Day 8: Breathe, Seek, Play.....Dance.

Tonight my boys went to their very first (of many) school dances. It was given by the Student Government for 3rd-5th graders. Cooper wanted to go right away, he felt it was an honor to represent the Student Government. Elliott, on the other hand, had no interest whatsoever in going to the dance. I thought how could I make this experience fun for both of them and get Elliott to want to go (which would be a great social outing for him). We are blessed to live in a neighborhood where they have been in class with many of our neighbors, and through the years we've enjoyed hanging out altogether at many events. I suggested a dinner (pizza party) before and ice cream after the dance, something the kids could all meet up and go as a group and make the dance even more fun. All of the parents agreed and we reserved a room at Pizza Inn and invited others to join. The big day was here, and the boys actually were excited and looked forward to dressing up and going to see everyone. Elliott looked forward to hanging out, he still insisted he was not going to dance. Cooper said he was not going to dance either but he was excited to see his friends. We all met at the restaurant, the kids at one table and the adults at another. The kids laughter and conversations were nonstop for the hour and half we were there. It was one of those moments were for a second you look over and watch them enjoying their big moment, and in another moment you are thinking...how did they grow up so fast. There they all sat, dressed up sitting there together having a dinner and enjoying each others company. We were having so much fun that we were all late to the dance! When we pulled up to the school the boys were jumping out and running off to the dance. Even Elliott was excited to get inside, and I had to get them to pause (with help from their PE teacher) so I could grab a quick snapshot. Off they disappeared into the school and towards the gymnasium blaring music. Wow, this was a moment. One I didn't think would come for years (like middle school) but here it was, the first of many moments that are milestones for both us as parents and for them as young men. The time seemed to stand still for just a few minutes when we got home and then before we knew it, we were on our way to pick them back up. And in that time, I felt how fast this all was happening. Just yesterday they were my babies, and I held them both in my arms...and now they are off at their first dance. I wondered if they would dance, since they both lack any sort of rhythm (I told the girls to help them out if they tried to do the Cupid Shuffle and didn't know their right from their left). I wondered if they'd try to dance or mimic their friends dance moves as best they could. As much as I wanted to be a fly on the wall at the dance, what I really wanted was to find a pause button, I want to make these moments last. I want to freeze these moments and hold onto them, they are growing up so fast. It is bittersweet to watch them grow and learn; the holding on and letting go...you don't realize how fast it all is going until these moments give you a moment to pause, and you catch your breath. The boys enjoyed a wonderful time with their friends at the dinner, at the dance and at the ice cream social....I am so thankful and blessed we were there for part of their special moment. In the end, Elliott was glad that he went, and they both said that they danced ♥ I hope they will always remember this moment, and I hope "they never loose their sense of wonder and when they get the choice to sit it out or dance...I hope they dance".