Princess Ball

The Princess Ball, a daddy-daughter dance annually hosted by our church, The Branch Church, is an event Mikaela looks forward to.  For days and weeks leading up to it, she talks about it, the dress, the shoes, the accessories, etc.  

Daddy takes her to dinner (her choice) and then they go to the church for a night of fun and dancing.  She's gone with her daddy since she was 3.  

This year they went to Razoo's first.  Given their dress, it was clear they were on a daddy-daughter date.  When the bill came, it was marked paid.  Some patron paid for their meal because he/she was encouraged to see a dad investing in his daughter.  So cool.  

And now for pictures:

Seven Years Old

Mikaela Belle is now 7 years old.  She's in 1st grade at Independence Elementary.  She is still in dual language and doing well.  At her fall conference, her teacher, Mrs. Prater said she is reading above grade level in both languages.  This year she has just one teacher instead of rotating between two, but still rotates Spanish and English days.

This year she is continuing piano lessons with my mom.  She also did a basketball camp at her school.

Other fun facts:
Height: 49 inches
Weight: 53.6
Favorite Color: gold
Favorite Food: veggie sticks
Favorite Activities: Princess Ball
Favorite Subject: writing
Favorite Hobbies: coloring, whistling
Future job: artist
Good friends: Emma, Estrella, Isabella Q
Favorite Toys: fashion plates, scrapbook (a girl after mama's heart)
Favorite TV Show: Phineas & Ferb
Favorite Movie: A Bug's Life

On her actual birthday, we had a donut breakfast and then they watched the PSHS homecoming parade (in which I marched with students).  For her birthday this year,  we didn't have a party.  She was able to pick one friend and we took them to Sea Life Aquarium in Grapevine and then out to eat.  She had a great time and mom much preferred this much simpler celebration.  It probably wasn't any cheaper, but the low stress factor was worth it!

And now for photos:

backyard fun with brother

enjoying cooler weather

Donuts with Dudes

Superhero day at school

with friends for Hebron Homecoming

at a family event at Mike's work

with school friends for the Hebron homecoming parade

Last night to be six

Photos from her birthday celebration:

Just outside the exit of the aquarium was one of those jump places.  Each kid got a chance to do it.  And all 3 loved it.  

checking out rocks at Rainforest Cafe Store

coloring at Razoo's before dinner

We have been so blessed these last 7 years with our dear little Mikaela.  We look forward to seeing all God has planned for her life.

Dance the Night Away

Mikaela joined A Body in Motion studio in Downtown Carrollton back in October.  She started taking tap and ballet classes.  Sunday, June 12th was her recital.  As someone who has never done the dance scene, it was completely overwhelming, but Mikaela had fun and did a great job on stage.

My dear friend, Courtney, came over to help apply Mikaela's eye make-up because unfortunately for Mikaela, her momma isn't all that savvy when it comes to those types of things.

It's almost dance time!

 Opening Number: "Baby, I'm a Star"

with her class back stage (Level 1)

 Tap: "I Wanna Be Like You"

gotta hold your tongue just right...

 Ballet: Moonlight Sonata

 Finale: I Wanna Dance with Somebody

"feel the heat"

take a bow

"Hold your Pizza"

final bow

with Miss Kate, her tap/ballet teacher

with Ms. Carolyn "Care Bear", her lead ballet teacher, and co-owner/creative director of the studio

with Miss Bella - another tap/ballet teacher