My poor, neglected, blog.

Well, here we are.   It's been almost 2 years since my last post.  How sad.  I'm attempting to decide whether I should start up from where I left off, add some things from the last 2 years, or just delete my blog altogether.  It does seem that most of my blogging friends have jumped ship.  The thing is, I very much enjoy writing when I commit to it, and I enjoy having a chronicle of our family goings-on.  I'm hoping that I might be better able to stick with my commitment now that I have 2 kids in school, and only one at home during the mornings.  How the heck did that happen?!? 

Here's hoping to a better-documented 2014!

Boston and NYC Getaway!

My dear friend, Nick Cartell was recently cast in his first Broadway show--Jesus Christ Superstar! Thanks to the generosity of my darling hubby, and wonderful friend Dana, I was able to take a trip to Boston and NYC to see him perform! What an incredible experience. I have known Nick since I was 14 years old, and have watched as he has worked his butt off for the last 15 years trying to make it to this point. I am so proud of him and all he has accomplished! He is truly a gifted performer, and is so deserving of every success that comes his way. What a joy to be able to sit in the audience and watch him perform on a Broadway stage!

I flew into Boston on Friday and Dana took me out to a lovely dinner. Saturday morning, we headed down to NYC. We had lunch and then caught the matinee of Spiderman-Turn off the Dark. The technical aspects of the show were absolutely phenomenal, as well as some of the performers. The script and music left a lot to be desired, but I am still so glad we were able to see it.

After Spiderman, we met up with Nick, his wonderful wife Christie, and some of Dana's friends for dinner before heading to see JCS. Dana, her amazing friend Michael, and I went to see the show and Nick even gave us a tour backstage. It was my first time standing on a Broadway stage. Between watching Nick perform, and the tour, I was a mess.

Ellen met up with us after the show and was able to take the backstage tour too. I headed with her back to she and Neal's apartment in Brooklyn. Neal was super sweet and had cooked us a late night dinner. It was wonderful being able to catch up with them and see where they live.

Sunday Ellen, Neal, and I headed back into the city and visited the 9/11 World Trade Center memorial. It was beautiful and moving. We spent the rest of the day walking around the city, sampling some street vendor food and hanging out in the park before meeting up with Dana so we could drive back to Boston.

It was an unforgettable trip!

Wizard of Oz Summer Camp

We were fortunate enough to spend most of June and July doing a summer camp program! I was able to take a stab at musical direction, and Bella was a flying monkey in her first ever play! Lola and Liam were such troopers and really had fun playing with all the camp kids--almost 75 of then! I had such an amazing time getting to know all of the kids, and couldn't have been more proud of them and the show they put on. I was super proud of Bella for trying something new, and sticking with it. She is a great little performer and told me she wants to be on stage again. :) I am so grateful to Amber and MCT for such a wonderful opportunity.

The Music Man!

After an 11 year absence while going to school, getting married, and having babies, I finally was able to do another musical! I was fortunate enough to play Marian in 'The Music Man' with The Maricopa Community Theatre. I can't begin to put into words how much I had missed the experience of putting on a show. On opening night I was so overwhelmed, that I began to cry during the overture. I am so grateful for this experience, and am looking forward to many, many more!

Lola's 3rd Birthday!

We had a huge birthday bash for Lola's 3rd birthday in December!  I always feel like Lola gets the short end of the stick being the middle child and having a birthday 2 days after Christmas so we went all out this year.  I was able to trade hair services with a couple of local business owners, so we were able to have a custom made cake, a bounce house, a popcorn machine, and a cotton candy machine!  It was so much fun!  I'm so glad we were able to make Lola's birthday extra special.  We love her very much and are so grateful she is part of our family!

We did a Candyland theme so Bob and I made these decorations.  LOVE the lollipops!

No Candyland party is complete without a candy bar!

Candyland Cake!