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.