White Christmas

We were all hoping for a white Christmas this year and Michigan did not disappoint.  There was not much snow on the ground when we landed in Grand Rapids, but as we headed up north there was plenty.  On Sunday, we went to Timberlee Hills to try out snow tubing, a first for both John and Elizabeth.  Elizabeth was the youngest kid on the hill by at least five years but she loved it.  

Elizabeth was very happy to see that Santa was able to find her at Mimi and Grandpa's house.  She had a very successful Christmas and received all kinds of wonderful gifts.  After spending the morning opening presents and putting toys together, we headed outside to make a snowman, but discovered that the snow wasn't wet enough for packing.  Instead, Elizabeth had fun sledding in Mimi and Grandpa's yard.

Suited up for snow tubing

On the rope tow with Dad

Incoming!

Baking cookies for Santa with Mimi

More winter sports fun

First Dance Recital

Elizabeth's first recital for her dance class was last week.  I had been waiting for this moment since we found out that we were having a baby girl.  At this early stage in the program, the "recital" was just the parents observing what they do every week in class.  All of the girls were so excited to have their parents in the audience, including Elizabeth.  Unlike most of the other mothers, it did not occur to me to get a special tutu or dance skirt for Elizabeth to wear with her standard leotard and tights for this performance.  I need to catch a "Dance Moms" marathon to learn the ropes.

Waiting on the blue line

Demonstrating "pizza feet" (first position)

Warm ups

Riding the bike

Tiger walk

Time for tap

Don't ask

Proud Daddy

First Trip to the Dentist

At three years and two months old, Elizabeth was probably slightly overdue for her first dentist visit.  We found a great pediatric dentist just down the road from us who came highly recommended by our neighbors.  Elizabeth was very cooperative during her x-rays and cleaning, although she told me later that she didn't really care for "Mr. Thirsty" (the straw that sucks out the water from your mouth).  However, she was completely mesmerized by the TV on the ceiling.  Here are few photos from the appointment (my iPhone camera didn't take well to the bright light shining on Elizabeth's face):

Ready for x-rays

Big fan of the special sunglasses

Open wide!

 On an unrelated note, John took Elizabeth downtown today to see the huge Christmas tree in the lobby of his building.  The outing was a big success - Elizabeth loved seeing the big tree.  It's hard to tell, but Elizabeth is in fact standing in front of the tree in this photo.

Dance Class Preview

Elizabeth is in a dance class at school on Monday afternoons.  Every Monday morning, we pack her Capezio dance bag with her pink leotard, pink tights, and ballet and tap shoes.  Elizabeth is very tight-lipped about what goes on in dance class, and usually refuses to demonstrate because I don't have the right music at home.  Miss Shasta, Elizabeth's dance teacher, sent this video out to the parents this week so give us a preview.  Next Monday night is "Parents Night" at dance class, and I can't wait!

The video is here:
http://vimeo.com/54062665

The password is Kinderdancin.