Endings and Beginnings

Another session of Lauren's Glee enrichment class at the J has come and gone, culminating in a showcase held smack dab in the lobby of the building. The entire performance by the class of kindergarten and first graders lasted no more than 3 minutes, but the kids had a blast. While all of the other kids just wore their regular casual school clothes, leave it to our child to insist that I bring a fancy dress and sparkly headband for her to wear for the performance. Of course I obliged. And since her outfit choice made it clear that she was considering this an event, I added Trader Joe's finest flora to boot. But you know what made this particular afternoon extra, extra, special? Meet Diana (pronounced "DeeAwna"), whom we are calling our "summer sitter." She's a USC student home for the summer and today was her first day. She will be with us until mid-August. She's a dance instructor and has been playing the piano since she was 6, not to mention she's incredibly fun, energetic, smart, and completely Type A. A perfect match. Pre-performance, Lauren hung out with her friend and Glee classmate Reese, who is in 1st grade. Reese was amazingly sweet to Lauren during spring break camp at the J. Some kids are just good eggs. Reese is definitely one of them. What the show lacked in length, it made up for in energy. These kids had moves for days. There's one more enrichment session left at the J, starting next week and ending in late June. Lauren has decided to take an art class instead of returning to Glee. Part of me is sad, but I realize it's time for her to spread her wings again. Tomorrow is also her kindergarten year-end program. Yet something else coming to an end. Bracing for wistful tears and enormous hugs. But looking back, hopefully she will have amazing memories of her first real year in school. Certainly excited for what's to come.