A New Theater Experience

A few people know I have discovered a love for the backstage logistics that go on during a performance. The discovery surprised me because I like dancing, singing and performing. But even then, it's the rehearsals I like best. Tonight I had a new "backstage" experience as a lighting technician for MCO's Spring Concert performance of Elijah. I wasn't performing this semester, and the directors needed someone to call the lighting cues who could also read music and follow the score. It was a little nerve wracking, but once I got through a couple of bumbles during the dress rehearsal and learned the lingo, I kind of liked it. There is a lot of pressure knowing that key lighting changes were up to me to make happen, but I loved doing something that was so integral to the beauty of the performance. I guess I can add this to my resume now!

Rainy Renaissance Faire

Today was our Renaissance Faire adventure. An adventure not because we hadn't been before, but because it was the first time the sweltering heat was replaced with RAIN! It sprinkled on us during the joust and then came down pretty hard after that. We were able to see the joust and have some lunch, but we had to pop into booths to stay dry. One of the booths was Heather's drabbit booth she loves, so we visited with some other drabbits.  Ours was tucked safely in a bag so it didn't get wet. Both our costumes were pretty soaked when we decided to call it a day. We had to have a photo though, and we blinked through the rain falling in our eyes to take one. It was super fun to be with Heather and have this different, but still fun experience.

More Selfies

Jenna and Kelly hung out while Heather and I were at the Renaissance Faire today. Found these cute selfies on my photo stream.

Fun Tidbits This Month

 After admiring these outdoor lights at many weddings, I got some for us. Love them!

 4•15  The Jacaranda trees are in bloom. There is a gorgeous on the corner, and then there's the street that bears the name for a reason. Love these trees!

 4•16  Heather is shaving a full second off her 300m Hurdles almost every week. She loves this distance. She can count the hurdles down, has time to think about her steps, and she has the endurance to kick at the end. Today was a breakthrough day at Edison where she dug deep and came in 2nd passing several runners after the curve. Love this girl's determination!

4•23  Heather has a gift for memorization and has several piano pieces memorized. So she sat and played some expensive pianos at Costco this day. It was fun to see her performing as everyone shopped. Love her talent!

A Dark Horse in the Los Alamitos vs. FVHS Track Meet

Heather ran an awesome 300m hurdle race today! She started out well and took her time around the curve. We were worried when she came around the curve in 5th place, but she quickly turned it on and ran past each of the 4 Los Al opponents.  Good work Heather!

Meaningful Youth Activity

One of the most meaningful Young Women activities happened this evening. With the focus of gratitude, we showed the girls a video interview from years ago of a high school senior who had been born with no arms. The story explained how she had adapted to everyday life with not having arms. Because she was born without them, she never missed them. She had been determined since she was young to do anything and everything she wanted. She was even a cheerleader! The girls watched her do things with her feet such as pull a bowl from a cupboard and pour cereal and milk for herself, eat dinner with a fork, do homework and classwork, put make up on and even put in contacts! After the video, we had some stations set up for the girls so they could experience what it would be like to have no arms. We had them eat brownie bites with a fork, pour cereal in a bowl, write on a white board and then write on a table top.  We had a block tower for them to build and we played a game of catch with our feet. I'm not sure how meaningful it was for the young women, but I will never forget the experience of learning about this girl and how she overcame the challenge she was born with. Oh, and her boyfriend that took her to the senior prom was the cutest!

A Visitor For Spring Break

We received a call just before Easter that our buddy Boca needed a place to stay for the week. The dog-sitting home where she was scheduled to go had an unexpected emergency, and the family was headed off for Spring Break. Having had Boca in our home before, we were delighted to accommodate the request. As you can see from the photos, she fell right back into place with Sariah and the rest of our family. She is a really sweet dog, and we love having her around. Sariah is pretty happy as well. It was sad to say goodbye at the end of the week.

Braces for Jenna!

Today was the long-awaited day. Jenna has braces! She is finally beginning the teeth straightening process she has wanted to start for a while. Braces will be no picnic, but she is prepared to endure for the end result. Here we go!

Easter Day in Photos

 Easter baskets and boogie board gifts

 The backyard hunt

Cookies we decorated

Yummy ham dinner and our Easter guest, Grandpa Ron

Easter Eggs

Although the girls don't love my picture taking, I think we still love (or at least like) dying the Easter Eggs. They were pretty creative this year with patterns (Jenna) and Adventure Time or Five Nights At Freddie's (Heather). I'm cherishing these last few years doing this as a family.

WonderCon Take 2

Heather, MacKenzie and I spent the afternoon at WonderCon in Anaheim. This was our 2nd WonderCon, and it was just as fun as the first time. Last year, Heather dressed in her Sherlock coat and scarf and I in my Thor t-shirt. This year Heather's costume is from Attack on Titan, a favorite anime series. The girls had a blast walking around, buying souvenirs, and spotting people dressed up as other favorite characters. I found a police box of my own to snap a photo in. We also met an author/artist who does beautiful paintings of dragons. Her name is Heather also, and we found her later on line. She does Disney princesses and has written a steampunk children's book as well. Very, very beautiful artwork. Another great day at WonderCon!

Date Night - Jen and Dad

While Heather and I were at WonderCon, Jenna and Dad decided to try out the Hula Girl Shaved Ice. Awesome date night for them. Love that Kelly spends time with his girls.