Shakespeare Festival

Something strange happened to me earlier this month- I had a vacation! Woa! Slow down Nellie! A what?  Yes, really, I left my house and went somewhere, a place that wasn't my hometown, a location where I slept away from my own bed for one entire night.  I know, that's weird for me. 

I might have been a little crazy while I was away.. . .


I thought these silverware sculptures were so cool, and it turns out they are designed by a fellow named Judson.

So, last summer during one of our Grandma Kristie days, we talked about coming to the Shakespeare Festival together this summer.  We left our little ones behind and Kristie, Mindy, and I set off for the long drive south.  I have never driven further away than Ogden, so this was a good chance for me to grow up a little bit.  We took my car and I drove almost the entire way down. 

We stayed at a lovely place called the Abbey Inn that came complete with a swimming pool, exercise room, and free breakfast.  We made sure to take advantage of all three.  Mindy kicked our bee-hinds in the excercise department. 


Mindy




Me

 
We had really awesome seats for the two plays that we saw- The Music Man and A Midsummer Night's Dream.  I only fell asleep for a little while during each play. Hey! I can't help it.  Sitting down between 1 and 4 for more than 5 minutes always produces zzzz's for me.  (Dear Relief Society teacher who is reading this, I'm sorry if I fall asleep during your lesson too).






We had a blast eating out, browsing through gift shops, and just relaxing.  I don't often get away from my kids overnight.  The last time was two years ago.  And each time I do get away, I realize that I am not quite the same person when separated from the role of Mommy.  I guess I am a little more relaxed, a little crazier. . .  well the pictures tell it the best. . .

What can I say?  I like statues!

Mindy and Kristie like them too. . .

posers

Circus Day!

Every year for several years now, my MIL has hosted a circus day in the summertime.  She has a vast store of amazing costumes that belonged to her family when she was a little girl.  So, they are pretty old, and really special to the family.  With some newer things added in, the kids always find something they want to dress in for the circus.  This year was especially fun because my brother in law Sam was the Ringleader.  He was awesome! And my husband was able to come and perform too.  His picture alone is worth scrolling down to see!


Amy was a tiger trapeze artist, at least I think that's what she was.



Clara was a dancing cowgirl

Audrey was a dancing girl

Baylor was a monkey

Jeffrey was a cowboy

Aunt Mindy holding Ariana and Benson looking on

Cousin Meilani holding her daughter Lily, the butterfly

Joseph the cowboy

I don't know what timothy was, but he and Amy put on a routine with the hula hoops

Judd wore this wig just to please me

Benson the clown

Reuben, the tiger cowboy

Circus day was on our 14th wedding anniversary. This is the only photo we too to commemorate that day.

Sam the awesome Ring Leader

Emmeline wore Reuben's ambassador to the moon costume. We shot her out of a pretend cannon. 

This is Judd jumping through hoops, over children and then doing a somersault.

The Amy and Timmy show

Paige, the kitty dancer and Audrey

Anna hoola hooping and ukelele playing at the same time!

Benson

I'm a star!

Reuben jumping over Tim. It's more fun with a Tiger head!

The whole gang!

Lunch was tasty!

The kids all had a great time playing games after they performed and then pigging out on pizza, watermelon, soda, and the most disgusting ice cream flavor EVER- Play doh!  Nobody else agreed with me.  I guess I've outgrown liking things that taste like a combo of bubblegum, sugar overload, and clay.

Grandma's Tea Party 2011

Every year for the last several years, my MIL has hosted a tea party for all of the girls in the family.  We all bring delectable finger foods and dress up for the occassion, complete with new personas.

 It's a lot of work but also a lot of fun and something that I hope my daughters will remember fondly when they are grown.  This year I tried out cake balls for the first time.  They were a big hit!

I also brought homemade mini brownies and eclairs.  Everything tastes better with Mexican Vanilla!

Emmeline came as Lola, a monkey grinder. 

Audrey, dressed in a fancy dress, told us her name was Susan.

Amy was in an interesting mood.  She wore cowgirl attire and announced herself as Thorn.

Clara preferred a more classic look and arrived as Cinderella. 

I didn't feel like being Snow White this year, so I concocted a crazy outfit and went as Medusa.However, I was there as a reformed Medusa who only turned door to door solicitors to stone. 

Heather was Cordelia.  Ariana was Angelina Ballerina.  I didn't get a good shot of her, but she was adorable.

Grandma Kristie was Mrs. McGillicutty (sp?) and I can't remember Mindy's name.  It was something fancy.

Paige was Diane and her doll was Diana, both related to you know who.