Simply Craig

The girls sure enjoyed their jazz class this year, and I loved watching them do their thing on stage. Unfortunately, their mother forgot to show up on  picture day . Yep. Completely forgot. I really need to start sticking those little yellow Post-it notes directly to my forehead. No joke. So, because I missed picture day, I pulled out the ol' camera and took a few pictures of my own. Sorry, girls, that I don't have the official group photo tucked away with this memory. Hopefully I'll do better next year. But looking at these pictures, I don't think we're missing much. Those sparkly purple costumes. Those sweet little faces. And two girls who were pretty happy to be up on that stage doing something they loved. Way to rock the stage this year, girls!

One of the hardest parts about dance recitals... No cameras allowed on performance night. Thankfully, a few days before the big show, the studio held a dress rehearsal where parents were welcome to bring their cameras. Well... Let's just say I didn't disappoint. I definitely brought mine. I couldn't wait to capture a few moments of the girls on stage. There's something magical about watching them perform. The bright lights. The music. The excitement. And those huge smiles that say they're loving every second of it. These two have absolutely loved their jazz class this year, and I've loved having a front-row seat to watch them learn, grow, and gain confidence. It's amazing how much joy a little music and a pair of dancing shoes can bring. Did I ever mention how much I love having girls? Watching them twirl across the stage, giggle with their friends, and pour their little hearts into every performance has been one of my greatest joys. I'm so grateful I ha...

In some parts of the world, people talk about  dancing in the rain . But here in Arizona... we dance in the sun.   As the sun began to set, I watched Breeley twirl and dance in her little tutu, completely lost in the moment. With the golden light behind her, she became the sweetest little silhouette against the Arizona sky. There was no stage, no audience, and no music playing...just a little girl with a big imagination, dancing simply because she could. Those are the moments I love capturing the most. The ones where childhood is completely carefree. Where a sunset becomes a spotlight, a backyard becomes a stage, and a little girl becomes a beautiful reminder to slow down and enjoy the simple joys around us. Her tiny steps, her spinning skirt, and her free spirit captured a season of life that passes far too quickly. My little dancing beauty... Keep dancing in the sunshine.

One afternoon, I brought my camera to the girls' jazz class rehearsal, hoping to capture a few memories before their Christmas performance. It turned out to be one of my favorite photo sessions. Breeley, Britley, and my niece, Emmie, were all in the same class, practicing their adorable  Reindeer Dance . From the moment the music began, they danced with all the enthusiasm and confidence their little hearts could muster. There is something especially endearing about watching young children perform. Some remember every step, some add a few steps of their own, and all of them dance as if they're the stars of the show. Their tiny costumes, bright smiles, and carefree excitement filled the room with joy. Between the rehearsed dance moves were little giggles, whispers to friends, and those candid moments that make childhood so beautiful. I'm so grateful I brought my camera that day. While everyone else was watching the rehearsal, I was able to preserve a season of life that passe...