tiny dancer

The Glamorous Life . . . Jillian's 1st dance recital was a hit! She just loved all the attention from family and friends -- as you can see from the photos below. We weren't allowed to take flash photos or video during the recital. I couldn't resist sneaking in a couple of pictures of the father/daughter dance -- it was just so sweet to see the adoration on her face as she danced with her daddy. And after seeing all the other parents video taping on the first night, I had grandpa sneak in the camera for the 2nd performance. Watch for video to follow soon!!!

all dolled-up

the ballet costume

the tap costume

so proud with her trophy and dream box

daddy's girl

i heart my girls

Idol Favs

Although I feel that this year cannot compete with last year's talent, we are still huge fans of American Idol!!! Here our the Elton family favorites from this Season of Idol. . .

Miss Jillian is by far the most passionate fan of the show. Her emotions run high - we haven't made it through an episode yet without tears. Her original favorite was Jasmine, who didn't make it at first to the final show, but was eventually brought through by the judges as a wild card. If that wasn't enough, she was then voted out after the first round. I wasn't sure Jillian was going to continue watching, but she found another teenage idol to set her hopes on. . . Allison Iraheta.

Delaney loves those dreamy boys . . . she quickly chose Kris Allen as her favorite. Jillian refers to him as Delaney's "Tender Dog" - a term used by Randy after one of his performances. This immediately turns Delaney's cheeks red!!! Ryan is quite concerned about our oldest - she's already quite a flirt and loves the attention of the boys!!!

Ryan's favorite this year -- Danny Gokey. You'll have to ask him why. . .

My favorite this season is Matt Giraud -- I think he is interesting and has the biggest range of musical talent.

While no one is this household is a fan, we have a strong feeling that the winner of this season's American Idol will be Adam Lambert.

April Fools?

This just shows us that even the Big Guy has a sense of humor -- snow on April 1st!!!

Fun and Great

To quote Elliott, "It was fun and great!!!" Here is just one picture from our spring break getaway to Wisconsin Dells. When I have some 'free time' maybe I'll get to sorting through the rest of them!

flat stanley

My kids were very excited to recieve a letter in the mail earlier this week. Inside, they discovered "Flat Stanley" sent to them from cousin Kennedy. Stanley has been enjoying his time in our home, reading lots of books, playing Polly Pockets, hanging out with the letters on the magnetic bulletin board, and venturing out and about in Buffalo. Here are a few snapshots from his time here. We'll keep him for one more day, so he can channel his inner cheerleader with Delaney and his inner ballerina with Jillian!

Flat Stanley is the best patron at the library - extremely quiet at a fantastic listener!

Buffalo has many, many painted bison throughout the town. Here are two of our favorites - one painted with the businesses of downtown welcoming guests to our community, and one painted like a fish to represent the two lakes within our town. We have plans to visit a few more of Buffalo's landmarks before Stanley returns to Moorhead!

Hair today, gone tomorrow

Just when you thought he couldn't get any cuter!