There really are no words for the warm joy that bubbles through you when you see your child on stage. No matter how small the role, there’s always been this sort of indescribable pride we’ve felt when our kids really work for something and show it off to an audience.

Today we had the joy and pleasure of watching Maia perform in a production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” through the arts school they attend. Keana was supposed to be in it at as well, but is still recovering from a injury she got while running earlier this year. Maia was in two performances, one last night and today’s matinee, but as you can imagine, it’s been weeks and weeks of prep. Sarah volunteered to help out backstage too, so it’s been a busy couple of weeks for our family.

And even though Maia’s been “the star” this time around, both Keana and Aliya have handled it so well. They’ve been sweet and supportive and have happily let Maia be in the limelight. They benefit from some of the perks, too. We invited Grandma Linda and Grandpa Sam down for the weekend, and stayed up late watching movies, painting nails, and messing around with them while Maia did her Saturday night performance. Grandma Jennie joined us for the show today as well, so that’s always a treat.

I think after all was said and done, Maia was relieved but also sad to have it all be over. The bonding that happens during a production of this nature is huge, and she’s not sure what happens to those relationships now that this is over. All the grandparents went home today and now we begin a new week, one without the hype of an upcoming performance. There’s a lot to process and a lot to let go.

It’s clear our girls love to perform and so far, they don’t mind the work necessary to do it. I’m excited to see where they go with it and what they decide to pursue. We’re also very grateful that we’ve been been able to provide opportunities like this for our kids, and the love and support they’ve received from their teachers, fellow dancers, and of course, family.