Happy Dancin' Girl!

I found out this week that a Chinese dance class was being offered here in Lee's Summit, just a few blocks from our house. When I first asked Leila if she wanted to take a dance class, she said, "Can Morgan come?" (her best friend). I told her that I thought the class was just for little girls from China, she said, "Then no thank you." At least she was polite. But then I got out the leotards.

Starting Tuesday, she began wearing her "lee-o-tawds" daily under her clothes (this does NOT fare well in the bathroom, by the way). Wednesday morning she announced to Morgan on the way to preschool, "I'm going to take a dance class on Saturday but sorry, you can't come 'cause you're not Shinese" (That's just how she says it, makes me laugh every time). So much for being polite.

Anyway, she counted down the days (numbered by naps, of course, e.g. 'only 4 more naps and it's my dance class!) and this morning she bounded into my bed at 6:45am yelling, 'It's my dance class, Mommy!" So cute. No seriously, even at 6:45am, super cute.

When we arrived at dance class, Miss Lily had already started and my big 4 year old just jumped in! She was so excited and loved the class. When the girls came out (about 12 of them), Miss Lily had taught them to say 'Thank you, Mommy,' 'Thank you, Daddy,' and 'See you next time,' in Chinese. Leila ran up to me and said, 'That was SO GREAT!' And now, I give you, my ballerina girl:

Really? My life is complete now.

I took these illegally through the windows. Miss Lily doesn't want the parents distracting the girls. And I'm a little bit scared of Miss Lily but I couldn't help it.

Have a GREAT weekend! Dance like no one's watching...

FALL REVIEW: Starring, the Potocnik Family
(All in pictures, that's what you come here for anyway!)

In early September, we celebrated Aunt Megan's 30th Birthday with dinner at the Melting Pot. It was delicious and such a fun evening---we LOVE you Aunt Megan!

Also in September, Leila started her second year at Sonshine Preschool. She was so excited to meet Miss Penny and see her friends three mornings a week!

At the end of September, we celebrated Maddie's 11th birthday with dinner, bowling, and a movie (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) with JUST the girls (Madison, her friend Roni, Aunt Megan, and Mom). It was the first time Maddie didn't have a big party, but she loved it and had a blast with Miss Ron.

On September 19th, Wade, my friend Kellie and I ran the zoo 5k "Run for the Chimps". We had a blast---it was a beautiful day---and we also celebrated Jason's 36th birthday! Love you, J!

In October, Madison was in "A Little Princess," her 3rd CYT production. She wasn't home very much at all, and missed carving pumpkins this year. The other 3 kiddos were lucky enough to have carving partners this year (Uncle Gregg, Aunt Megan, and Uncle Wade), and ended up with some awesome pumpkin creations!

Caeden as Jango Fett, Rudy as Black Ninja, Leila as a Black Cat, and Madison, as Minnie Mouse. Papa and Zany came to visit for Halloween, and we had such a fun night as a family.

We have had a busy and full Fall, but we did manage to enjoy the beautiful weather, the amazing foliage, and Madison's sweet play. Thanks for checking in---promise to update more often!

Love,
Potocniks