Sometimes that's what you do, because what else can you do? 

Daughter's early morning nagging stomachache became an appendectomy late into the night last night.  She is well again. We are home again. In a span of 24 wild hours.  And there has been peace. Throughout this whole crazy week there has been peace and I will never find that ordinary. 

Going to curl up under blankets now grateful for all the people tucked in safely here at home again, and those bigger boys, venturing out on their own, under other roofs tonight. 

Who could resist?  Not her big sister…

Husband says enough dawdling already.  He is sitting on his hands waiting for images to be resized and Facebook ready lol.  So am plugging away and we will start with the Cutie Patootie 'cause really, why not?  Yes there is Karnevale, and castles, and blah blah blah to catch up with.  What can I say, I got a little distracted with a growing baby who isn't a baby anymore. Sue me. ; ) 

Abbie Rose walks slowly making her a great subject to study and capture.  Nothing escapes her notice and I love that.  Moss…

mud…

marvelously lichen covered sticks…

 This is classic Abbie Rose (who calls herself Abbie-Wose these days) noticing she was being noticed and hamming it up, prompting mom to make silly faces back which leads to things like this….

Whoever thought up 'terrible two' is nuts. Two is hysterical  Two is delightful.  

and you wear it well my dear. 

"A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future."

 ~Author Unknown

The four Irish dancers in my clan performed in their first feis this weekend.  It was the annual school feis so a bit of an introduction to the larger open feis competitions that will come.  

You can see that there were some nerves the first time out on the big stage.  We had to laugh when editing these because if you notice the little girl off the right had the exact same posture. 

However some people were able to very quickly put those to rest and came to embrace the spotlight. 

 A lot. Ahem. 

They were told not to expect to place in their first feis but managed to secure four trophies and several second and third medals between them.  I maintain it is those dominant Irish genes shining through. ; )  

 

The world of Irish dance is exhilarating and addictive.  Flashy costumes, intoxicating music, legs flying, faces crowded around the screen surfing for wigs and dresses last night, and  reels and jigs populating the ipod menus.  No question, they are hooked. And it looks like they are recruiting another little brother. 

"Dear angel, Ever at my side 

Be there today, my feet to guide. 

Help me dance high, and light, and free, 

So everyone will be proud of me. 

May the judges be fair and the stages be spacious. 

In winning and losing let me be gracious, 

So that every dance I'll remember with pride. 

And angel, please keep my shoelaces tied."

Author unknown

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments at Amanda's for all to find and see.