Fabulous Time in Yellowstone

We're back... and we had a wonderful time in Yellowstone National Park !

I don't know how I could ever tell about all the fun adventures we had during our visit in Yellowstone, so enjoy the slide show of some of the highlights!

The Final Curtain

Tonight was the final Seussical Jr. Show. All the cast was in top form and had their best performance of the week! Ryan was able to sit in the audience while I took my turn backstage helping out.

Following the show there was, of course, the special "thank you's" given out to everyone who helped out. It was amazing to hear how many parents volunteered time or resources to help Seussical come to life!

Of course there was a special mention of Jolie, the director, who brought this whole thing to life,

BIG group hug for Jolie!

Miranda just loves Jolie and we're so happy to have found her and Broadway Bound. We just had to get a few more group shots before the magic was completely gone. Everyone stayed to help take down the set and clean up. Here is Miranda with all her costume changes... she had a whole rack all to herself! It was bitter sweet driving home tonight knowing there wasn't another show to look forward to tomorrow night. I'm so proud of Miranda. She truly took on a whole new life as "The Cat" Tomorrow we are heading Cedar City to spend the 4th then Monday we're off to Yellowstone National Park for a week of well deserved R&R. The Monday after we get home, Miranda will be right back at the studio for auditions for their next production "Annie" where she is trying for the part of Ms. Hannigan.

For now, I'm off to take care of some packing that I've put off all week because of the play. (thus my midnight posting)
I think we'll all enjoy the short rest while we can....
Tomorrow, Tomorrow I love ya, Tomorrow!

Party..... Seuss style

I can't think of a better way to spend my birthday than watching Miranda as "The Cat in the Hat"
Nancie and Raynold came from Cedar City to see the show last night. They had a little trouble following the story, but thoroughly enjoyed seeing Miranda.
Today we all went to lunch before Nancie, Raynold, Walker & Parker headed back to Cedar.

Tonight, along with Ryan and I, Granny, Amber and my niece Aspen came to see the play.
Miranda was again amazing! Aspen was so excited to get her picture with all the cast members. She especially loved the feathery birds, and collected as many feathers off the ground as she could. And she couldn't leave without a picture with the "Donkey" aka Sour KangarooShe was also able to go onstage and check out the set up close. She was in heaven!
There was a little girl that attended the show that night that was celebrating her birthday. After the show, Miranda announced that there was a special birthday girl in the house and had her come up on stage. She then announced that it was also my birthday and had me go on stage too. The entire cast and audience sang happy birthday to both of us. It was a fun (and a bit embarrassing) surprise. Then some of the cast took photo's with the birthday girl and all her friends who were wearing their Seuss hat party favors. What a cute idea! Following the show everyone gathered for a cast party.
Ryan & I went off for a quiet birthday dinner while Miranda attended the party with all her friends.
Whew, I can't believe it's almost over... only one more show to go....

Second times a charm

Miranda, and the entire Seussical cast were definitely in their element for the second performance.
If it's possible, I think they were even better than opening night!
Again, I sat there in amazement at the entire production and especially Miranda.
(I even got to be a part of the show tonight when she did her auctioneer scene)

Following the show, all the cast members go out to the lobby to greet the audience.
All the little kids wanted to talk to "The Cat" and get their picures taken with her.
Miranda is so lucky to have so many family and friends who came to see her.

"The Cat" and "Horton"

"The Cat" and "Gertrude"

We were able to sneak on stage to get some fun shots of Miranda with some of the props and sets.
"How Lucky I Am" to have such a talented daughter!
Stay tuned Folks ... 3 more shows to go!

A Star is Born...

I've always wanted to say that, but I didn't think it would be about my own flesh and blood!
Tonight was the opening night of Seussical where Miranda played The Cat in the Hat. They have been rehearsing since January and WOW ... you could tell!
I was amazed at how calm and prepared Miranda seemed (I was nervous enough for both of us).
I was able to help out backstage doing hair and make up and you could just feel the excitement in the air

(don't ask?!?)Finally, everyone was ready and waiting for the show to begin! Miranda was able to come out and meet the crowd that was gathering to see the show...

Little did I know what awaited as the curtains opened. Miranda was very insistant that I not see any of the rehearsals. She wanted me to be totally surprised.
Well, Surprised was an understatement. I was dumbfounded! I couldn't believe what I was seeing was actually my little girl.
I always knew Miranda had something special ever since she wowed audiences with her performance as a little lady bug at the age of 6. (I just had to sneak this picture in somewhere)
The entire cast and crew was amazing. They were completely professional and had fun too! I give huge credit to Jolie Rand, the director, for having this dream of an all kids production and seeing it come to life!

Congratulations Miranda on a Fabulous opening night.... and Break a Leg the rest of the week... (I'll be the one crying in awe in the audience)

Heaven on Earth

My sister, Heather, who lives in Washington came to visit us this week. She brought along with her a little bit of Heaven on Earth.... her new 4 week old little boy....
Meet my newest nephew...

Patrick Garrett

I simply couldn't get enough holding time in while she was here. He was so little, soft and cuddly.

It was so nice to spend a few days with Heather, Ian(her 6 year old) and Patrick Garrett. We just hung out, swam and went shopping, We, of course had to show PG off to everyone, so we arranged a lunch at Chili's with all my siblings and Granny.Parker, Zachary and my brother LoganJordan and Ian (nephews)Everyone was able to get a chance to hold PG This was the first time we've all been together since my parents left for Manila. It was a bit strange to not have them there. (By the way...you can read updates about their mission HERE)

Unfortunately Heather's visit that was going to last a week was cut short and she had to catch a flight home after only 2 days :(
Her husband works for Alaskan Air and she has to fly when openings are available.
Hopefully my schedule will free up and I can make a trip North to visit her!

Meet Dr. Dake by the lake

This week Miranda was able to perform a few numbers from the show with some of the Seussical cast at a Retirement Center and Elementary School. She has made so many great friends since being involved with Broadway Bound.

Here's a little sneak peek of one of the numbers Miranda is in, she's Dr. Dake by the lake...

Parker and Brecken were able to tag along since they didn't have school They got a kick out of being the old "middle School" kids at the elementary School.
The countdown is on.... only a few more days until Opening night of Seussical!!!! Do you have your tickets yet???