Cassie's 16th

Today is Cassie's Sweet 16. Of course, I have to say how beautiful and talented she is, and talk about how much better our lives are with Cassie in them.  But, becoming 16 also means that she is becoming an adult.  So, I had to ask Cassie what she wanted me to say about her.  I am first supposed to mention art.  Cassie is exploding with talent and this year, she rediscovered her love of art.  This is the first time that she's been able to take an actual art at school.  She's been sketching, painting, and sculpting.  Cassie wanted me to include that next year she will skip Art 2 and go directly to Advanced Portfolio Preparation.  She also loves the intersection of art and chemistry and occasionally thinks about pursuing a career in chemistry.  Here are a few of her creations.  

Cassie still loves her violin.  This year she was able to participate in the high school orchestra.  She is in "Sinfonettia," which is the highest orchestra.  She also played with "the pit" when her school performed "The Wiz."  She said that she plans to carry the pit orchestra in next year's performance!

Cassie in the pit

Of course, Cassie continues to love ballet.  This year we allowed her to audition for some out-of- town summer programs.  She was accepted to several, and decided to attend the Gelsey Kirkland Academy in Brooklyn.  Here are a few photos to mark a year of ballet.

Cassie and Mr. Vadim rehearsing

At Philadelphia for the Youth America Grand Prix

    

The Nutcracker

The sisters after the show

Here's another "post show" photo.  Even though she was

exhausted, she was still smiling!

The Bluebird costume

A few minutes of quiet reflection before an audition.

And, a few more pictures of our sixteen-year old!

At the ball park

Shopping

Sweet 16!