So I picked Elinor Dashwood for my Literary Ball character, Jen picked Elizabeth Bennet (though Hester Prynne was her first choice back in October), and Anna Kate picked Angelina Ballerina. (What can I say, the girls in my family really like to dress up as Angelinas.) I have to admit, I was quite pleased when she picked this character...not because these books are outstanding (although they are fun) but because I thought..."Hey, that should be easy. A tutu and some mouse ears and we're good to go." I cannot sew a stitch so I was happy to attempt something like this. I think it turned out fine. I even constructed a cute little mouse tail for the costume's rear end. When she found out I was shopping for furry tail-fabric, Mrs. Linda Boyd made sure to inform me via Mother-in-Love that mouse tails are NOT furry, but I figured the less realistic the better when it comes to mouse tails. So--though not true to nature--our mouse tail is furry and pretty cute, I must say. (Oh, but rigged with a safety pin if you look close...but if it weren't rigged up in some way, it wouldn't be mine.) So here's the little ballerina mouse on her special day:
The ball was great...the kids loved it. Here are some pics of the decorated auditorium:
I didn't help with the decorating so can't take credit for that. But I DID stay up til 1 AM making 83 fruit kabobs. And rice krispie treats for AK's class birthday snack. And I WILL take credit for that--there are even photos for proof of my labors. But it was worth it for my little valentine. Even a heart-shaped French toast birthday breakfast to coax her out of bed. 
Now for the dancing. Angelina didn't seem overly thrilled to be dancing with the Biggest, Baddest looking Wolf EVER.... I don't think it was him though--I think she was just bored. If you're totally bored yourself, check her out...brought to you by Dropshots:
We had a good day. AK had tons-o-fun and racked up on some rockin' gifts. I overheard her tell Grandma that she doesn't "even feel six...I still feel 5!" I got to tuck her sweet, clean body into a warm bed and pray with her for the coming year. God is so good. I feel overwhelmingly blessed to have 2 precious children in my life; I know you parents do, too. May He give us grace to shepherd them with wisdom, patience, and real love.....Now, here's a picture of Elle (with the cutest, littlest Copeland!) 'cause we love her, too. 
