Prom

Heather and her friends went to Prom tonight. Just like with Homecoming, the girls wanted to experience the Prom. Heather used the dress she bought for the LDS Formal, but didn't wear because she went with the beaded dress from our friend Lucy. Heather rocked this dress. Dad said it was about as sexy as you could get showing absolutely no skin. There weren't very many modest dresses at Windsor so, we were lucky to find one that covered her up. She looked so beautiful; very Audrey Hepburn. All of the girls looked beautiful, and they have so much fun together. The shoes were a little hard on the feet after walking through Central Park to get photos. Dad carried Heather back up the hill to save her feet. The girls went to dinner before the dance, and I ended up getting a picture due to having to bring spare shoes and bandaids for Heather. Gotta have bandaids when you're going to go all night. The dance was loud and overwhelming, but I think Heather is glad to say she went to Homecoming and Prom at least once.

Mormon Formal 007 Style

Heather and Tanner attended the LDS formal tonight. It was 007 themed, and they looked the part. After not being sure if the dress Heather chose would be okay for this dance (it was long, form fitting, and had lace sleeves), Lucy Corey offered to let us rent this beaded stunner. It fit Heather like a glove, covered everything, and was perfect for the theme. The sparkles were so beautiful, and Sister Hansen did an amazing job on Heather's hair. Heather was thrilled to have a date she felt comfortable with and who she could talk to. Lizzy was in this group too which added to the comfort. So fun to see her get all dressed up for this formal where old fashioned values (boy asks the girl) were experienced. Definitely not the norm in our society today, and we're glad our youth get these experiences.

Hogsmeade and An Owl

Cauldron Cakes, Gilly Water and the Sorting Hat means a day spent in Harry Potter World. Heather and I had a great Mom-Daughter date today.  I even found my friend, Sarah, again. After a beautiful, magical day in Hogsmeade, Heather had just snuggled into bed when there was a knock on the door. I was a little spooked because it was 11:00 p.m., but after we were pretty sure there wasn't any nefarious activity going on in our yard, I opened the door and then got Heather so she could re-open the door. An Owl had arrived with a special invitation from Hogwarts to attend the Mormon Formal with Tanner Glazier, a fellow Hogwarts fan. What a perfect end to a perfect day. Heather was elated to not only receive an invitation, but over-the-moon to receive such a creative one from a boy she was perfectly happy and comfortable to go to the dance with.

New Year's Eve 2016

First New Year's Eve Dance for Jenna and her friends, and the annual game night for Heather and her friends.

As I reflect on the year 2016, my heart is full. We've had an activity-filled year and although we've been busy, we have tried to balance with fun, relaxation, celebrations and lots and lots of love. This year included my callings with the Jubilee and the Camp food committee which took many hours of planning and practice, Jenna graduating from middle school, starting high school and growing in her volleyball skills, Heather having success in track and building deeper friendships as she ended her junior year and began her senior year, and a lot of fun activities and family time. We have been blessed beyond measure. Here's to a healthy and happy 2017!

Jenna's First Dance

Jenna hasn't been able to go to a single youth dance yet, and she's been eligible since February! She has either been sick, had volleyball all morning and afternoon or has been out of town. Tonight was the night! She and Heather went together. They looked so pretty! I love that they got to have this experience together. Heather doesn't really like the dances, but she was an amazing sport to accompany Jenna.