Ballet, Bandy, and Brownies

Friday afternoon, the girls' Aunt Cheryl watched a bit of their dance rehearsal (for "Dancing to the Stars," 4:00 P.M., May 19 and 20, Stickney Auditorium, Dickinson State University). She was in town for her son Arron's baseball game and stole away to catch a little culture before heading back to Mandan.

Yesterday afternoon Grandpa and Grandma Moberg drove down from McGregor for the dance recital. They also took the opportunity to introduce us to their new dog, Bandy:

(That's not Bandy; that's Hillary goofing around on her daddy.)

Perhaps it's needless to say that Bandy was a big hit. She is very excitable and generous with her sloppy kisses. I ran around a bit with her outside, and the girls had their turn after the recital. She's funny. However--just as some childless couples feel about other people's children--we were happy to play with her and then send her back with her owners. When we can enjoy other people's pets, why commit to the hassles and obligations of having our own? Three daughters is work enough.

The weather has been cold and overcast yesterday and today, so it was a bit depressing to be out and about. Once inside the auditorium, however, we warmed up with pride at the sight of the girls' dancing:

Suzanna (second from left) and Abigail (in the front on the right) tap to Tony Bennett's version of "Shine on Your Shoes"

Hillary's ballet number: Josef Strauss' "Jokey Polka"

Hillary's tap number: Adriana Caselotti's "Whistle While You Work"

Suzanna and Abigail's ballet number: Johann Strauss' "Tritsch-Tratsch Polka"

Cold weather be danged, we grilled supper for Dad and Beverly after we got home: salmon, potato packets, and Italian vegetable packets. For dessert (not grilled): brownies and vanilla ice cream. It was fun to visit with the 'rents and give them the Grandparents Day cards that the girls had been saving for whenever Grandpa and Grandma returned from life on the road. It was also fun to meet Bandy and let her get to know us a little better before we join her (and Dad and Beverly) for a road trip in their motorhome to Colorado Springs, CO in a couple weeks (for my aunt and uncle Rose and Elton's 50th anniversary celebration, courtesy of their children).