We survived the dance recitals!

Elise did a fantastic job at her dance recitals this weekend. She had a blast. I think this little girl already loves the stage. We have a couple of videos worth posting, but I'm still working out some kinks that have gotten in the way of getting them uploaded. Hopefully you'll see our little ballerina in action soon.

For now, I'll close with my most recent favorite Elise story. On the drive home from the recital Friday night Elise was high with excitement and was talking a mile a minute about how she wants to be a ballerina when she grows up.

She said something like, "Mom, when I grow up I want to be a reflectional dancer." Me: "A reflectional dancer? Do you mean, a professional dancer?" Elise: "Yeah, a professional dancer... so I can be in the Egg Cracker." (Nutcracker, she meant.) :)

I love that girl and all the laughs she gives us.

I knew when I married Toby that we would never have a dog or a cat. His allergies wouldn't allow it. But what I did not know was that in the tenth year of our marriage we would actually have four fish, one snail, four chickens, and two rabbits! The last year and a half of acquiring these little friends has been exciting, a wonderful learning experience for us, and such a treat for our girls.

So, please meet the newest backyard bunny, our female Californian... sometimes called "Cookie" and also known as "Karen" by Elise. :) ???

Below, Cookie (aka "Karen") is on the left

and Chocolate Chip (aka, "Stud Bunny," aka "Huey") is housed on the right.

our animal lover

beautiful ballerina

Next weekend Elise will perform in her very first dance recital. Our prima ballerina is super excited to have some stage time. As for what she's actually going to DO on stage... who knows. I'm a little worried she's going to break into one of her favorite Annie songs and start tap dancing in her ballet slippers. But... that would be cute too. :) More photos and video to come...

the training of a runner

Elise's interest in going on a run with Toby was very sweet. Toby was thrilled. Of course, she didn't make it far. Toby said she wanted to stop about every 10 seconds and rest in the grass. :) Then when they made it to the elementary school just a couple of blocks away the "run" turned into swing time at the park. But, amazingly, Toby said she did run all the way back to the house without stopping! Yay Elise!

It's a girl!

Dear sweet baby girl,

You have a strong heart. I saw it today, four chambers beating. I saw you, another perfect miracle given to our family, tucked comfy-cozy inside my very own body. I saw you today and I loved you. I love you and always will.

Rest well, sweet pea. Grow, change, become...

We'll be waiting.

In love,

your mommy

mmm, mmm good...

sister time

Someday Elise may make me remove this video from the blog, but for now I've just got to share a typical scene of our little performer. :)

Mother's Day 2010

New livestock for the Long Family Farm

On Saturday we took a trip to Hotchkiss, CO to the Delta County Fairgrounds.

The reason? The 2010 American Rabbit Association Regional Show

The mission?

Find our Rabbits!

We left with this male Californian. His mate will arrive in a couple of weeks.

Elise calls him Chocolate Chip.

We call him Stud Bunny.