Shrek: Preparing for the School Musical

We waited years to participate in the school musical. Some type of hesitation always came up, usually about the massive time commitment. But this year we had a plan. It would be a family commitment, known well in advance, and we would dive in and meet the challenge head on. So schedules were re-arranged, sports were put on hold, and full days (and weekends) were endured. The kids jumped into their roles, and hearing them sing songs at home was an added bonus. I was tasked with set and stage production, and am enjoying the process so far. We turned our carport into a set painting studio, which makes me think...why don't I paint outside more often? The big performance dates are yet to come. Will I still be standing two weeks from now? Let's hope so, because I certainly don't want to turn into an Ogre.

Winter Break 2015

It feels like we fit in a year's worth of fun into two short weeks of winter break. From decking the halls to skiing the hills, our minds are filled with a flurry of memories. We cut the tree, braved a storm, welcomed friends and family, baked cookies, rode a train of lights, cooked a traditional Christmas dinner, visited cousins, celebrated the New Year (via Squaw Valley Torchlight Parade!), and discovered new backcountry on our favorite mountain. Now my feet are up, and I'm already missing 2015. It was a fantastic year!

Nutcracker: Behind The Scenes

A major highlight of this holiday season was participating in our local production of the Nutcracker. My youngest daughter had two roles. She was the youngest dancer in the opening party scene, and she was also the mini-shepardess in the variation scenes. Parents were required to volunteer, and my role as chairperson of production was to oversee set up and tear down. The floor, also known as the Marley, was taped down tightly across the stage. The backdrops were hung with shoe-tie knots for easy release after the production. Stage hands used weights and pulleys to manage each scene of the ballet. Everything, inside and out, was just magic. Thank you, Ballet America, for motivating dancers throughout the years.

Thanksgiving 2015

Our trip to visit family in Southern California this Thanksgiving was a blast. Spending time with my husband while "Nana" had the girls was an added bonus. After turkey and fixings in Ventura, we continued to Goleta for a cousin visit. Up in the hills of Santa Barbara is a natural rock playground called Lizard's Mouth. A stunning ocean view greets you after scrambling boulder upon boulder. The setting is simply fantastic for kids and families (as long as kids are careful!). The kids also enjoyed putting on theater performances for the grownups. P.S. If you ever happen to be near Goleta, don't miss the butterfly grove. 

Ballet 2015

So much of this year's ballet experience has been focused on 1) making Basic 3 dance level, and 2) participating in the annual Nutcracker ballet. In fact, my daughter has been talking about Nutcracker for an entire year, starting the very day after last year's Nutcracker ended! She has accomplished so many of her goals, and dances happily at all classes and rehearsals. We are more excited than ever for this year's upcoming performance. Congratulations to our "party-girl and mini-shepardess".

AYSO Youth Referee

I really enjoyed watching my daughter volunteer as an AYSO Youth Referee this soccer season. In addition to her regular U14 team commitments, she also took certification training for the U8 and U10 leagues. Many of her Saturdays involved a referee match in addition to her own game. Aside from the cool uniform, she gained more knowledge about the rules of the game, and asserted leadership skills while making calls and providing the younger players with direction. My favorite part was watching her interact with the adult referees at half time to review how the games were going - just like a true professional! 

Taylor Swift 1989 World Tour

What can I say? Not only was this concert a highlight of summer, it was also a major memory I'll always have with my girls. Months later I've finally organized the photos enough to publish a blog post, but the experience is fresh and may never fade. Thank you Taylor! 

Mom's Summer Job

This summer was a little different from past summers - I was able to go to work! I knew a contact who needed a fill-in at an app start up during July and August. With older kids, now 10 and 12, it was easy enough for me to participate. In fact, the experience helped me and the kids gain some independence. While I was in the office, they held down the fort. The first thing they choose to do was bake chocolate chip cookies. It feels like they have been baking ever since. They also dusted off old toys to entertain themselves, and created plenty of doll furniture out of recycled cardboard. Maybe "back to work" had some silver linings for everyone. 

Swimming 2015

Our swim team during summer of 2015 (and beyond, since she swims year-round) turned out to be a highlight. After returning from Italy we went full throttle into summer swim meets. Her favorite stroke is breast stroke, and she placed respectably in the league's final meet of the season.

The Recital

She started ballet "late", at 9 years old instead of 2. But she worked hard for over a year, faithfully attending class, stretching, dancing, and thinking about all things ballet. And now she is promoted into the level that catches her up with her age group. And when I see her on stage, I don't just see my girl anymore, I also see someone who just loves to dance.