Kids Hip Hop/Apollo Anton Ohno Burgett-Bottorff

One of the studio's that I teach at in Seattle holds 8 week long Kids Hip Hop courses that I have been instructing for the past year. Yesterday was the last day of class for the winter set and it was amazing to see all of the parents, siblings, grandparents & even school teachers that showed up for their presentation. I had 16 kids in this particular group of 6-9 year olds, so the studio was packed with viewers. The kids helped me explain a typical day in one of "Miss Chriss' dance classes", then a few volunteers demonstrated transition walks with the help of some music, and then they performed their dance that they have been working on. We ended a few minutes early, so I asked the parents if they would like to see the kids do their dance again. One student called out, "NO! They want to see YOU dance!!!" Which was accompanied with a chorus of "yes's" & "PLEASE's", then all 16 kids started chanting, "Miss Chriss, Miss Chriss, Miss Chriss! MISS CHRISS!" Getting their audience to join in with the chant as well. Aw, shucks kids...what could I do? Normally I don't perform at my kids' performances because it's supposed to be about them & what they've accomplished. BUT, I decided saying NO to a chanting room of YES would've been rude. So, I whipped out a few 8 counts of a routine I had in the back of my mind and you would've thought I was Britney Spears pre K-Fed. The classroom erupted (which I did not expect) and I was nearly knocked over by 16 kids (5 boys, 11 girls) racing in for a group-hug. After I got everyone calmed down, I had them perform their dance again & then wished everyone a Happy Holiday. There were several calls both yesterday and today from parents inquiring about when the next course will be & asking if there is a waiting list because no one wants to be left out. Our next 8 week Kids Hip Hop course was decided to start at the end of January & I cannot wait to see the little munchkins again :) 

Now onto MY not-so-munchkin, my dog. Apollo Anton Ohno Burgett-Bottorff. He's big, he's snuggly, and he's a pain in the butt!! He follows me everywhere I go in the house. I walk into one room, he follows. Then I turn around, & he runs into me. I have to go to the bathroom, he opens the door with his nose and tries to get me to snuggle with him while I'm really wanting some privacy. His 140 lb self sits on my lap every time I'm on the couch. He squeezes himself in between Chase & I while we're hugging after he gets home from work. He barks when we wrestle on the couch. He has to go out when Chase & I are watching a movie. He gets into Chase's backpack & eats his crackers...hold on, I just realized something...HE IS OUR CHILD!! I can't help but love him every time I look into those big, brown eyes. He is currently laying at my feet, sprawled out as much as he can be. Ohhhh, Apollo...you are my full-sized gentleman...now please do Chase & I a favor? Throw up the Cheez-It bag we're pretty sure you ate last night. Mommy loves you :)