Days of 47 Parade Preview

This is the 3rd Year that we've gone to the Days of 47 Parade Preview. The Days of 47 parade (held every year to celebrate Pioneer Day, 1847 being the year the pioneers came to this area) is the largest parade west of the Mississippi (outside of CA). People line up along the parade route the days before to get a good seat. But if you're like us and just want to sleep in that day, the best way to see the wonderful floats is to visit them at the preview. All these floats are made by volunteers.

Top Left: Ruth standing in front of a recreation of the 1st artificial heart. I liked the use of red tinsel for blood. Top Right: Cattails made to look like toilet paper. Yeah, ya got to love it!

Family Reunion

Over the holiday weekend we went to my parents house for a family reunion. We played games, had a talent show and went on a tour of the farm. Here is a picture of just my branch of the family that was in attendance.

Music Man Final Thoughts

Monday was our last show. The last few shows were much better than the first few. By the last night we were playing to a full house, the technicals were smooth and all our actors were more comfortable. I guess that is the nature of things.

I have felt neither sadness nor relief at the close of the curtain. To me the experience played out its course just as it should have. The highlight was working with so many amazing people. The hardest part was to see how much burden was placed on the backs of the few that were willing to work hard.

The highlight for me was that every night, as we got to the closing gym scenes I could look out over the heads of the people and see the whole valley lit up. I could see the Oquirrh Mountain temple on the left and straight ahead I could see the Draper temple shining off in the distance. I would look at those temples and think how blessed I was to be sitting on that stage in that place at that moment in time. Not a performance passed when those thoughts did not run through my mind.

My PTA Website

I've spent the last week remodeling my PTA Website and I think it looks great. There is a link to the left if you want to check it out.

Wrapping up the Music Man

Ruth and I have had a great time doing the Music Man. After a rough start each show has gotten better and better. I've been so proud of Ruth who has hung in there every night with a good attitude and without complaint. She does a lot of sitting backstage each night, they have movies and snacks for the kids, but it is still hot and long and Ruth has done great. Kaitlin has come almost every night, a couple of times sitting by herself. She loves watching the show and I love having her there. She does my hair for me every night and has been my biggest (and most important) fan. Here's a picture of my hair. It's designed to support a hat.

Our last show is tomorrow (Monday).

Hot Hot Hot

It's been so hot outside the last few days. We take frozen water bottles out to our little bunny. Summer is NOT a fan of summer. Below is a picture of Summer laying on a bag of ice. We broke down and bought a little pen for her yesterday so that we can bring her inside on those 99+ afternoons. She was inside today and loved it. Jared wants her to be an 'inside bunny' and sleep in his bed.

The Music Man

Ruth and I have had a great time doing the Music Man. It's been a lot of work but it has also been loads of fun and Ruth and I have both made a lot of new friends.

We had dress rehearsals all week and then the show opened on Friday. My friend Amy and her husband surprised me with an opening night visit. And then my parents and my two sisters and their families all traveled long distances to come on Saturday night.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us. Especially my family who have all been without a mother many nights over the past few months.

We have a show tomorrow and then Friday, Saturday and next Monday.

A Baby Bunny Named Summer

We got a new 8 week old mini rex bunny this week. The kids named her Summer. Summer spends many hours each day hopping about the back yard under the children's watchful eye. The best thing about Summer? She loves to eat dandelions!


A $3,600 Smile

Chaz got his braces off this week and a few hours later went on his first double date.

End of the School Year

Yes, year round school does end. But then it begins again in just a few weeks.

This week was the last week for Jared and Ruth. Jared ended the year with a cute Kindergarten program
4th of July Fun

We had a busy Fourth. The evening before Ruth and I were in another parade. This one was huge! We went through 100 lbs of candy and gave out 2000 fliers and we still ran out of both before the end of the parade. The morning on the fourth was a 5 hour rehearsal for Ruth and I followed by a cast bbq. Then in the evening we had friends over and we bbq'ed and the kids swam in the pool. Once it was dark we lit off fireworks in our cul-de-sac.

Music Man

We are in the 11th hour of Music Man rehearsals. The show opens on Friday night. For those of those considering coming, I would recommend the later shows. I think the first show might just be a train wreck. But you never know. Email me for dates, times and ticket info.

All things Chaz

Trek

Chaz went to Trek this last week and said it was a great experience. "Trek" is short for Pioneer Trek. It's a reenactment of the Mormon pioneer's journey to Salt Lake Valley. He was put in a family with two adult "parents" and 11 other "children" and they pulled a 800 lb handcart almost 40 miles over 4 days. He came home tired and his eyes were blood red from all the dust. Check his facebook for some pictures.

Ordination

Chaz was ordained today to the office of Priest. The best Catholic equivalent that I can think of is Alter boy. In our church it means that Chaz can now bless the Sacrament each Sunday in Church, and he can baptize new members. He's both excited and nervous about his new office.

Hair Cut

Yes, Chaz finally asked for a haircut. You can see the after and before picture above.