Ah, Wilderness

Today I headed up the winding road to Big Bear with three of my friends from GGA.  We conquered an 8 mile hike up and down a mountain. The day was filled with physical challenges, beautiful views and lots of laughs.  It so felt good to get out in the fresh air, push our bodies to the limit and talk, talk, talk.  

Don't break character!

They say that babies can hear TV and music and the voices of their parents when they are in their mother's womb.  I now believe for sure that they can hear their parent's voices.  Bella has never really attended one of the rehearsals for my plays, yet she seems to already know some of my words of wisdom.  One of the things that I think is most important for my actors to know that is no matter what happens on stage, you don't laugh, you don't make a comment, you never let the audience know that things did not go as planned.  Sunday was Bella's first dance recital and when she is on stage in front of a group of people, she is in her element.  The poor little thing was so into her tap dance that she kicked her right show right off of her foot.  She never stopped smiling.  She quickly grabbed the shoe, put it back and her foot and went on dancing.  The crowd cheered her on and she became the talk of the THREE HOUR show.  Somehow Bella has already learned, "never break character"  at least someone listens to me at rehearsal, even if it is a baby in my belly!  

Dress Rehearsal

The weekend of the dance recital is finally here.  Yesterday was dress rehearsal and Bella's first time on the big stage.  We arrived at the theatre and it took me a few moments to calm down and come to terms with the fact that  yes, I was in a theatre full of chaos and no, I WAS NOT IN CHARGE.  After a few deep breathes and releasing the controlling side of my personality, it was the cutest thing ever!  Who cares if Bella does dances from Seussical the whole time she is on stage instead of the the choreography provided by her teacher?  She loved being on stage.  I was afraid that the shy side of her personality would come out, but she SPARKLED.  In all honesty, dress rehearsal would have been enough for our family, now we have to sit through a three hour long show on Sunday.  I'm sure there will be moments on that day too that make me want to laugh and cry at the same moment! 

Summer Reading is Here!

Yesterday as Cooper was resting during naptime, he said, "Mom, you know what my favorite part of summer is?  Reading on my bed under the fan".  He said this as he lay there reading a chapter book BY HIMSELF.  That was a moment to make a mom cry if there ever was one!  Later that day, we all went to the library for the kick off of the summer reading program. The kids each got to read a book to a dog and got fired up about reading.  Here's to a summer spent under a fan reading a great book!

Hike On

Yesterday morning as Dave was riding one of the five toughest centuries in the US through fog, rain and chilly mountain weather, the kids I and enjoyed a hike in the warm sunshine.  As I've said before, I feel like I learn so much about their individual personalities everytime we go on a hike.  Cooper is a thinker.  He takes his time, thinks out each step, and at all costs, avoids getting hurt.  Bella is a daredevil.  She does not take her time, steps before she thinks and scrapes the heck out of her legs.  I'm still trying to figure out how a paper cut on her finger results in blood curdling screams of pain and anguish and a bleeding scrape from a rock doesn't even phase her.  It may be one of those things I never figure out.  Enough with the deep questions though; bottom line, we had a great time!

Summer Is Here!

Over the course of this week, we all enjoyed our last day of school and are ready for the summer fun to begin.  Fun can't exist without a night out on the town while the kids are at home with a babysitter.  Last night was a great evening filled with friends and fun.  The evening began with wine tasting, and ended with the movie Hangover.  It was great to relax, laugh and help Lee and Poppy celebrate their ninth anniversary. Cheers to happy marriages and great friends!

Group shot at Buffalo Wild Wings

Happy Anniversary Lee and Poppy!  The great artwork that was the gift.  May you be together as long as Arturo and Madge...

Dave even found a possible spokesperson gig...

Poppy picking out Lee's anniversary gift, hope he likes it!

Cheers!

Coming soon to a computer near you....

Yesterday was the senior's last day, lots of tears and emotions.  But the senior's last day only means one thing- school is almost over.  We have four days left and then I can get back to what I really enjoy, writing my blog. LOL.  I know all of my loyal followers are sick of clicking on this link only to find that I haven't written in months, so be prepared, in the next few months, I'm planning to blog my little heart out!