We had heard about the Fall Ball in the past, but we’ve never had any reason to consider going until this year when Emily decided she would like to attend. We know quite a few people who attend so the dads can be “back up” for any girls who find themselves without a dance partner. After a little convincing, Tim said he would go and do the same for Emily. However, when he heard that some of the moms go then he insisted that I go as well. I was NOT THRILLED about this. I wanted it to be a daddy/daughter thing. But, ok. Fine. I have a dress and I know people with whom I can SIT and visit with while watching and taking pictures. IOW, I had NO INTENTION whatsoever of actually dancing.

I figured I would go and video/photograph Tim and Emily while they did the practice run through that morning. However, Tim ended up having to work and didn’t get to go to the practice which meant I had to practice at the practice… and not only practice… but find someone to practice with since Em was already paired off with friends. After I got over the embarassment of having to practice with people I didn’t even know (actually that was probably a GOOD THING!) I found that I REALLY ENJOYED myself. Afterwards, I found myself looking forward to the ball instead of dreading it as something to get through for the sake of our daughter (LOL). That was NOT good news for Tim because now that meant I was “into” it and well… you all know what happens when I get “into” something…. it’s all or nothing (LOL). Before I get to the rest of the story, here are a few pictures from the rehearsal. I didn’t get very many pictures of the rehersal because *I* was practicing (LOL). However, there were a few people who stayed and practice longer and I took some pictures at that time.

Here she is with her friend who helped her get ready for the ball. She also went dress shopping with us a few weeks ago. She made her colonial style dress which is BEAUTIFUL.

Speaking of dresses. We were fortunate to find a dress that Emily liked after only a couple of hours of shopping. Thankfully, her Grandma Jean was able to make straps for the dress out of some extra fabric that came with it. She also hemmed it up.

Being goofy at Grandma’s house while working on he dress.

Here is Emily with 2 of her friends… the one from above plus the other friend who convinced her to go to the ball after showing video of last year’s spring ball at her birthday party!

Emily had to sit out one dance while we went in the bathroom and taped up a few spots where the hem had come down. Our friend, Jill from a few pictures above, came prepared with tape, needle/thread, and stapler (LOL)! She’s a first rate mom, for sure – always prepared for anything! Here is Em at the ball.

Tim & I danced about 1/3 of the dances together and I danced a few more with other people and with Emily while Tim took pictures. Here we are in our formal attire. We had to get dressed at church and we thought we waited long enough that most people would be gone by the time we came out of hiding. However, that was NOT the case. There were all kinds of people still in the hallway. Of course, they gave Tim a pretty bad time >VBG>.

Both lines come together then you go left hand across and twirl under (not sure what the real term for this move would be) and then the right hand and then both hands followed by dosie doe.

When it’s your turn to lead out you shuffle down to the end of the line inbetween both rows of men/women and back to the front where you start the reel. Here we are coming back from the end of the shuffle.