Butterfly Ball

Natalie and Jason attended the Butterfly Ball again, a special city-sponsored danced for dads and daughters. It's an extravagant event similar to prom, even with a grand march, professional photos and held at a beautiful hotel.

Helping Natalie dress was a treat. She just beamed. As I zipped her into her new dress, she twirled and whirled, a sweet smile on her face. I helped her simply brush her hair back and hold it with a pink headband. Then I treated her to a tiny smudge of pink lip gloss and two sweeps of sparkly light blue eye shadow. She headed to our bedroom to gaze at herself in our mirror.

At the dance she ran from one friend to another, coordinating a whole group to sit with her and making sure to introduce all of her friends. Jason stood back watching the scene. It's not hard as a parent to fast forward about 11 years. She's a social butterfly, this girl.

She and daddy danced a little together, munched on treats, took photos and chatted. But honestly, mostly she ditched him with the other dads and danced her heart out on the floor with her friends.