Middle School BEGINS!

OK, world -- Simone Dotson has entered middle school. Today.  There was no avoiding it.  No matter how much I want to keep her little, she's intent on growing up.  

Simone was so excited.  We went to open house last night when she got a chance to test her locker and pick up her schedule, get a few selfies, and sign the new year bulletin board.  Then the big day!

First day.  All ready to head to 6th grade!!

 Her last official act of summer break was to finish up her Learn to Compete skating camp.  I went to watch her "compete" on Wednesday afternoon.  She did a great job and designed her own dress. I can't get the video of her program to upload, but here are a couple of stills.

Warm up.

Sigh... I'm sure this year will bring tons of change and excitement. And I'm not sure if it will be harder on her or us, but we're about to find out!

Dog Days of Summer

Hard to believe that school starts next week, and once again summer has sprinted by-- but we're trying to savor every last hot, hazy, humid moment.   We've had a busy month so far.  Auntie Lea and Nailah came to visit, as well as all the cousins from PA.  Simone took her first jump off of a proper diving board when we visited some old friends up in Maryland, and then had tons of fun at a 3-week drama camp.  Never a dull moment in the Dotson family.

A few photo highlights from the last few weeks...

It took a full 15 minutes of coaxing to get her to jump in despite her excellent swimming ability.  But once she broke the proverbially ice, she couldn't get enough!

Completely self-made costume for a theme day at drama camp.

Wet and wild at the Watermine!

Simone was Red (Riding Hood) in her musical performance at the end of drama camp.  

It's official -- she's a performer!

Won the "dancing queen" distinction at camp for ALWAYS dancing!

Just a little over a week until middle school begins.  Until then we'll keep trying to squeeze in a little more summer time fun while we can still take advantage of late bedtimes!