Sofar is a very good bargain Joe and looks like the kids having so much fun.

You can soft a hars shadows by diffuse the lights. Cheapest is the A4 paper or baking paper but I am sure you will find something more suitable.

Try to fiddle a bit, only guessing here but if you make your daughter sit a bit far from a wall/background  might a shadow smoother a bit.

BTW the 1st shot looks great.

seeya  T