The National Junior League Cotillion Winter Ball

Many years ago, before I married Jason, there was a guy in my ward who approached me about buying a franchise call the Junior Cotillion. It's basically etiquette classes and dance classes. Most people have heard of the "coming out" balls for the southern belles, well, this is the pre-cursor for that.

Anyway, I told him I wasn't in a position to do that and he ended up selling it to my friend, Marilyn Wellington. She has since made it into a fantastic program. I think it is a wonderful program and I signed Xander up to do it. He actually thought it would be fun, which thrilled me!

So, last night was the Winter Ball. There were to be no dates (which I liked) and they were going to practice all the dances and etiquette they had learned so far.....

So, here is my twelve year old looking VERY grown up! And no, that is not our mantle...my friends just bought this GORGEOUS house and we used their house as the backdrop!

His good friends and twins, Angela and David on the beautiful staircase.....

Everyone looked so good! Angela had her hair done and had the most beautiful silver dress on! The boys looked so handsome in their ties.....

Hmmmmm.....who shall we dance with this evening?!?!?

We just need some sunglasses!

And a token picture with mom!

My friend, Marilyn, asked me to be a chaperone and help with the corsages and boutonnieres, so I got to take some pictures too! Each boy was assigned a girl and they escorted them into the room and introduced them to the receiving line. Xander was asked to escort one of his friends from school, Lillian. She looked so pretty!

Then they had to seat them at the table and wait for instructions.

They had learned three dances...the waltz, the foxtrot and the cha cha.

Xander was lucky to be paired up with one of his good friends, Stephanie. She looked so pretty!

Uhmmm...is that MY son dancing with a girl and having a good time??!?!??

They did have a good time and they did a great job. Afterwards, we went to Olive Garden and fed them. This is the last picture I took. I think they were done with me taking pictures!

I can't believe Xander is old enough for all this social stuff! It's bittersweet. He's growing up so fast and such a great kid! I am very lucky to be his mom! And the good thing is, he won't be doing the "deacon shuffle" at the stake dances! He'll be able to actually DANCE and feel confident about himself!