Winter Concert 2014

The Winter Concert at AOC was last night and it was another beautiful moment for the school to come together and enjoy what these kids are learning. The set was amazing as always, and the kids did a great job of delivering their songs with gusto. Elisa seemed to enjoy her place in the back row (sorry, tall kid) and was animated and boisterous with her singing. Her friend Beckett was even more hilarious to watch wiggling and imitating the motions of our fab music teacher Mr. Alan. And I suppose it was a bonus that the whole thing started on time and finished way early since they cut all the grades down to two songs. My only disappointment was that the concert really didn't allow for the kids to shine. Each grade was on and off so fast I didn't really get to savor the performances. And they didn't do any solos or highlight any of the kids instrument playing which I suppose I understand but it definitely took away from the overall feeling of the night. The fact that Mr. Noel was not involved was probably part of it. He has such a great way of amping the kids up and getting great performances. So I suppose it was a decent concert considering all of the changes, but I couldn't help but leave with a sense that I was lucky to see the concerts from last year. So without further ado...enjoy the video of the first graders' second song. The first one I botched while recording.

Tap-a tap-a tap-a

This week was a busy one with not only the Winter Concert on Tuesday night, but also the parent observation week at Elisa's tap class at Sunnyside Ballet Studio.  Since these things were pretty much back-to-back right after school and lasted until nearly 8pm, I wasn't optimistic about how the night would turn out. But at least it all started off on a good note...At first Elisa was a little nervous about having parents in the class with her telling me she didn't want to go to dance that night. But when I explained that it was just so we could go and enjoy the music and see how great they were all doing she perked up. Once the instructor played the thumpin' beat, Elisa sure changed her tune. I won't say she was the most accurate of dancers, but what she lacks in technique, she definitely makes up for in spunk and rhythm. The kid has the music in her and it's wonderful to watch. 

Seeing their drills and time steps, shuffles and flaps brought back lots of memories from my own first dance class. I think tap is a great way to begin to get the basics of learning routines and practicing steps. Elisa has some things to work on, but since she's the youngest in her class, I think there's plenty of time to catch up. She was happy by the end of the routine and she was bowing like a pro. I think we'll give this at least a year to see how she likes it and hopefully it will become something she looks forward to as much as I did. Reliving my childhood isn't the point here, even though it sounds a little like that, but I really only hope Elisa finds her groove doing something she loves.  For me sports were never the draw, it was all dance all the time. Elisa might be a kid that likes to do everything...or nothing. Time will tell. But starting small and letting her find her own way is my biggest challenge. I guess we'll both see where this leads. For now, she enjoys the music and the dancing enough to keep at it. The proof is in the video!

Winter Concert

Words can't really describe how beautiful the Winter Concert at Elisa's school was. Photos might do it some justice, but there's just not enough life coming through. The kids were all wiggly excitedness and the songs were perfect little harmonies from such an assortment of personalities. Elisa rocked the back row and made sure to smile and wave and blow me air kisses at the end of the songs. Any doubts I had about her getting shy or nervous were obliterated after the opening bars. She's a total ham and it shows. But still, I think she just loves performing and singing especially makes her happy. 

Seeing all the kids come to life in this beautiful setting was such a treat. The stage and backdrop were decked out in the most wintery, festive way and I really applaud all the parents and staff for getting this pulled together. Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't say my only critique of the night was the fact that it ended so late. Leaving there at 8:10pm and trying to drag two kids home on my own with the bake sale and book fair calling their name was chaotic and annoying. But we managed. If the concert could only be moved up a little starting before 6pm, I think it would have been flawless. Maybe next time. 

But that aside, the evening was a rare peek into the music program at the school and I have to say they have a perfect teacher in Mr. Noel.  He and the others played great accompanying beats and the kids sang like angels. I have so many great photos of the night I was able to share with the parents' group. It makes my heart happy to do so. And I have a few small snippets of Elisa wiggling and singing to show Nacho who wasn't there. Who knows, maybe this is the beginning of Elisa's stage career? Katy Perry, you have been warned.  But even if it's not, it's just fun to see how much she loves it. I love watching her which means we're finally a good team. 

Happy trails...

Swing time

This was taken today at Lou Lodati playground right after I picked Elisa up from school. She ran into her friend Mimi who made the swings a whole lot more fun. Somehow just seeing their delight in something so simple made me smile. Enjoy...

Slushy Day Dancin'

To be honest, I have no idea where she gets these moves. But they crack me up.

Tiny Dancer Part II

If you've seen the first part of Elisa's dancing on Facebook already, you can rest assured Part II is equally amusing. I walked in on her interpretive dancing the other day, and it was definitely a style I've not seen before. She may be taking some cues from her dance-lovin' mama, but the rest is pure Elisa. Enjoy!

Better late than never...

Here's the video to go with the last post. I'm still laughing at the lion impression...

The bottle war rages on...

Here Elisa explains why she just CAN'T give it up. You got that, right?

Practicing our words

Here is a little snippet of what Elisa has been up to recently--repeating everything. Enjoy!

A day in the sun

Yesterday we ventured out on Long Island to Caumsett State Park about an hour away. It was a beautiful scenic drive filled with lots of gorgeous old homes and estates. The weather was in the 60s and the sun felt great with a nice cool breeze. Our friend Kristin had been there before when her daughter Juliet was just a little thing, so we asked if she would ride along and go for a walk with us. Here we are playing on the hill overlooking the coastline...

Our little family enjoying this afternoon together...
Nacho and Elisa running wild...

Finally, here is some video of Juliet and Elisa in all their running glory. These girls worked up quite an appetite out there on the trails. We stopped for a brief picnic before continuing on around the grounds. There were definitely places we'd like to see more of, so I think when it gets a bit warmer, we'll be back. It's great to have so many places to explore so close to the city.

Today we're looking forward to spending some time in the city strolling around in all this sunshine. Just love it. Hope it's a great weekend wherever you are too.

Christmas Tree - Take Two

For those of you who get my Facebook updates, you may have already seen Elisa's reaction to the Christmas tree we put up this year. It was like she finally noticed it the morning after our tree trimming and boy was she excited. Lots of "oooooing" and general guffawing over the shiny, pretty ornaments and tinsel. She wasn't too keen on actually touching the tree since that seemed to be a little too prickly. So far, she's left it alone mostly with a few ornaments scattered throughout the apartment. Here she is having a go at the water. Enjoy!