This morning we woke up to a beautiful, warm, and bright morning. Amira dressed in her leotard and tutu and I my green and purple shirt and white capris went off to Lil Gym
http://www.thelittlegym.com/Pages/default.aspx

The one off of Murray and Teal.

As expected, she was super thrilled to be at the class. Made friends immediately by saying hi and asking their ages right off the bat.

What I didn't expect was how well she listened, followed directions, and participated.
First, they went in with a set of rules. "Put on your listening ears, and let's have fun"

"I'll be right back!" Amira told me as she went into the class, while holding hands with another girl.

Then, they sat in a circle and asked to share their names and something else, I couldn't hear.Then, they danced and kicked around soccer balls all the while listening to directions from the Cd or the teacher. They played on the beams, sang, and danced.

There were talkative parents around but I just couldn't take my eyes off of the class and Amira. It was a little hard to be just observing and not participating and at some point, she did stop and ask me to join her. I comforted her and encouraged her to go back in.

Later, we went to the park nearby and enjoyed a breezy, bright evening. We slathered on sunscreen of course. It's been a fun, busy saturday and laundry awaits me still. Tomorrow, we just rest and get organized for the business week.

For Fall, I signed her up for a morning pre-ballet class. It's 45 mins long and just about right for her attention span and it's at tualatin hills so it's considerably cheaper and a bit closer to home.

A ballerina...

Amira is 3 years old now.... And, I have to say, the 3rd year is even more exciting and challenging, if that's possible. We celebrated her birthday last weekend with a cake and a new beginning, a new wish, that we have to try and fulfill. She is coming into her personality, expanding her vocabulary, and her imagination is fiercely fantastic. She skips around the living room and has even incorporated such words as "plie" and "dancing like a ballerina with my hair like a teacher" into her ever-expanding vocabulary. Critical, invisible, imitate, are the new words of the week.

She wants to be a ballerina. So, off I went to Target, and snatched up a couple of leotards, tutus, ballet slippers and a few other dress up outfits. She is elated! But the present is yet not complete. I signed her up for pre-ballet classes for this fall. and tomorrow, we go to check out a fun gym class. Updates on how these activities go, shall be posted immediately. For now, we wait and hold our breath in excitement.

recent-ish photos

she's almost 3! Loves to dance..

not sure if that's a blue jay..

grandma and Amira..

This pic is from a while back. remember the snow?

dad and amira hanging out. She came up with the outfit all on her own! She's a little fashionista already!

practicing a plie?

just looking cute..

That's all for now. More to come soon, for sure. Have been AWOL from the blog lately but will try to update more frequently.

thanks to Amy for capturing this moment

and this...

the dad/husband

Per popular request, here's a pic of the dad/husband. J particularly dislikes having his picture put up on the internet. The only reason, he agreed to it, this time, was due to family noticing that he was conspicuously absent on the marianjamesandamira blog. haha! so there he is.. and hopefully, there will be many more pictures to come.

gorgeous sunday in the backyard and OOTW pics..

It was a beautiful day on sunday.. We came home from a trip to the coast visiting family members. It was fun but there's nothing like coming back home to make me wish we never left. Here are a few pics of my princess. enjoy!

Awww.. she is so beautiful. I can't believe she is my daughter sometimes! I know, I can't help but shamelessly brag about my kid.

OOTW. These pics were taken on friday.. We went to Out of this world pizza and play for and LOVED it! It's huge with tons of play structures for kids of all ages.

Gardening... It's not too late

So it's really not to late to start working on our garden. We are going to recycle some of the junk in our yard and donate the other stuff. In its place, by the grape vines and behind our huge tree, we'll have a garden. We plan on doing it by May by the latest. Some of the veggies like sugar snap pea, squash, tomatoes, bell pepper, corn, and an assortment of herbs. I love herbs. hopefully, the weather will be nicer. yay! I'm stoked.