Joy has been going to performances for her older siblings all year. She watched excitedly as Imani, her closest sibling performed in the Cinderella ballet. Then she watched HONK!, High School Musical 2, and The Pirates of Penzance. Last night it was her time to shine.

She got to wear a fabulous ballet costume, complete with feathers, velvet, rhinestones–it even came with a muff! Her group was the last of the young children to perform. The theme of the evening was international. Joy’s group danced a pretty elaborate Russian dance for 6 and 7 year olds. Yanni and I started the clapping that got the whole crowd clapping along to the music.

When she was going to bed, Joy said, “I’m so proud of myself!”