All of April!

 We rushed into April with not much slowing down. Cooper began practicing for his part in Aladdin, which will be his final performance with Ballet Arts. At least for 2 years. 😃 He continued with his ballroom practices, even though competition season is over. He'll still have his final concert, which will definitely be bittersweet. I'm planning on crying during that one for sure. He also submitted his "Spirit of IBA" essay. He's hoping for one of the scholarships they hand out to help with his pre-mission planning and  purchases. I helped him with the grammar and wording here and there, but Cooper wrote an AMAZING, insightful and touching essay about IBA and how it's helped him. 

At ballroom, they took yearly pictures. I'll post Cooper's below. It's fun to look back and see how he's matured (physically and emotionally) over the years dancing with them. 

Senior Gold Team "Hercules".

Graduating seniors

Cooper and Sage

Cooper and Sage

Gold Lift Team

Cooper and Evie cabaret "Blue Suede Shoes".

Cooper and Claire "Fighting For Me" cabaret

Cooper and Kalli

In Amelia news, she finished her winter semester and moved back home. We started the adjustment period of all of us under one roof again, which is fantastic--but tricky at times. She's been dating someone since February, and he may be THE ONE. I'll keep you updated. 

Cooper had his 18th birthday party with friends. He's made so many good friends through ballroom and school, I'm grateful for the relationships he has with them. They are a good bunch and I never worry about them. We also celebrated Cooper's 18th birthday! I can't believe I have two full-grown adults now! 

Cooper has been a charmer since birth, has a smile that is contagious and gets him out of a lot of trouble! He's quick witted, kind, hard-working, and has a self confidence I envy. I can't wait to see what he accomplishes as an official "adult".

To end April, Cooper had his final ballroom performance last Saturday. It was a bittersweet experience for him, and me. Idaho Ballroom Academy has been such a huge part of his life the last 7 years. He's LOVED dancing with all his partners and learning from his fantastic coaches that have been amazing role models. It is a fantastic program run by generous, kind, talented people. He'll miss it terribly, and I'm SO grateful for the impact it's had on him! He danced in two shows, a 5pm and the 8pm. I did, too. Yes, I gave in and did the mother-son dance. It was so much fun! To make the night even better, Cooper was won $700 for his Spirit of IBA essay! I was so proud of him. He was shocked, but then couldn't stop grinning.

Janie (owner) and Cooper

Sam, Cooper and Sara. These two were THE BEST coaches and cheerleaders for Cooper. 

Scholarship recipients

Whew! April was really a fun but crazy emotional rollercoaster. It's difficult to be so proud of your child, but to also feel sad that their experience is over, especially when they love it so much. I hope Cooper takes what he learned in IBA and uses it in his life. Now, brace for May--if you thought April was nuts, just wait.