“alive” shows

sound of music

We came home from camping with just enough time to hose off and head downtown for the Sound of Music. B was suppose to join us but he was still not feeling great from the weekend. Luckily it passed pretty quickly after a shower and a good nap. He was doing much better when we returned home. 
The Sounds of Music is Annabelle’s favorite movie. She knows all the songs and can practically recite all the words. I’ve always liked, but didn’t LOVE it. The show was something else. It was truly one of the best I have ever seen. I’m such a sucker for live theater and special experiences with my girls. 
When we arrived home, Annabelle found her basketball hoop put together. Even though he wasn’t feeling his best, B still used his day off to put it together for her. Such a good dad. 
She changed so quickly and was out shooting hoops in no time! Such a happy girl. 

happy birthday: kate

We hurried down the mountain just in time for Kate’s birthday party. Both girls have such a great time with her and were so excited to celebrate with her. There were lots of kiddos zip lining and rock wall climbing. 
Happy birthday to Kate!
After the show, the girls quickly changed and then off to Beauty and the Beast. We have seen this show before in Chicago and let me tell ya, it was a lot better. This one was a bit boring. We had great seats and B even joined us so it still made for a fun family day!

peter and the starcatcher

B had a catering event today. We try not to work on Sundays, but sometimes an odd event weasels its way on to the calendar. We had tickets to Peter and the Star Catcher and since B couldn’t join us, Gwyneth invited her friend Ella.
The story was clever although a little difficult for the girls to follow. B is not a fan of anything Peter Pan (huh? after all these years together I just found that out. interesting!). If he was going to miss a show this was the one to miss because it’s the prequel to Peter Pan. I liked it. Then again, I’m a sucker for a show.

After the show we raced home to spend the rest of our evening with B. The girls decorated our driveway with sidewalk chalk. Quite, peaceful night.  Good stuff.

april fools, fondue, and avalanche

Happy April Fool’s day! 

We are jokesters around here but never put much effort in to April fools pranks. This year we tried the ol’ frozen cereal bit. The girls don’t usually eat cereal but B told them we were running late and that was all we had time for this morning. They both picked up their frozen spoons and found frozen blocks of milk and cereal. There was a touch of confusion and then hysterical laughing by Annabelle. She thought it was a great joke and it absolutely made her morning.

Look at that happy face. She loves a great prank! 
(the fake glasses are a prank she wanted to play on her teacher…)

Jokes are funny but not when they come to Gwyneth’s breakfast! She was very agitated but relieved when she got pancakes.

We had a girls night Saturday at the Melting Pot. Gwyneth’s friend, Ella, had never been and they were all giggles together. 

Annabelle’s friend had to reschedule the morning of and rather than inviting someone else to join us, she asked if I would be her date. Heck yes! I love this girl and I couldn’t have been happier to hang with her. I’m glad she’s confident and didn’t mind that Gwyneth had a friend along and she didn’t. I’m glad that she still wants to hang out with me. I’m glad she’s not too cool yet for her ol’ mom (yet…she is too cool, but she either doesn’t know or doesn’t mind!).

Gwyneth and Ella are sweet friends and we all had fun cooking, dipping, and eating together. These girls are great eaters. They ordered chicken and steak and quickly decided that steak was the best. They tried the sauces and veggies and were very adventurous.

I think Annabelle knew what she was doing sharing with me. I’m not a sweets fan so she got the chocolate round and dippers all to herself. She didn’t even put a dent in the plate of goodies, but Gwyneth and Ella polished theirs off!

It was a really lovely night. We laughed and told stories and had a very girlie, fun time. I’m very grateful to have these experiences with these fabulous ladies.

Sunday morning was the very last Nuggets Junior Dancers practice for the season. It has been hard work and a commitment from our whole family – especially since Sunday is our only day off work. I’m proud of the girls for trying, doing their best, and for getting up there on that court in front of all those people and dancing. They are so brave. 
Gwyneth decided to sit out this last performance. She doesn’t like to be on the jumbo tron, she doesn’t like the practices and its just not her thing. She did her very best this season and I’m so glad she gave it a try. She’s excited to watch Annabelle perform at the last game. She’s such a supportive and loving sister. 
While Annabelle practiced, we hit the mall, which happens to be one of my least favorite places. I hate shopping. Yes, I’m using the word hate here. B and Annabelle needed some new clothes so we went for it. We had to wait a bit for the mall to open and Gwyneth kept us entertained. She’s such a character. 

We ended the weekend cheering for the Avalanche. We had great seats which we got for B for his birthday. I thought it would be a better gift, but the Blues crushed them. The Blues scored 3 goals in the first period and the Avs played the rest of the game like they were already defeated. Everyone in our crew would have been happier if they won, but we were happy to be there together.