She could have danced all night

For all the complaining I've done the last few days about Sydney's first dance recital, it's worth noting the one very exciting and totally coincidental highlight of the experience. It just so happened that Sydney's dance recital took place on the same day and at roughly the same time as Jeff's best friend's wedding. We drove directly from the dance recital to the wedding reception, which meant Sydney got to run around in her dance costume. All. Evening. Long.

Does anyone have more fun at wedding dances than kids? Especially little girls in tutus?

So what if she left a path of feathers everywhere she went? She'll never wear it again. And the ballet shoes she's only been allowed to wear at dance class? She'll outgrow them by next fall when/if she starts classes again.
 
The kids (and by kids I mean all of the kids, not just mine) spent most of the evening running around the spacious hall. But when the playlist started, they quickly shifted their energy to the dance floor.

AJ demonstrated his disco move, to music that had nothing to do with disco. He quickly made it clear that he has NOT been taking dance lessons all year.

Sydney graciously and happily danced with any child who came her way. Afterall, she had the best costume, which in her mind meant she was the best dancer. A side note: whatever Sydney's tights are made out of, I want a pair! Sydney's. She was climbing and sliding and playing in them all night and never got a run!

And then, because it wouldn't be a proper Jaski party without polka music, the playlist shifted to several polka songs in a row. "Auntie" Kathy (she's no relation to us, but everyone else calls her that, and so we've always done the same) stepped in and did her best to show the younger generation how it's done.

I teased her that after watching her have so much fun with her grandchildren (including the cutie that Sydney had been dancing with) we might have to change her title to Grandma Kathy.

At last, to Sydney's delight, Daddy stepped in as her partner. They twirled and shuffled across the floor.

Someday they will likely recreate this scene at another wedding. The difference is, Sydney will be in a wedding dress, Jeff will be in a tux, and they'll be dancing as bride and father. How I hope the smiles will be as joyful and sincere on that day.

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
GOD forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance....I hope you dance....

LeeAnn Womack