Beautiful Moments

We were so lucky this week to experience a whole series of beautiful moments, in full costume, backstage and from the audience, as the girls danced in their recitals. Standing in the wings, I got to see them from up close as they danced onstage. It's as if I had a special pass to see everything they had to offer the world written on their faces as they presented themselves to the audience. From my perspective, each and every dancer was truly beautiful from the inside out, and it choked me up to witness such unvarnished innocence, even under all the lip gloss and tulle. I was so involved in the moment, I didn't even take a picture of Ruby in her snow-white ballet costume, or Golda in her jazz costume. In their modern dance, Golda and Ruby were moonrocks. It was very cool.

Into the whirlwind of bobby pins, tutus and pink tights came Freestone's Fantastic Four Birthday Party. Jake and Freestone came in costume and MADE the party! They had to quickly locate a phone booth to change in, however, for the water slide part of the festivities. All the superheroes got their own personalized grey t-shirts to wear while they're not saving the world. Since all the guests were kids who play here all the time, I didn't do much besides keep the cake, ice cream and hosewater flowing. Easiest party ever, and not one evil villain in sight.

Today, a funeral made me slow down after the rush of recital week and reflect on what's important. Scott's Uncle Elmer passed away, a man I'll remember most for unceremoniously making me feel accepted from the first time I met him. His children and grandchildren make up a close-knit family of people who would take you into their home without question if you knocked on their door right now. That's an example I'll treasure and try to emulate.

My parents returned yesterday from a trip to France and Switzerland. The kids are so happy to have them back, they've been sneaking over to their house constantly since Coco and Bill walked in the door. There's no time for jetlag when gifts are burning a hole in your carry-on. Xanthe was so excited to open her delicate little package. It was a beautiful Heidi doll wearing a dirndl and little shoes. Gorgeous. Xanthe tore off the paper and shouted, "Bubble wap! Tank you, Coco!" Eventually she noticed the pretty doll inside the bubble wrap, but I'm still not sure which gift she liked better.

Freestone loves collections. He has a candy collection, a rock collection, a seashell collection, a collection of cardboard pieces under his bed. My new collection is beautiful moments. Life is so full of them, there's no time to lose. Our mission is to notice them, revel in them, create them and share them. I have a whole jar full of them, and I'm adding more tomorrow. Do you want to help?