Fall Photo Shoot

Today was a gorgeous day, and we took a long walk around the neighborhood in the glistening sunshine and crisp fall air.  Luckily, I had my phone with me, because it inspired lots of photos for which Simone was an eager subject.  So, in no particular order, my lovely little lady...

October: Easy Come, Easy Go!!

And the Dotsons have just closed the book on October 2018.  Over in a flash.  It was an extremely busy, but great, month. It took a full Team Dotson effort to get through the homework load, doctor and dentist visits, work trips, practices and rehearsals, and--of course--Halloween.  But we made it, and now holiday season full steam ahead.  

Simone donned two costumes this year -- a simpler one for school and one for trick or treat.  

Trick or treat costume.

School costume.

We had some exceptionally beautiful weather for Halloween night, and Simone hit the streets with her friends for trick or treat.  She returned home with her usual haul of candy and had it culled and sorted before bedtime --LOL.

We cherished this trick or treat knowing that it could well be close to her last.  Soon she'll outgrow dressing up and spending the evening in the company of mom and dad.

The very next night was the school talent show.  Simone and her friend Katarina worked so hard on their act and IMHO, stole the show!  We were so proud.

The girls did a lively and engaging rendition of Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better.  Simone is clearly in her element when she's on a stage -- she's becoming a little performer!

Taking a final bow with the cast.

Smiles after the show. 

And last but not least, a little glimpse of part of our Columbus Day weekend.  After skating practice, we spent a couple of hours at a Leesburg winery for lunch and some fresh air.  

Almost Tuscany!!

And that's a wrap for October.  November also promises to be pretty busy, but lots of memories to be made ahead!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIMONE!!!

Another one!  Actually a double "1".  That's right -- 11 years old.  Last weekend was Simone's birthday, and we marked it this year with her FIRST EVER sleepover party.  

I have to say, now that she's in middle school, her friends factored into her birthday much more prominently than in years past.  She was eager to get to school, thrilled that her friends decorated her locker, and positively giddy that they were coming home with her after school to party the night away. We had an early sushi dinner at home, then piled all the girls in the car and headed to Zavazone for a few hours of play. After they were nice and tired, we went back home for cake and gifts.  Exhaustion didn't stop them, however, from staying up well into the wee hours of the morning -- yep, it's a timeless right of passage.

If you have not been, Zavazone is pretty cool.  The time flew by here and the girls had a great time.  

The birthday crew.

The next morning--her actual birthday-- Simone went to see one of her friends perform in a local play and then went for pizza and ice cream with another friend.  She was fighting sleep the entire time.

Heavy pizza eyes.

And finally, she lost.  A short ride in the car defeated her as she power napped on daddy's dry cleaning!  LOL!!

A big thank you to our friend who beautifully embroidered pillow cases with each girl's initials to put in Simone's party bags.  They were awesome!

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!