Lil' Pioneers

     With all the excitement of grandparents visiting the past two weekends and a new kitten in our home, I didn't get to mention the girls' big night.  After a 4-hour cheer clinic last weekend with the high school, they performed a cheer and dance during half-time at the LSA football game.   While I was waiting with some other moms before the big show, we reminisced about the past few years that we've been in this same spot, ready to record the same thing.  What I remember most though is when Lydia was three-years-old and had her first Lil' Pioneer experience.  I was totally obnoxious about it.  Really, I was. I thought Lydia should practice, watch the video, know the words, and care about doing it correctly.  It must have been a left-over reaction to coaching those cheerleaders years ago.
     Luckily, that stage mom behavior didn't last.  I quickly learned that a 30 second routine by a 3, 4, 5 or 6-year-old does not make it in the "something to stress over" folder of life.   If they want to practice, great. If not, eh.  Now this lackadaisical attitude may not stretch into practicing math facts or piano lessons, but for now it does. 
     And when half-time finally came and the silly, excited, sparkly girls marched onto the field, I was there stress-free with camera in hand ready to capture their 30 seconds of fame. And as always, it was very cute, very quick, and very, very pink.