My First Formal Dance

Last night was Caleb's first semi-formal dance. And since Josh has never been into the social/ dance scene, this was my first formal too... as a parent.

Caleb has been looking forward to this dance since his first crush back in the 3rd grade. He wanted to ask this girl to 'go out' with him... like, where are they gonna go?... and I would always suggest he wait until 7th grade and then he can ask her to the dance. Although Caleb still has a crush on her, he didn't ask her to the dance. Most of the kids get a small group of friends and go together

This being my first involvement as a parent, I was amused at watching this all come together.

Back in March, the girls started forming their groups. I noticed the boys didn't seem much to care... the dance was weeks away- no need to think about it now... Caleb and Julia were in the same group so I would ask Julia for updates on any plans.

Two weeks before the dance, I took Caleb to get a suit... the girls already had their dresses for weeks now... I helped Caleb pick out a shirt and tie, pants and a jacket he was insistent on having... well, at least he wants to look nice... Julia had mentioned that they were trying to coordinate colors for their outfits. She was wearing a yellow dress so Caleb got a yellow tie to match... I explained to him that at formal events, its appropriate to have colors go together...

The day before the dance, Caleb had a dentist appointment to get the bands on his braces changed. As I sat in the waiting room, I thought it would be a cute idea to have his bands match his suit. I hopped up and stepped into the room where Caleb was having his braces worked on. The Dentist was adjusting his wires and as I glanced down, I noticed blue and yellow bands on the tray. I smiled and shook my head. "What?" Caleb asked. "Nothing" I shrugged, "I was coming back to tell you to get blue and yellow bands but you beat me to it"... He is starting to think like a girl...

The day of the dance, Caleb was being as picky and finicky as a girl...I hope Gracie and Suzie aren't this bad... As soon as Caleb got home from track, he was ready to jump in the shower and don his new duds. Knowing he had and hour and a half I suggested, "Take a shower but don't get dressed yet. You'll get your clothes all wrinkled"... I had just ironed them- and I hate ironing... Reluctantly Caleb waited to get dressed.

Once the time drew near for Caleb to get dressed, he primped around like a girl. He couldn't find his undershirt. His shirt didn't tuck in right. He couldn't raise his arms with it tucked in. His shoes wouldn't lace up tight enough. He wanted me to fix his hair, but that wasn't right either... OeyBay... Tired of hearing him fuss about his hair, "Fine. Go back to the bathroom and I'll fix it again" But then he huffed about having to go back to the bathroom... geeze...

Caleb's dad and grandparents showed up to take some pictures. Caleb saw their truck pull up and shoved the door shut so they couldn't see him until he was ready... what is this, his wedding day and he's the bride?...

After Caleb's dad left, I took him over to Julia's- where all the kids were meeting up and then I was going to take them to the dance... Im the only one with a van... I sat in the kitchen and listened to Julia carry on the way that Caleb just did... did I act like this at their age? Probably...

A couple of the other girls showed up along with the other boy in the group. The girls stood in the kitchen, talking and giggling. Caleb and Gus spotted Brandon's baseball bat in the corner and immediately started playing with it and talking sports... Oh My Gosh- how stereotypical... but happy to see Caleb acting like a boy and not a girl Lol...

Once the whole group was there, we made them stand together for pictures. Seeing as it was still raining... 4 days straight... we had them stand on the porch in front of Angels door... she has a gorgeous door... They all giggled and fussed about standing still for pictures... typical...



Finally it was time for the dance- loading all the kids in my van, we were off. They were all a giggle and talking loud. Julia was sitting up front and looking for a good song on the radio. The girls in the back fell to a hush. I reached over and shut the radio off, "Who did what?" I asked... knowing that their whispers meant some good gossip...

I heard one of the names mentioned so I leaned over to Julia to whisper like the girls were in the back.... so and so likes so and so... Julia laughed, "Bekah didn't even hear what you said and she knows what you're talking about"... well duh, it aint rocket science... Julia continued, "You guys don't have to whisper. Bekah wont tell anybody"... Wow! I'm cool Aunt Bekah! Heehee...

After the dance was over, I picked the 'group' up and took them back to Julia's where Angel had some food and drinks. They all climbed in the van laughing and excited over the good time they just had. Julia sat down, "Man! I hate drama" Without asking too many details, I gathered that 'so and so' who liked 'so and so'.... the conversation in the van on the way to the dance.. well I guess they broke up, along with another 'couple'... Oh the Love gone wrong- snif snif- tragedy a foot...

It was after midnight before Caleb got home. I was sleeping and didn't care much to ask him about his night. I will get all the details later today... and find out if he danced with his 3rd grade crush, and what the deal was with so and so breaking up- I gotta stay up to date on this stuff...

Before falling back to sleep, I did hear Caleb say, "Man. This was the best night ever!' I smiled as I drifted off