearsal.

They've come a long way in the two years they've been in dance. Adele does actual ballet around the house now, not just free movement. Both have increased confidence and body awareness. 

Adele especially has gotten much better at performing. She smiles, keeps up (for the most part) with her classmates-- all of whom, by the way, are older and bigger than she is-- and has greater control as she does her steps.

She still has trouble stopping out of a chasse, though!

Miles is still a dreamy dancer, but he's he's more present and with the other dancer than he was. These videos are from the dress rehearsal, so bear with the director's shouts, and take my word for it that he smiled a lot more and was a lot more with the choreography in the actual recital. 

Anyway, we were proud, and glad we had them participate. Even if the recital still seemed overdone and ridiculous in places (it's an expensive costume show, in a lot of cases, rather than a demonstration of skill). Even if the theme was painfully stretched in places (Monaco= Princess Sofia song? Get Better Boogie= Canada? Hot Hot Hot= Mexico?). We playfully ribbed on the studio a bit, but it's been a great experience for these two. 

Can't wait to see what they pursue in Pueblo!

We had to have a classic Pirate House Fire, of course. 

with s'mores

We'll miss this. 

But we're off! 10 days and counting until we shove off. The packing is underway. I am in my last handful of days at work before I am a full-time packer and mover. As long as we close on time (fingers crossed!) we got this. 

And they are so ready. (read his sticker!)