Opening Night

I don't know if I ever blogged too much about Kayla's part in Annie Get Your Gun, so here is a recap: Kayla had a TOUGH audition at the Hale Theater for a role in Annie Get Your Gun. We truly were unsure as to what would happen. Kayla knocked em dead with her singing and acting but couldn't get the choreography down at all. Hey, two out of three- not bad right!? But it is a musical after all, and dancing is expected. While at my friend, Brandi's house I got the call on my cell from Hale and they offered Kayla the part of the youngest sister, Nellie. Kayla and I both cried and it was neat to experience it with Brandi there. Rehearsals were every week night from 7 to 10. Dress rehearsals were for an entire week from 6 to MIDNIGHT. Kayla is a trooper! She is cut out for this stuff. We slowly adjusted her body's clock to prepare her for these late nights. And even though we had requested AM TOPS at their school, all they had left when they got to us on the list was PM TOPS. How lucky are we that it worked out that way? No way we could have gotten to school at 7:30 AM! So after all the actors' hard work, opening night came. Grandma Elephant, Papa Tom, Nana and Papa were there with Collin, Tim and me to see the play. It was a big success!! It was so wonderful to watch after all their hard work! Here are a couple of pictures of Kayla after the play. The cast goes out in to the lobby to shake hands and sign autographs. :) I haven't taken any video during the play but here is a clip from "Moonshine Lullaby" that Kayla is in. I took this during a dress rehearsal.

vow renewal

We had a wonderful time while Susan, Brian, Jack and Nick were here visiting.
We swam, swam and swam some more and had a fun movie and candy night as well.
All the kids spent the night in Collin's room!
Then on Friday, July 9th we had our 10 year anniversary party and vow renewal.
The vows written by Chasing Papa were awesome, the kids were adorable and the cake was amazing.
We even got some gifts which was really nice: A bougainvillea bush from the Strizichs.
And, in what was a really touching moment, we received all of Grandma Elephant's Simpich dolls that she displays at Christmas. Even Daddy was teary-eyed.
What a great night!

4th of July

We had such a fun time at our 4th of July party.
We spent much of the day finishing our Adirondack chairs (done up in my very favorite colors) and then we got ready for the party!
Chris, Kelsey, Nana, Papa, Grandma and Papa were all here to celebrate.
Good food, night swimming and music.
Then we went out to watch the fireworks and ended the night with me throwing a whipper snapper at Uncle Chris and charring his shirt. :)
Good times!

Sleeping pictures

Have I mentioned that I love finding the places and positions that our pets fall asleep in? If not, I just love finding the places and positions that our pets fall asleep in!

I love pulling in to the garage, walking in and seeing Abby asleep with June Bug on the bed.


The kids pulled the cushions off of the couch to build a fort and Lucy and June sure appreciated it!


Every now and again JuneBug likes to curl up in Collin's lap... not sure why, but he's her favorie cuddle spot.

I just like this quote

"Before you speak ask yourself:
Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true? Does it improve the silence?"
SAI BABA

Just cute

Bailey and Kayla decided to bathe the dogs and then have a dog fashion show.


The cat really liked this balloon.


So she carried it around for awhile.

Brownies Investiture

The Brownie's End of Year ceremony was touching, sweet and especially important to our family as Kayla made her investiture.
She recited the Girl Scout Promise and Girl Scout Law and was pinned!
Grandma and Papa came to see it.
My favorite part was when Kayla's Girl Scout buddy grabbed her hand and whispered, "Good Job Kayla!" and then held her hand the rest of the time.
So sweet!