My Little Pianist

This weekend was a great weekend all in all.  I got to go to what is known as Shakopalooza III.  This is a friend of mine who lives in Shakopee and each year he invites about 30 friends to head to Canterbury to watch the Kentucky Derby, then back to his house for a poker tournament.

Poker, horses, blackjack, friends.  I am looking forward to Shakapalooza IV already.  Thanks dear for taking care of the home front while I was running around playing.  Although I didn't win on the Derby, Kelly and the girls watched closely as they each had me bet for them.  Katelyn bet on Goldencents, Addie bet on Charming Kitten, and Ashley was cheering for Uncle Charlie.....we don't know why...there was no horse running named Uncle Charlie.

Then on Sunday, we had my nieces confirmation.  Congrats Maddie - thanks for letting us come celebrate.  Then we had a little time before the first piano recital in the Smith house.  Ashley has been taking piano lessons for about 8 weeks, and last night was her end of the year recital. 

After hearing a preview at Aunt Kerry's house, Kelly and I were a little nervous as to whether or not Ashley would deliver.  Apparently though, if you put a new dress and some sparkly shoes on your 5 year old...she can tickle the ivories with the best of them.

Ashley kicked out Rockin Pony Ride and was the cutest little girl there.  She loved dressing up like a princess and had no fear performing in front of a pretty big group.

This one on the other hand..... well it might be a little while before she cares to "get all cleaned up and in nice clothes"

Because one is the cutest little girl in the world even when covered with chocolate, because one is the cutest little girl in the world at a piano recital, and because when I asked the oldest one if she will always be my little girl she responded "Daddy, I have no control over life's mysteries"....I love my girls....