What a day!!!

What a day I say with great relief and happiness!! Grace had her first communion and 2 dance performances yesterday and I couldn't have asked for a smoother day!! I was very anxious to say the least about how our busy day would play out. We started off with being to church way too early but worked out well to get some pics taken. Grace shared her first communion along with who she calls "her best friend" Carly from her 2nd grade class. They also had CRE classes together and her teacher was Carly's Mom. It was a very nice service and Grace really enjoyed it. I have to say she looked quite beautiful. I was so proud of myself that I was able to her tiara to stay put on her head and her hair cooperated with me nicely on Sunday, ha!
After we left church we went home to change out of her communion dress and redo her hair and put on makeup for the recital. The show went really great and Grace's group for her competiton routine was a hit! The group really looked like they were having a blast and playing it up for the crowd. Of course I cried seeing her up there as I usually do. It is just so empowering to see her up there with no fear and such stage presence. I can't wait for you all to see the video! Her tap dance went very well even though they surprised her class at rehersal by adding on another 6 dancers from the Beloit studio that were also doing the same dance. It turned out to be just fine.
After the first performance we had a nice late lunch at an Italian restaurant in Beloit. Grace and I then headed back to the school for the second leg of the recital. This time she just had to do the competition dance. I got to have fun helping backstage lining all the dancers up! We ended our day heading home from Beloit at 7:30 that evening. Whew, what a day! What a special day I should say!!

Grace's Big Day

Grace has a big day to look forward to this coming Sunday! She will have her first communion! Along with that her much awaited dance recital!! Not sure which she is more excited about. She is so excited to have her family there to support her and show off her dance skills! I tend to get a little sad though during theses times when I know my family is not able to be there with Grace and us as a family. I understand it is a day of travel from a ways away but it makes me sad that they aren't here to be a part of these big days in Graces life.
Grace is so proud of all of her hard work in dance and can't wait to show it off. As for her communion. I am really happy with how far she has come to understanding her faith. She had a meeting with Father a couple of weeks ago where he asked her some questions about reconciliation and communion and she blew me away with her faith and understanding. I just hope that some day I can accomplish the same. Needless to say I am still struggling to find my direction of faith.
Well, Grace I wish you the best of luck in the start of your relationship with god and can only hope you continue your path of great talent and interest for the art of dance. I love you baby girl!!