Oaks Park Dance Recital

We were invited to watch the dance recital for Emma and Melanie at Oaks Park. We arrived around 2:30 and followed the children from ride to ride. Gaylynne and I went with Dayton while the three girls stayed with Don and Dad.

I really didn't like seeing such little girls on those rides. I guess when you are the parent things don't scare you so much because our kids rode on everything! But seeing the girls on those rides sort of scared me. I much preferred watching Dayton "zooming" in the blue car and the purple rocket.

There were no long lines and usually the children could just stay on the ride and go around again without getting back into the "line".


Emma joined us because Mel and Courtney began riding those rides that Emma wasn't tall enough for.

She had a good time and ran between the rides. I stood in the middle of three rides and just kept an eye on her and Dayton as they chose what to ride next.

This is Dayton on the ride before it started.

This is Dayton just as the ride was about to end.

Emma enjoyed the roller coaster and though Dayton didn't complain, he didn't want to ride it a second time.

The liked riding together.


The slowest train in the world! Dayton really wanted to go on the train and Courtney was very nice to go with him. Emma and Melanie were excited about the ride too.

So 'cheeky'. She and Melanie waited in line for a ferris wheel-like ride in cages that spun upside down.

Melanie wasn't sure what was going to happen and was sort of thoughtful but Emma...well look at that expression!

We were running to catch up with Mom, Dad, and Grandpa and I nearly got whiplash as they veered to the right to have their pictures taken.

I think this was the last ride they got to go on before the recital.

Courtney took such good care of Dayton making sure that he got to go on the cars etc. Here, she is taking a ride by herself in a hot air balloon ride.


Melanie was right on the beat and it was evident that she had practiced a lot.

Her movements were crisp and though I am her grandmother, I believe that she was the best in the troupe.


Using Michael Jackson's style of dancing Melanie was very focused. This routine won her group first place in a recent competition.



She just makes picture takin' so easy!

Emma and her group were just wonderful to watch. And, yes, she WAS the best one on stage!

Really...Do these pictures require any words?


"Mellie is the one in the tutu. She was fabulous. So serious about her dancing.

Look carefully and you'll see that she is being held in a lift. Now would you feel safe being lifted by 9 year-old girls?????

Gaylynne worked up until the last moment getting the sequins on this costume. It looked awesome.

Thanks to everyone for a really fun day!