Summer Fun

Happy 4th of July!

Saturday night we were at the Mesa Arts Center in downtown where we attended the closing performance of Actor's Youth Theater's production of Les Miserables School Edition.  Mollie had the experience of her young life spending her summer with this amazing dedicated group of people learning and growing.

Brandon (Javert), Nicholas, Mollie, Brett (Marius), and Dale (Gavroche)

Mollie, Hannah (Mme Thenardier)

These kids were all really and truly amazing.  What an experience to have been a part of this show at such a young age.

We are so PROUD of you Mollie!

The show finished just in time for the downtown Mesa 2nd annual 4th of July celebration fireworks show.  The fireworks were launched right off of the Theater and parking structure where we were so we (the entire theater full) of people were able to walk out and stand right under them for the show.  I don't know if our camera phone photos will be able to give any perspective to how close we were to these fireworks.  Let me just say WOW!!  The mortar casings were landing all around us and on us, it was amazing. 

Tonight we will get together with all of our kids and go out to the desert (if I get my way) to launch our own fireworks.  Jared and the boys did the launching in our backyard on New Year's and I was a downer because no matter how much fun we were having I was frightened about doing it in the neighborhood.  I am most excited to enjoy the sparklers with Isaac.  Sparklers have always been my favorite.

Late afternoon swim

Mollie took Isaac for a refreshing cool down in our small pool this evening and I got some super cute photos.  I really like when nothing needs to be done and we can do just what we want to do.  That is the life for me.

Time in the kitchen with Mollie

Time and time again I am reminded that it is the simple things in life which bring me the most joy.

I showed this amazing peach + blackberry crisp to Mollie from a beautiful blogger, Everyday Musings.  

Then we were determined to make it ourselves.

So we set out to do just that.  Mollie is becoming a wonderful cook and I am so very happy that she enjoys learning to cook and bake.

 The creating, smelling, stirring, and mixing were almost as enjoyable as the eating... almost!

Here is the delicious warm fruits of our labors which we scooped luscious vanilla ice cream on and ate it when still hot.

This is a perfect recipe.

We loved the pretzels in the topping.

Thank you Olivia Rae!

Dear Angie In Pink,

Dear Angie in Pink,

Because you inspire me on a regular basis

to celebrate the ordinary

to appreciate all that I have

to remember to learn the lesson

Because

YOU are YOU.

I did not have a blog when my children were little.

I was doing good to brush my hair when my children

were little.

Instead of getting jealous of your wonderful charming record I hereby, in honor of you and your inspiration, retroactively begin my own record.

I ♥ YOU Angie in Pink.

Mollie and Me

I remember this night like it was yesterday.  Check out those Pearls on her neck.  
Love,
Vicki in AZ

This is our Bright Angel.
She is a DANCER.

May is full of preparation for
the Dancers
at Jeanne's School of Dance.
May is the culmination of hours and hours
of hard work and fun.
May means Recital.

Mollie, You Shine.
We are so proud of your hard work.