Stella: Prima Ballerina

My sis, Stell, is a prima ballerina. I ain't kiddin' ya either.

She started her first ballet class today at Deane Dance Center (http://www.deanedancecenter.com/) in East Sacramento and well, she practically pirouette'd her way into the studio. From the looks of it, this will not be her last class. I, on the other hand, watched in total disbelief as my big sister -- against Mr. Don's (ballet instructor) curriculum for the day-- twirled and twirled (and twirled!) for the audience of Mommies watching anxiously as their tots learned the beginnings of ballet. I might join Stella in a few years here, but in the meantime, I'm having a good ole time just watching my sister in all of her diva fantastic-ness.

After class, fellow ballerina, Lily Govenar, joined us for some "Go Diego Go!" and popsicle fun at the Kinney homestead. All in all, a great day.

Much love,
Violet

Back to School

Mommy, Daddy and Violet took me to Little Blossom Montessori School this AM for my first official day of preschool. I was so excited I shrieked when I got out of the car. Best friend, Lily Govenar, also started today. Mommy & Ms. Brookey are very happy, as you can see... The day started, appropriately, with the Pledge of Allegiance and "Itsy, Bitsy Spider"... another national favorite? In the middle of Itsy Bitsy I yelled aloud, "Mommy, that's my song!" Hopefully sharing is a skill I'll acquire in school. ;-) Enjoy my first shots... more to come, I'm sure!

Update: Cut to-- me being picked up promptly by Mommy at 12:30pm, only to find myself in a sad state of affairs, begging for my mommy. Upon entering the school from the playground I peered across the room to see my Mommy standing there with a huge smile on her face and a tear in her eye, "Mommy!" I yelled, "I thought I lost you." Let's just say Mommy's tears kept coming for a good 10 minutes after that. Never fear, folks, I was pretty happy most of the day... it was only in the last hour that I became somewhat distraught. I was not alone either... a chorus of preschool cries greeted Mommy and the other parents at pick-up. Gotta love the first day of school! :)

Back on Thursday!
xoxo Stell

Mr. & Mrs...

This weekend was Uncle Tommy and Auntie Erin's wedding. It was phenom... I was the flower girl. I had a gorgeous pretty pretty princess dress -- organza and all-- and Uncle Heath did my Shirley Temple-esque hair. When it was time, I did the walk... sort of... tears coming down my face and screams galore, but I did it... Aren't you all proud? Here are some pics from the glorious eve.

Michael Phelps Watch Out!

SJK's in the pool. Today was my last swimming lesson with Teacher Sarah Walton. She is the best swim instructor on this side of the Mississippi! She taught me to blow bubbles, to kick my feet and to smile while drinking chlorinated water. All in all, a jolly good time. I'm sad to see Summer fun come to an end, but school is upon us-- I start next Tuesday, twice a week, at Little Blossom Montessori School. Wish me luck! As if school wasn't enough, I simply couldn't resist the pink leotard and matching tights that Deane Dance Studio requires for the pre-ballet classes... sooo, you've guessed it, I start ballet lessons once a week starting next Weds. This fall is going to be wild. Pictures will surely follow my first plie.

Until then, enjoy my pre-Olympic swimming shots. Thanks to Mrs. Hedy Govenar for use of her pool!

xoxo Stell

My Country Tis of Thee...

Gammy brought over an "America pawuzzle" for me the other day and I'm obsessed. I actually know where 25 of the states are located without Mommy's help any more. Sissy likes to watch me and laugh and in her baby goo language (which I translate to those who can't understand her) she says, "Silly, silly Stell, puzzles are for geeks!"

Swimmin' Like a Fishy

Today was my second group swimming lesson with my best friends, Lilybug and Gustav. We had a such a good time. Thanks to Teacher Sarah for her gallant efforts in keeping us in the freezing cold pool. Can't wait for next time! xoxo Stell

Indiana Visit

Mom, Dad, Sis and I headed out to Ellettsville, Indiana for some Summer fun with Mama Vi and Baba Bill (and Auntie Kristina, Uncle Jason and Cousin Evan). M&D hit up Daddy's 20 year high school reunion while the grandparents babysat. All in all, a very good time. We hit the Indianapolis zoo, Bloomington's Farmer's Market and the swimming pool! Thanks for having us Mama Vi & Baba Bill! We miss you all already! Ps. Mom developed an Indiana accent in the four days she was there (no, that's not a joke!). In fact, 2 of Daddy's friends asked if she was southern at the reunion. Mommy & Madonna are really good at picking up foreign accents. ;) As Mommy would say, if you can't be one, twang like one...