We're Off to See the Wizard

February has been a big month for performing arts for us this year. First Hailey was in To Kill a Mockingbird. She wasn't in the show a lot but she did a really great job and brought Mayella to life. Then Athena had a couple of days of master classes at dance with Devon and Anthony who are both in a touring version of The Wizard of Oz. She had a great time and learned some really cool stuff. Then we went to see the show! It was great, didn't have the best seats but it was still fun. Athena had fun trying to find Devon and Anthony in the show. Then after we got a tour of backstage! I don't think either of my girls will soon forget that. It was a really fun experience. One more show in a couple of weeks, Athena in Alice!

After class with Devon and Anthony

Back to the Future

WOW! I think I am finally mostly caught up. I have one more post about some performing arts fun we had this past weekend that is in the works but for the most part I can now start blogging about the present and look to the future. I currently have some really fun projects in the works. Just look at that craft table! I have a few alteration jobs for dance going on. Another big nursery project that I've started, some really fun costumes I'm working on for Alice in Wonderland, my new obsession with making leggings and another really big project coming that I am really excited for! I also know a certain wonderful girl that is turning 13 this week! So I will still be posting fairly often over the next few weeks. Here's a little peek at skirts and crowns for the flowers in Wonderland.

1st Big Purchase

This is Hailey and her new truck. Her first big purchase of her own. I guess this means she is a real adult now. It's a 2007 Nissan if anyone is wondering and the best part for me is not having to worry about her being left stranded somewhere anymore because her car broke down. Hopefully it will gives years of reliability and some fun!

Chihuly at the Garden

Decided to take advantage of Shawn and Athena both having Martin Luther King Jr. Day off and head outside. There is a new Chihuly exhibit at the Botanical Garden right now and I have been dying to go see it. The last time he did one it was just fantastic! In fact I think I will start with a picture from the last time we went just so you all can enjoy how much little Athena has grown up. I thought I had blogged about it last time but I guess not. Must have been too busy. Isn't she so cute and little? And look at her now, all grown up and beautiful! Taller than her mom and sister and gaining ground on dad.

Now back to this visit, it did not disappoint. Even though the parking lot was very full it didn't really seem that crowded inside the garden. And the weather was so nice we couldn't believe how fast we walked the whole place. I guess it is usually warmer when we go and it just makes it so much harder. 

So this shot has a funny story. We were all joking around, as we are known to do, and commenting on how serious so many people were of photographing the displays. So after we waited a while watching a woman take about a million shots of this one Athena and I ran over to take a selfie as Shawn jumped in behind us to  photo bomb the shot. People must have thought we were crazy! Another fun winter day.

Enjoying Winter

One of the best things about living in Arizona is winter. I hate snow and I hate being cold so living in Arizona is perfect for me. But some years we get so busy that before we know it winter is over and we have to be inside or in the pool. Don't get me wrong I enjoy our lazy summer days of swimming, watching movies and playing video games in our air conditioned house, but I just love being outside when it's a perfect 72 degrees. So I have been trying to make a point of planning some outings and getting our butts outside while we can and really enjoy our fabulous weather this year. So we took a trip to Castles and Coasters for a round of mini-golf. They really do have a cool course, actually 4 of them. So here we are in short sleeves and sunglasses on a fabulous January day. If I remember right Shawn barely won with only a few less strokes than Athena. Crazy considering I think this is only her 2nd or 3rd time mini-golfing!

Athena is really good at taking selfies, must be her long arms.

Honor Roll Breakfast

This one is a quick post. Athena managed to pull off honor roll again second quarter. Not straight A's this time but still really dang close :) This is the breakfast they had for all those that made honor roll. Very proud of her!

Christmas in Utah

We try to alternate year to year going to Utah to see our family for Christmas or staying home. This year was a Utah year but with Shawn starting a new job we weren't sure if we would be able to. Luckily it worked out and we got to go. It was nice to be able to fly this year as that 12 hour drive is not exactly fun. I slacked on the pictures but we really had a great time and loved seeing everyone. We tried to include some activities this time too because you can only sit around visiting for so long before your brain is fried. We went ice skating, took care of our Crown Burger fix, met up with some friends for wings and brews, and Shawn took the girls skiing. Athena twisted her knee the first time down and sat out the rest of the day in the lodge. She decided she will just hang out with me from now on when Dad and Hailey ski :) Now on to the few pictures I did manage to take!

Our grand nephew Parker, such a cutie and he loves cars!

Our sweet grand niece Freya, she is sooo adorable and a total hoot!

Athena with Freya, they are great friends now.

Our nephew Oliver, he was cracking me up pulling these muscle poses when he put his Nana Sweater on

Nana Sweaters for the girls!

Silly Athena and Oliver

Athena being silly with our niece Molly, Athena had so much fun with all the little ones this year!

And then before we knew it, it was time to go home. Here is a shot of our New Years Eve. We like to play board games and watch the ball drop on TV, party animals right?