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Leslie Llewellyn Capstraw

@lesliecapstraw

598

followers

2831

following

Curating snapshots of the people, places and things I love. Eat well. Travel often. 🙏🏻🧘‍♀️🏝📿🌎🐶🎿🤿

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A beautiful night at my happy place 🎶⛰️👯‍♂️ taken in Hollywood Bowl by @lesliecapstraw

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8

21 days ago

The family you choose🐻♥️ #griznation

And it looks like she chose pretty well. So grateful the grandparents (and the Griz Riz Dad) made it to Missoula for a weekend full of football and a whole lot of big sky magic✨ by @lesliecapstraw

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a month ago

Okay Griz fans…I get it now. 🐻❤️

First football game of Ella’s rookie year and it did not disappoint. So much energy, so much fun, the BEST fans!UM for the WIN🙌🏻 So glad I made the trip for this one. ❤️🏈

#GoGriz #GrizDance #RookieYear #griznation taken in Missoula, Montana by @lesliecapstraw

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2 months ago

Bruh…10th grade. Let’s Go! 🏊‍♂️🚵‍♂️🏋🏻 by @lesliecapstraw

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2 months ago

And just like that…she’s officially launched. ❤️🐻

Technically, Ella left us a month ago for training camp, but last week I finally moved her into her dorm and I think that’s when it all became real.

It wasn’t quite the move-in we had planned. Dad was sidelined at home recovering from a 🚵‍♀️ accident 🤯 so this became a mom-and-daughter operation. Somehow we managed to haul ALL the things—including a refrigerator—up three flights of stairs, transform a dorm room, make approximately 47 trips to Target, and still like each other at the end (maybe)😂

And then I had to leave her there.

My heart is absolutely bursting with excitement for everything ahead of her—college, dance team, new friendships, new experiences and the chance to figure out who she wants to be in this next chapter. She is surrounded by an incredible group of teammates and already finding her way.

But there’s also this part no one really prepares you for…coming home and realizing she’s no longer part of our everyday family rhythm. Her room is still here. Her stuff is everywhere. But she isn’t. And that one hits a little harder than I expected. ❤️

So here we go. A new season for all of us.

I couldn’t be more excited for you, Ella. Go find your people, take some chances, work hard, have SO much fun and make Montana your own.

And maybe remember to call your mother occasionally. 😘 And don’t forget to go to class!

Go Griz! 🐻❤️ taken in University of Montana by @lesliecapstraw

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2 months ago

Today, you are 18. ❤️

Eighteen years ago, you made me a mom. Somehow, in what feels like both a lifetime and the blink of an eye, you’ve grown into an incredible young woman.

One of the things I admire most about you is your confidence, not the loud kind, but the quiet certainty of knowing who you are. You’ve never been afraid to march to the beat of your own drum, make your own choices and stay true to yourself, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

You are strong, kind, determined, independent and deeply loved by so many people. Watching the life, friendships and opportunities you’ve created for yourself has been one of the greatest gifts of being your mom.

Today, you officially become an adult. You can vote, sign your own forms, and make all sorts of important decisions. (Please make good ones😘)

As you begin this next chapter, my wish for you is simple: trust yourself. Keep chasing what excites you, take chances, learn from setbacks and never lose the confidence that makes you uniquely you.

I couldn’t be more proud of the person you’ve become and I can’t wait to see where life takes you next.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl 💕✨

@ella.capstraw taken in Redondo Beach, California by @lesliecapstraw

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4 months ago

A season of lasts💚… and the beginning of so many firsts.

As I look back on the past few weeks, I’m filled with gratitude (and exhaustion😭), not just for all that Ella has accomplished, but for the people who have shared the journey alongside her.

These girls have grown up together through school, dance, sports, celebrations, disappointments, and countless memories in between. We’ve watched them grow from girls into confident, resilient, beautiful young women, each finding her own path while continuing to support one another along the way🫶🏻

As parents, we hope our children find their people. What a gift it has been to watch these friendships grow and see the impact they’ve had on each other’s lives.

This chapter is coming to a close, but I know the friendships, memories, and lessons will travel with them wherever they go next✨

So proud of this group and excited to see what lies ahead for each of them✨🎓♥️

#classof2026 taken in Redondo Beach, California by @lesliecapstraw

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4 months ago

Freshman swim year: complete ✅

Honestly thought this season might end with an award for “Most Likely to Need Antibiotics or Ice Packs” after sinus surgery, a few mountain bike wipeouts, and more missed practices than he’d probably like to admit 😅

Instead…
✔️ Varsity letter
✔️ CIF qualifier
✔️ 2 X🥈second place league finishes
✔️ Rookie of the Year

Proud of this kid for continuing to show up and quietly put in the work when things weren’t always easy. Not because the season was perfect, but because he kept showing up through adversity with determination, humor, and heart.

Now imagine what happens if he actually makes every practice next year 😂🏊‍♂️

@rcapstraw taken in Redondo Beach, California by @lesliecapstraw

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5 months ago

As one chapter closes 💚 another begins... This week Ella was recognized at her school signing day for athletes surrounded by her principal, teammates, friends, and so much love as she officially commits to continue her dance journey with the University of Montana Dance Team @montanagrizdance

What makes me most proud isn’t just the accomplishment - it’s the years of hard work, resilience, discipline, and heart that got her here. She set a goal for herself and stayed committed to it, even through the hard moments.

So grateful she found a program and team that feels like the right fit for this next chapter.

And seeing all her friends show up today in UMDT colors to support her made it even more special. 😭🫶🏻

So excited for what’s ahead. Griz Nation… here she comes ❤️🖤

@rcapstraw taken in Redondo Beach, California by @lesliecapstraw

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5 months ago

Four years. One unforgettable final season. 💚

Not the easiest year, but maybe the most meaningful. Injuries, setbacks, floods, rewrites… and through all of it, this team kept showing up for each other.

So proud of these dancers for their resilience, heart, humor, and belief in themselves and in each other.

Endless gratitude to the coaches who led with passion, patience, and the reminder to always believe.

And just like that… senior season comes to a close.
Forever proud to be part of South Dance💚

Onward to the next chapter ✨ by @lesliecapstraw

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5 months ago

A love letter and thank you to the parents and dancers who showed us the way at South Dance 💚

We love you and appreciate you. 💚
@ella.capstraw
@rcapstraw
@lesliecapstraw
@jamie_m_p_
@ameliecoe_
@saradozier510
@southdance
@malaya.paterson
@sarah_lp_73
@staceykimura by @lesliecapstraw

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5 months ago

Final solo. Final studio competition with @rise_academy_dance

So much work behind these two minutes.

Dance isn’t objective like other sports. You have to be seen, believed in, chosen—and in moments like this, nothing else matters. And this year, she found her voice, her power, her confidence and her presence.

Grateful for this beautiful piece by 🧠@sachamendi and for believing in her🫶🏻, and to @nicolerene06 for all the extra rehearsals to help bring it to life and for being one of her biggest champions these last 10 years💙🖤

Closing this chapter with Top in Category, 1st place, and highest scoring solo 💎✨

My heart is full watching her (on repeat.) Proud mama of @ella.capstraw

Excited for what’s next 🤍

Studio: @rise_academy_dance
Choreographer: @sachamendi
Music: Lucie Silvas (I do not have the rights) taken in Redondo Beach, California by @lesliecapstraw

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5 months ago